DIRECTOR OF RUGBY Steve Whitehead believes his side’s narrow defeat to high-flying Birkenhead Park is further evidence Kendal’s change of emphasise and the development of young players is bearing fruit.

The Black and Ambers went toe to toe with their opponents, outscoring the Merseysiders who are battling it out with Wirral at the League North One West summit.

And Whitehead insists Kendal were not a million miles away from overturning their rivals – a team which beat the Mint Bridge outfit 72-14 earlier in the season.

“I’m never satisfied when we don’t win but I know we were the better side and outplayed Birkenhead in all areas.

“We’re just disappointed we didn’t kick our goals which in tight games you have to do but the defence was much improved, our fitness continues to get better and we look more of a team.

“Bar those couple of kicks, we would have turned them over and deserved to do so.

“It’s well-documented I took a very young side to Birkenhead with only six of Saturday’s matchday squad involved that day and only four of those could be classed as having some experience.

“So the difference was huge and the weekend’s result was more of a true reflection of where both clubs are.”

The season now takes a break until the New Year, with Kendal facing Warrignton, Carlisle, Altrincham Kersal and Vale of Lune in the month of January.

And Whitehead firmly considers his squad to be well set for the remainder of the campaign and beyond, with the 2014/15 season already in mind.

“We’re still a developing side and are rebuilding now whereas the likes of Wirral and Birkenhead Park are at the top of their game,” he added.

“There is still a bit of age to our pack but we have a lot of good young lads coming through and the ones we’re working with are responding and are keen and hungry.

“If we’re competing at this stage it looks good for the remainder of the campaign as well as next season.