Kendal 6 Hull 12 (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal 6 Hull 12

12:16pm Wednesday 2nd November 2011 in Rugby By Frank Jameson

A GRUELLING old-fashioned dog fight of a game was battled between two bruising packs at Mint Bridge on Saturday as Kendal lost 12-6 to Hull.

The first half started as tightly fought as the ending, with the experienced trio of Richard Harryman, Liam Hayton and Billy Coxon leading the way, as they charged forward again and again, ably followed by the likes of Dries Venter and Joe Mallinson.

In these early exchanges, the ball was moved wide on numerous occasions, and Dave Barton made some big holes out wide, as he used his great strength and decisive hand-off to good effect.

The only chance to get points on the board came when the pack went charging through again and Hull were penalised at the breakdown but Mark Ireland's high kick from 35m swirled to the right.

Hull came back at the other end, and nearly intercepted a wild Kendal pass but as the Yorkshire lads went for the kill, a decisive turnover ball relieved the pressure on Kendal.

Barton was causing problems for the Hull defence but after just over half an hour gone he limped off , with his troublesome hamstring bothering him again and Steffan Thomas replaced him.

Hull were tackling and covering well but their hooker Scott Plevey was yellow carded, giving Kendal a slight territorial and weight advantage as the interval approached.

Kendal had the confidence to tap and drive after one penalty was awarded, but the ball was dropped and the half ended 0-0.

Restored to full strength after the break, Hull laid siege on the home try line and charged over from 10m out, with Steve Slingsby converting.

Ian Voortman was the next to be injured, damgaing his shoulder near the touchline before Hayton was unceremoniously ‘tipped’ at a line out by his opposite number, Chris Murphy, who was yellow carded.

Nathan Wooff was next to receive Andy Pearson's magic spray, and was replaced by Jamie Postlethwaite, but soon after this, Ireland narrowed Hull's lead with a penalty from 35m.

Shortly afterwards, Chris Park hammered a fine kick into the right hand corner, but Kendal's line out was suffering with Hayton limping off and Ian Thompson was forced to utilise all of his replacements.

Hull turned the screw as their weight advantage took effect and drove for the line for a pushover try from a driving maul, Max Lewis gaining the try in the corner.

At 12-3, Hull were safe but Ireland still had time to add a second penalty to earn Kendal a bonus point.