Kendal Ladies Firsts 3: Didsbury Northern Firsts 2

Kendal ladies first team started their season off with a 3-2 win on Saturday. The team included many young players, with Libby Thwaites making her first team debut in the away trip to Didsbury Northern.

Kendal made a strong start with many goal-scoring opportunities narrowly missed. Kate Froggatt controlled the middle well, threatening the opposition's defence and providing the Kendal attack with many opportunities, but it was Didsbury that got on the score sheet first.

Good pressure from the hosts saw them gain possession in a dangerous area. With their attacker only having the goal keeper to beat, she made no mistake in putting them ahead mid-way through the first half.

Didsbury stayed strong and defended well throughout large parts of the first half until a precise Kendal passing move from a long corner resulted in Molly Wilson equalising shortly before half time.

Kendal started the second half with strong performances being shown all over the pitch. The defence stayed solid, with young goalkeeper Laurel Halliwell denying the Didsbury forwards any opportunity

It was not long before Kendal capitalised on their attacking dominance, with Kate Froggatt's firm strike from a short corner putting the away side in front for the first time in the game.

Didsbury did not take long to even the score line, with a composed finish which set up an exciting final 10 minutes with both teams searching for the winner.

Rebecca Delbridge worked tirelessly in midfield, ensuring Kendal remained on top. This led to the away side being rewarded with a short corner with five minutes left to be played. A quick passing interchange at the top of the D led to the ball being played into Rhiannon Bowles, who calmly lifted the ball into the back of the net to ensure Kendal took all three points from their first game of the season.

Kendal Seconds 1 Ulverston Firsts 1

Kendal Second team entertained Ulverston in their first Cumbria League fixture of the 2016/17 season.

Kendal handed no fewer than six debuts in a youthful, new-look side. Many of the new additions were playing their first games at senior level and were not fazed by the occasion, showing good composure under pressure.

The first half was an even affair with both teams wasting good opportunities. However in the second half Kendal started the brighter with Frankie Bult and Ella Higgins putting the opposition on the back foot.

Eventually the goal came around the 50-minute mark with good build-up play from Kendal leading to a debut goal from Rebecca Tarney, who swept in at the back post.

Going a goal down seemed to spark Ulverston into life and with 10 minutes to go the equaliser came.

The remainder of the game saw numerous opportunities fall to Ulverston to grab a winner but outstanding goal keeping from another debutant, Ruth Sealy, ensured Kendal got their first point of the season.

* Kendal Hockey Club is always looking to recruit new players, male or female, whether it be in the Minis, from the age of four, right up to the senior teams.