Mint Bridge to host match of the season (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Mint Bridge to host match of the season

2:17pm Tuesday 10th October 2006 in Sport By Dennis Aris

ALL attention focuses on Mint Bridge Saturday for Kendal Rugby Club's match of the season and what many fans would say is the biggest local derby match for years.

Relegation for Kendal last season and promotion for Penrith brings together old Cumberland and Westmorland rivalries in the new setting of North Division One.

On paper Kendal, beaten only once in their first five outings, look favourites to defeat Penrith, who have been beaten three times, but all that counts for little when the north of the county side, liberally sprinkled with former Kendal players take to the field for the 3pm kick-off.

Kirkby Lonsdale's rugby side has made an excellent start to their campaign in North Division One and could go top if they can win at home on Underley Park against Old Bedians Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.

In the UniBond League Premier Division Kendal Town also face their derby day as they travel to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday for a match, which brings into focus the intense rivalry between the two football sides. Kick off is at 7.45pm. Before that Town will have hoped to regain some of the early season form which has eluded them of late with an away trip to North Ferriby United Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.

Hockey action also throws up a local derby with promoted Windermere Men, who have made a cracking start in North West Division Seven away to Ulverston-based Glaxo Seconds Saturday.

Kendal Women, unbeaten so far since promotion to the North West Feeder League, are home on the Kirkbie Kendal all-weather pitch Saturday to Crewe Vagrants.