Tigers edge out Black and Ambers (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Tigers edge out Black and Ambers

8:38am Thursday 1st December 2011 in Rugby By Frank Jameson

Kendal 10
Sheffield Tigers 12
National League 2 North
Kendal faced another tough game, dominated by strong, gusty winds, on Saturday at Mint Bridge against newly promoted Sheffield Tigers.

Billy Coxon replaced stand-in captain Richard Harryman who suffered a groin strain during the warm up, with Garry Holmes coming into the back row.

And before the hosts had settled into the match they found themselves behind as Peter Swatkins made a scything break down the right flank to score a fine try and Johnny West converted.

The busy start saw Mark Ireland kick a 30 metre penalty but Kendal were unable to take advantage of the wind in the first half as the Tigers kept the ball close and the pack driving up the middle.

Coxon tore a hamstring for the hosts as their injury-hit season continued and Glenn Chesher replaced him but Kendal rarely threatened, the only noteworthy move coming from a Gareth Gore burst.

Intercepting an opposition pass he galloped down the line with Danny Redhead in support but Sheffield scrambled back and gave away a penalty, which Ireland swerved wide.

Matty Houghton replaced Duncan Green (ankle) at the break but the visitors took control with the wind behind them and kicked long to the corners.

And with just five minutes of the second half played, Gregor Hayter drove 20 metres and Sam Cooke grounded the ball to put Sheffield 12-3 to the good.

The game flowed between the two sides before Ireland kicked a penalty to the corner and a great peel from the lineout saw debutant Chesher go over and Ireland converted for 12-10.

But as the match moved into the closing stages Sheffield camped on the Black and Amber line and the hosts had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Kendal XV: Park, Postlethwaite, Thomas, Mercer, Bratton, Ireland, Davidson, Coxon (rep Chesher), Green (rep Houghton), Venter, Gore, D Redhead, Mallinson, Bowman, Holmes.