KENDAL are gradually evolving their style of play and reaching a more consistent level of performance which matches their ability, according to Director of Rugby Steve Whitehead.

After not tasting victory on the road for more than two years, the Black and Ambers recorded their third away win this season at in-form Warrington at the weekend.

Ending the Cheshire outfit’s 25-match unbeaten home record in the process, Whitehead believes the game-plan his side now adopts is showcasing his squad’s talents.

“In the last four or five games we’ve been starting to find a game that suits us and have started getting nearer our potential,” he said.

“There is plenty still to go but at least now we’re getting somewhere towards what is a good performance week in, week out.

“There was a lot of soul-searching, confidence-building and game-finding in the early part of the year but we’ve been getting progressively better and results have shown that.

“I think the lads are enjoying it a lot more and they couldn’t be doing any more, they are committing themselves to what they are doing on and off the field.”

While Kendal flexed their muscle in the forward department against Warrington and will continue to utilise such strength, Whitehead insists the whole team performance is improving.

“I think the Warrington game was controlled upfront but it was very much a team performance,” he added.

“We have always had power upfront, we make no secret of that but we are doing things as 15 players and as a team – pressurising and defending as a unit.

“Although the ascendency comes from the front five, the back row and the backs are combining well to pressurise and shut sides out and important also in turn-overs and ball retention.

“Play comes from all areas – we retain ball out wide much better than we did, recycle much better than we did and defend much better than we did.”

The Black and Ambers host lowly Carlisle at Mint Bridge on Saturday eager to continue their upturn in form, although Whitehead is taking nothing for granted.

“All games are potential banana skins, Carlisle are a good side and compete well – they drew with Vale of Lune last week so clearly they are no mugs,” he said.

“They are not having a good time at the minute but at some stage that will reverse and we have to be careful it’s not at our home.

“We’re not an arrogant side, we just go out and go to work and we’ll look to be firing on Saturday.”