KENDAL'S mixed hockey team defeated Durham City 2-0 in the National Mixed Hockey Trophy Competition.

The game began at a quick tempo with the Durham City midfield making a number of driving runs at the Kendal defence.

Unfortunately, they faced an accomplished back line of Leah Mitchell, Chris Woodman, John Stanworth and Ailsa Wright.

The Mintcakes enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half but were guilty of trying to force their way through the experienced Durham defence. On the stroke of half time, Kendal forward Jack Kerr went on a mazy run and earned the team a penalty corner. Aaron Screen stepped up to deliver a vicious ball to the on-rushing Stanworth who deflected the ball above the diving keeper to put the Kendal side one goal up at the break.

Kendal had strength in depth and were able to rotate subs freely which paid dividends against a side with the bare eleven.

Libby Thwaites worked tirelessly on the wing and linked up well with a lively Ewan Galloway throughout.

The second half remained even although Kendal were lucky not to concede an equaliser following a well worked penalty corner from the visitors as keeper Rob Cartwright made a crucial last gasp save.

Player of the match Rhiannon Byrne-Bowles was a threat throughout and deservedly finished the game off by dispatching an emphatic reverse stick strike beyond the Durham goalkeeper. Liam Derome, Vic Whalley-Jones and Mark Addison controlled the tempo late on to ensure the Mintcakes finished the game with a clean sheet.

The Kendal side will face a difficult away challenge to Stourport in the fourth round.