Rugby - Hull bonus buoys up Kendal to celebrate in defeat (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Rugby - Hull bonus buoys up Kendal to celebrate in defeat

10:10am Sunday 1st May 2011 in Sport

ALTHOUGH Kendal went down to a 22-17 defeat at Hull on Saturday, the vital significance of the result was the securing of a bonus-point which confirms National League rugby at Mint Bridge next season.

The Black and Ambers can now celebrate in their last home game against Loughborough Students this coming Saturday before the curtain comes down away at Huddersfield on May 14.

The third relegation slot battle grew even more intense with news that Morley had snatched a one-point victory at Caldy to keep their hopes of avoiding the drop alive.

Champions elect Fylde, as expected, romped to an easy win over Hull Ionians, and with Nuneaton winning, it is Ionians who face a worrying time with only one game left, while Morley have three to play.

The fixture-list has thrown up an intriguing end on May 21 - with Morley set to host Ionians in what could be a relegation decider.

Kendal's defeat at Hull came after they trailed 15-9 at half time, having conceded three unconverted tries, while Kendal's outstanding fly-half Mark Ireland contributed all of his side's points.

Hull's tries before the break came through winger Will Robinson (2) and Joe Martin, with Ireland slotting three penalties in reply.

Rob Devonshire scored Hull's fourth and bonus-point try and then Kendal scored a try with Simon Mulholland putting Ireland in to dive over, though the wind blew the conversion off target, leaving Kendal eight points adrift.

After Leo Mercer went close to crossing the whitewash, Ireland was given another penalty to put over, but Kendal finished stealing a home lineout just before the final whistle - and a magnificent reward of National rugby once again from a team that has done the town proud.