KENDAL RUFC are set for an emotional farewell to their home as they prepare to play their last ever league game at Mint Bridge.

When Billingham visit Kendal on Saturday, it will be the final time Mint Bridge hosts a first team league fixture and director of rugby Steve Whitehead admits it will be sad to say goodbye.

"It will be a difficult one for a lot of people," he said. "It will be an emotional day. The lads will be looking forward it and we have to try and enjoy the occasion but also focus on the job in hand which is beating Billingham who are a very good side."

Despite accepting there may be a few teary eyes on Saturday, Whitehead was quick to add the move was an exciting time for the club.

"All we're losing is a ground, what makes this club special is the people and they're all coming with us," he said.

"It is sad and there's a lot of change but ultimately we're looking forward to what the future brings.

"The whole point of moving was to protect the future of everyone at the club. I'd like to thank everyone involved – fans, players, directors and sponsors alike – for my memories and experiences but also for the opportunity we presently have as we look to move forward."

Whitehead was speaking after seeing Kendal lose 17-3 away at Ilkley. Despite the defeat in Yorkshire, he was happy with the reaction the players showed from their defeat at Doncaster the week before.

He said: "It was bittersweet really. The week before was down to a lack of effort and application but this was two well-matched sides.

"We had more territory and possession, we just looked too eager to score rather allow the play to build up and things slipped away from us at vital times. It was much better than the week before, Ilkley just took their chances better than us."