KENDAL Rugby Club chairman Dr Stephen Green has issued a rallying call to fans ahead of this weekend’s home clash against Westoe.

The Black and Ambers could be relegated from National League 2 North with defeat to the league’s seventh-placed side.

Dr Green hopes the club’s fans continue to show the strong support that has remained through a testing season.

Defeat on Saturday would leave the rock bottom Mint Bridge club at least 15 points from safety with just three games remaining.

Such is the club’s inferior goal difference, bonus point victories would be essential in the final games against Sheffield Tigers, Harrogate and Luctonians.

Dr Green said: “It is an important game to us and if we don’t pick some points up we are definitely in the bottom three to go down.

“We don’t want to make excuses but a combination of problems have found us where we are. We didn’t get a good start to the season because of a lot of injuries and we never really caught up. When you have a small squad, it makes it difficult and it is a very competitive league.”

Kendal have been in National League 2 North since an unbeaten 2007-08 season in National League 3 North which saw them rise to their current level.

Dr Green added: “I have always been heartened by the fact we do have a loyal following. Even though it has been tough this year we have still got good numbers through the gates. I expect we will get the support again against Westoe, but hopefully we can get a few more people down to cheer the lads on this weekend.

“We have got to make sure we don’t go into a downward spiral which can happen when things start going wrong. “It will be tough if we go down but we have already had some discussions with players and believe the squad would largely remain together.”

Off the field Kendal have been embroiled in a planning battle as officials work to ensure the club’s future.

Earlier this month the Planning Inspectorate led a planning hearing into the club’s appeal against a decision to prevent a supermarket buying its Mint Bridge ground, which would pave the way for the club to move to Strawberry Fields at Oxenholme.

Dr Green added: “I don’t think the appeal has made a really negative impact on the players but we want to have two proper pitches and a training pitch. The indecision and limbo has meant it is frustrating for the club and we now expect it to be July before a final decision.”

Kendal v Westoe kicks off at 2pm on Saturday. Get down to Mint Bridge to show your support.