8:59am Friday 3rd November 2006
By Dennis Aris
LIAM Hayton's thumb was a major talking point this week as Kendal Rugby Club anxiously awaited a doctor's verdict on whether the broken digit had healed sufficient for him to take his place in the second row.
For Kendal expect to face a big and powerful Westoe pack at Mint Bridge tomorrow and hope to counter with a forceful second-row combination of their own in Hayton and Mike Capstick.
Director of Rugby Chris Hayton said: "We are hoping Liam will be given the all clear to strap his hand up and play.
"Apart from that a fortnight's break has allowed players to shake off any niggling injuries and we are back at full-strength.
Visitors to Mint Bridge tomorrow are Gateshead-based Westoe, who won promotion to North Division One last season, and the two sides line-up for the first time for a 2pm kick-off at Mint Bridge in this Newcastle Breweries sponsored match.
Two points behind Kendal in the league, they are one of the teams the home side must beat if they are to retain their push for a rapid return to national level rugby.
Kendal's fine start has been dented by shock defeats by the bottom two sides and Hayton says that over the past fortnight the squad has had a long hard look at the defensive errors which cost them dearly against Stockport two weeks ago.
"We have going back to basics to look at ways of improving our defensive organisation," said Hayton.
Fortunately for the side hard-tackling Nick Michelini is home from college to take his place at outside centre while top try scorer Luke Ladell is back from holiday to resume his regular left-wing berth.
Andrew Hudson, injured in the last match, is also fully fit and Hayton says the big back-row man will firm up the No.8-No.9 channel.
Westoe are something of an unknown quantity for the two clubs have not met for many years. "I think the last time was way back when I was still playing rugby," said Hayton.
He said that discussions with Penrith, who were promoted along with Westoe last season, indicate that the South Shields-based club's main attribute is pack power.
"We will have to counter that, build well and play controlled rugby," said Hayton.
"A simple game plan, but it ism getting the psychology of our players right when it comes to defence which is important," he said, The full squad for tomorrow's match is: Forwards: B. Coxon, D. Green, A. Martindale; L, Hayton, M. Capstick; N. McKain, A. Hudson, G. Holmes.
Backs: J. Gough, M. Tuhakaraina; L. Ladell, P. Tuhakaraina, N. Michelini, J. Ladell; S. Mulholland (captain).
Bench: A. Quarry, I. Ross, R. Knaggs.
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