Storming finish lifts Black and Ambers' spirits (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Storming finish lifts Black and Ambers' spirits

9:36am Saturday 20th August 2011 in Rugby By Richard Daniels, Sports editor

KENDAL welcome Lymm from Cheshire for their second friendly match on Saturday (3pm kick-off) after they saved their best until last in a 42-25 defeat by Wharfedale in the Peter Kremer Memorial Trophy match last weekend.

Coach Ian Thompson told the Gazette afterwards: “It’s always disappointing to lose, but we played some decent rugby, although we didn’t see too much of the ball in the first half as we allowed them to come at us in waves.

“Our defence was very good put under pressure, but we didn’t disrupt their ball enough to slow them down.

“We were tackling then leaping up and fanning out across the pitch rather than competing at the breakdown.

“There’s a lot of work to be done up front, particularly at the scrum and lineout to ensure we get go-forward ball.

“However, we played better in the second half and showed we have ability with ball in hand and can play a bit.

“Many of the new players showed potential and, with games under their belt, they can get in the groove and learn what being in a Kendal side is all about.”

It looked a work in progress for a new-look Kendal against their National League neighbours who play a step above them.

A strong, flowing Wharfedale gave the ball plenty of air and built up a 28-3 lead early into the third quarter of four played, offering the Black and Ambers plenty of tackling practice.

A Mark Ireland penalty was all Kendal had to show at that stage, but an interception try for new wingman Kris Bratten, from Penrith, who fairly flew in from 60 metres out, started the points rolling.

Evergreen Richard Harryman was cleverly brought on to finish off a setpiece short penalty move as he was mauled over the line by his forwards.

And although Wharfedale hit back straight away, Kendal tails were up and Dan White finished off some great inter-passing inside the visitors' 22 by squeezing in the corner.

One again Wharfedale cancelled out the score but Kendal refused to be disheartened and still came back with some nifty sidestepping by Ben Alderson paving the way for Peter Redhead, newly-signed from Millom this week, to go over for the last of their four late tries.

Wharfedale's six converted tries came from Holland, Bell, Gill, Whaites (2) and Horsfall.