KENDAL director of rugby Steve Whitehead praised his defence for seeing his side hold out for an 11-10 victory over Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday.

"It was two evenly-match sides with very little between them," he said. "We defended superbly and it was a performance where the lads really stood up.

"There were a few things I was pleased with, we also gave them a few opportunities but overall it was a decent performance.

"It's good to get that one out of the way. I appreciate the supporters love it but for the rugby purists it's a bit more challenging and it puts a different emphasis on preparations so we were pleased to get the result."

Whitehead was also quick to dispel suggestions that Nathan Wooff's late penalty, which at the time had Kendal 11-3 ahead, had in fact sailed wide of the posts.

"The flags went up," he said. "From where probably 90 per cent of people saw the game, nobody really knows if it went over apart from the judges – one from us and one from them – and the flags went up."

There is now a break in league action until January 6 when Kendal welcome Rossendale to Mint Bridge. Before then, Whitehead said the squad will take some time to reflect on the first half of the campaign.

"We're satisfied with the last two games and it has taken some pressure off after what's been a tough first half to the season," he said.

"We will do some light-hearted training and then New Year starts with a strong home game against Rossendale which we have to look forward to."