Kendal rocked by injuries to key pair (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal rocked by injuries to key pair

11:32am Thursday 13th October 2011 in Rugby By Frank Jameson

Kendal 5
Huddersfield 41
National League 2 North
KENDAL’s hopes of victory were dashed early doors against Huddersfield as goalkicker Mark Ireland and captain Liam Hayton were both injured before the break.

It was backs to the wall defence for much of Saturday's game and a superior Huddersfield pulled away in the final quarter with a total of five tries against the tiring Cumbrians.

Chris Johnson got the ball rolling for Huddersfield with an early penalty and drop goal, but Kendal fought back with a superb break and offload by Dave Barton, which sent Simon Mulholland over for the first try.

It was apparent that Ireland was uncomfortable as he missed a straightforward conversion, and he was replaced by Ben Craghill in the centre, with Barton moving to fly half.

But Huddersfield’s powerful pack exerted control and their captain and No.8 set a fine example with a pick up from a close in scrum and he charged round the blindside for their first try, before two penalties increased their lead before the break.

Kendal dug deep in defence but had few opportunities in attack, but one chance saw Chris Downham pick up and combine well with scrum half Simon Davidson, and good passing allowed Mulholland to cut through but the move petered out in the 22m zone.

At half-time Craig Wilson made his first appearance of the season, as Andrew Quarry switched with Richard Harryman in the front row, but he had to be replaced by Richard after only 20 minutes' play, limping off once more.

Kendal's defence was fairly solid but more Huddersfield pressure ensued as Gavin Rhodes and George Hinchliffe led the way with battering runs down the middle.

Wilson and Dries Venter raised the siege with a surge down the right, but a poor pass to James Poslethwaite saw the move fizzle out.

An excellent drive by the Huddersfield pack at the other end opened the door for Chris Johnson to score the second try.

Kendal put bodies on the line and one Yorkshire try was disallowed by a player being held up, but the floodgates started to open when the Cumbrian pack was driven back and wheeled, and the visitors were awarded a penalty try.

Two further tries were scored in the final ten minutes for Huddersfield, but it is back to the drawing board for a battered home side, as they look to recuperate before the trip to Loughborough Students.

l The funeral of Drew Quarry will be held on Monday at Kendal Parish Church at 12.30pm, followed by cremation at Lancaster Crematorium for family and friends. A reception will follow at Kendal Rugby Club for anyone who wishes to pay their respects.

Due to a lengthy injury list, the 1st XV for Saturday will not be selected till after training on Thursday.