KIRKBY Lonsdale have defied expectations so far this season.

After setting themselves a target of finishing in the top six this season they currently sit in second place in the North One West league, just one point off the top spot.

Despite a disappointing away loss in a close game away to local rivals Kendal, it has been a season to remember.

The Gazette spoke to New Zealand import David Bird, who has put in several good displays out on the left wing so far this season.

The 23-year-old hails from New Zealand's northern most city called Whangarei but has adapted well to the differences in the style of play.

Speaking of Kirkby's season so far, Bird said: "It is going really well. It is a lot different to back home.

"The main difference is in the speed of the game.

"Over here in England it's a lot more forward focussed - you don't spread the play out wide as much as we do back at home."

Bird is pleased with how his team has done so far, but thinks 'consistency' will be the key to future success.

"He said: "We are going alright but I thought when I first came over here that I didn't know what to expect at all but since I've been playing we've just lost the one game to Kendal so there's a lot to build on.

"We need consistency and then we'll be alright."

Injuries have played a part in Kirkby's season and that has an impact on the balance of a team, and even weaken it, with players forced to play out of position.

"We need to keep the same players on the field each week and try to build a partnership with each other," Bird commented.

Bird has been suffering from an injury himself and he is hoping that the winter break will have given him and his team mates enough of an opportunity to recover in order to push on and keep improving for the rest of the season.

He said: "There haven't been many personal highlights for me because I've been injured which is a shame.

"Hopefully this break has allowed injuries to heal up and in the next year I can perform and get a few tries. The target for the season was to finish in the top six but I'm looking to try and win."

Despite not amassing many highlights from his stay in Kirkby so far, there is one game that stands out like a sore thumb.

"I think just playing against Kendal and seeing a decent crowd there was good but we lost so that wasn't ideal. It was good seeing the players get up for it and the emotion of the game and to see the players really keen to play them again and win."