DIRECTOR of rugby Steve Whitehead was rewarded for showing faith in his entire squad as Kendal produced a late show against Carlisle to progress into the final four of the Cumbria Cup.

The Black and Ambers suffered late heartbreak the last time they made the trip up the M6 three weeks ago but two Dini Noyo tries in the dying embers of the game ensured they came away with smiles in an enthralling cup tie.

There were eight changes from that side and Whitehead was more than happy to give his young guns some playing time.

"The changes were not more to disrespect the cup but we have some battered bodies at the moment and I can only take 18 players into a game," he said. "Now I have got at least another 10 players working hard and putting their hands up to get into the squad.

"I find it very difficult given their commitment not to give them a chance so it was a good opportunity to rest players and to give those knocking at the door a chance to show me what they have got.

"We have now got a good strong squad who are all equally as proud to play for the shirt. It wasn't just a case of blood and guts but they made so few errors as a collective unit compared to the regular team who started the league game. They showed character and guile to move the ball away from Carlisle's strengths and to exploit their weaknesses."

The focus switches back to North One West this weekend when Kendal host fourth-placed Widnes, who have won three away games so far this campaign, on Saturday.

And Whitehead is under no illusions about the standard they are expecting Widnes will bring to Mint Bridge

"They are one of the better sides in the league," he said. "All we can do is play what is in front of us and do our very best and improve week on week. They don't really have any weaknesses and are a really proud rugby outfit so it will be a tough game."