KENDAL director of rugby Steve Whitehead admitted his delight after his team battled to a bonus point win over Carlisle at Mint Bridge to maintain their 100 per cent home record.

Garry Holmes, who has scored 13 tries in his last five games, grabbed a hat-trick as Kendal moved to within touching distance of second-placed Kirkby Lonsdale.

But Kendal were made to hard work against a dogged Carlisle to pick up a crucial bonus point - with just ten minutes left on the clock.

"We have no god given right to turn up and expect to win, never mind picking up the bonus point, that has to be earned," said Whitehead. "Sometimes when you are close to the top people expect you to beat certain sides easily but rugby doesn't work like that.

"It all depends on the day and how much they know about you so we have to keep going out and earning those points. Sides at both ends of the table are trying for different things. We are looking to stay on track and pick up bonus points and keep consistency in the play."

Whitehead says the experience of Holmes was crucial to the win.

"If you had to chose anybody for that role it would be him," he said. "He is both physically tailored perfect to it but his experience in that role is also second to none. He very rarely lets you down. We've got a number of key individuals who have played the game a long time and we are lucky to be able to call on their experience."

The Black and Ambers play their game in hand when they host sixth-placed Wilmslow on Saturday.

With a chance of overtaking Kirkby at stake - Whitehead refuses to count his chickens before they hatch.

"It will be a very tough encounter against an improved Wilmslow and they are a tough nut to crack," he said. "But if you are in any mind to challenge at the top you can't lose many games, every game is a must-win."