KENDAL Warriors slipped to a narrow defeat in the National Founders Cup despite Gareth France racking up a healthy points tally against Barrow Thorns at Queen Katherine School.

Having recently lost at Barrow in the league, France and Kevin Mason once again led the point-scoring charge as Kendal failed to build on last week’s victory at Lockerbie Tornados.

These two sides are old adversaries, with Kendal’s game-plan focussed on stifling Barrow’s shooters although the away side’s post players were able to take full advantage and score readily.

With Kevin Mason impressing, the hosts secured a foothold in the game as Keith McInnes and Tom Withnell added quick baskets, with Kendal trailing 20-13 at the end of the first quarter.

France became a greater offensive threat in the second period, combining with Kevin Mason to score 14 points in the quarter.

Kon Arfanis and Phil Mason defended well and marked Barrow’s scorers out the game, with McInnes and Withnell also providing effective pressure as Kendal led 31-30 at the halfway stage.

Now in the ascendency, Mike Smith hit a three-point shot while France, Withnell and Kevin Mason added to the scoreline as the Warriors established a 49-43 advantage at the end of the third.

With Mathias Basedow sidelined, Kendal had only seven players and began to tire – scoring only six points in the final quarter as Barrow’s extra freshness ultimately proved decisive.

Scorers
G France 22, K Mason 17, M Smith 5, K McInnes 4, T Withnell 4, P Mason 2, K Arfanis 0