Rugby - Pack drive Kendal to Hoppers' victory (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Rugby - Pack drive Kendal to Hoppers' victory

7:01pm Sunday 28th February 2010 in

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KENDAL strung together three pack-driven tries in the second half to tip a tight derby against Preston Grasshoppers their way in a 25-18 win.

While Preston dominated for much of the first half, they were unable to capitalise and the sides turned round level at 6-6, both scoring a penalty and a drop-goal.

Full back Mark Ireland slotted the penalty and stand-off Mike Scott put over the drop-goal for Kendal, with Nicholas Smith doing likewise for Hoppers, as the sides stayed at level pegging.

A Kendal try two minutes after the break was set up by Scott's long penalty to touch and Richard Harryman made a catch and drive count.

Only a forward pass spoiled a splendid breakaway strike, but the second try followed from another penalty lineout with hooker Allen Martindale securing with the touchdown and Ireland converting.

Concerted forward pressure told again as Kendal consolidated their growing lead through some strong scrummaging before Scott was able to scoot over and Ireland again added the extras.

Trailing 25-6 with 12 minutes left, Hoppers staged a characteristic comeback with tries for hooker Richie Sands and right wing Sean Taylor, Smith converting the latter to creep them within a converted score of Kendal's tally.

However, Kendal recovered their poise and control to see out a tense last five minutes for valuable win in their bid to secure their place at this level.