Cumbria Vase: Kendal 2nds reach final with win against rivals Penrith (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cumbria Vase: Kendal 2nds reach final with win against rivals Penrith

1:30pm Thursday 12th April 2012 in Rugby By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

Kendal 2nds 56 Penrith 5 Cumbria Vase, semi-final KENDAL broke their losing streak in emphatic style against Penrith at Mint Bridge as they reached the final of the Cumbria Vase with a comprehensive 56-5 win against their close rivals.

The visitors had the first opportunity to put points on the board when they were awarded a penalty in the third minute but it fell wide of the posts.

Kendal scored the first of nine tries in the 11th minute when centre Alistair Thompson’s scintillating break through midfield saw him link on the outside with winger Jamie Postlethwaite.

Full back Kris Bratten’s support work secured the ball and it was quickly recycled for Postlethwaite to score in the corner.

Five minutes later from an excellent catch and drive at a lineout close to the visitors’ line, prop Billy Coxon charged over for a try.

Hooker Matty Houghton, who had an outstanding game, grabbed Kendal’s third try after a sustained period of pressure.

Stand-off Luke Jacobs offered structure and stability for the hosts and added a penalty just before break for a 27-0 lead.

Kendal’s excellent defensive play forced a turnover early in the second half and scrum half Jordan Johnson took full advantage with a jinking run, finding Thompson for him to score.

The sixth try followed moments later when Jacobs caught the Penrith defence napping and took a quick tap penalty to sail through a sleeping defence to score.

A poor clearance kick was received by Postlethwaite in the 66th minute and he raced down field, outstripping the defence to score.

Tony Bingham was next on the score sheet when he benefited as the ball was shipped along the back line before Matty Houghton rounded off Kendal’s try fest when he powered over.

Penrith scored with the final move the game to disappoint the locals, but Kendal are in the final and back to winning ways.