Rugby - Wharfedale visit in annual salute to Kremer (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Rugby - Wharfedale visit in annual salute to Kremer

3:17pm Thursday 11th August 2011 in Sport

THE BUILD-UP to the Kendal’s new National League season begins in earnest with the annual Peter Kremer Memorial Trophy match against Wharfedale at Mint Bridge on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

It’s a poignant moment for new coach Ian Thompson, who reutrned to club this year after being part of the Kremer era as a key player.

Head coach Kremer died from cancer vafter leading the side into Nationla League rugby..

He said: “Peter’s memories remain very much alive throughout the club.

“Walking into the ground and going into the changing-rooms and on the pitch, you can’t help but think about about the time when Peter was here driving things forward with a massive passion and commitment that he instilled in everyone he met, including clubmen like Hayton, Harryman and Voortman who are still playing now.

“”While some of the younger players have not experienced what Peter gave to the club, these experienced, senior players are passing on those skills and commitment, so there is a continuing legacy and the his memories are much cherished.”

This tussle against their senior National League neighbours Wharfedale has always been a compelling fixture, he said.

“Wharfedale have earned tremendous respect for what they’ve done.

They’ve had a massive impact on their community by running several teams but also managing to combine that with offer National League rugby at a high level for such a long time.

“They’ve been probably more successful in this objective, given their rather isolated position, than any other club in the country “It’s something Kendal are trying to emulate and towards this end we are hoping to start a third team this season.

He added: “They play with an equal amount of grit and determination and could almost be honorary Cumbrians, but after a physical, hotly-contested game if signifies everything that is good in rugby as there is real camaraderie and friendship among the sides.”

But he added: “ Wharfedale have had a tight grip on the shield since it was played for and that is something that it is time to readdress .”

Kendal signed three players from Millom this week and it could get confusing as they are all named Redhead.

Flanker Peter Redhead and second-row Danny are brothers, while Adam Redhead, a No8/second-row is their cousin.

Thompson explained: “With Gareth Gore leaving and Craig Wilson injured, it only leaves Hayton and Reece Tomlinson, who has been training hard, in the second row department, so these new signing are welcome.”

SQUAD: Forwards -Harryman, Coxon, Venter, Green, Houghton, Hayton(capt), Tomlinson, D.Redhead, Redhead, White, Craghill, Holmes, Redhead, Mallinson. Backs - Davidson, Alderson, Ireland, Barton, Voortman, Mercer, Thomas, Robinson, Bratten, Lowther,Woof