KENDAL under 17s picked up a dramatic 19-17 victory against Tarleton in The Halibro North West Colts League at Mintbridge.

After a comfortable win and good team performance last week, Kendal faced a tougher test as they played the second placed team in the division and welcomed back captain Alex Ryder from county duties.

Kendal started quickly, winning an early line-out and then a Kendal penalty – and a quick tap-and-go saw Alex Ryder power over for a try converted by Will Coxon .

The teams tested each other for the next 10 minutes before a crunching tackle from Sam Coleman rewarded Kendal with turnover ball., but the advantage was lost and Tarleton had a great chance down the wing until a great covering tackle from Casey Morris forced the ball into touch.

The visitors got back into the game following a penalty on the 10m line, and with the quick tap-and-go forced the ball over the line. But the conversion was missed.

Kendal skipper Ryder was forced off the field by injury just before half-time, but a pick up from a loose ball gave Owen Singleton a chance to run from just inside his own half to score – the try again converted for 14-5 at the break.

From a second-half kick-off, Kendal recycled the ball well and great forward play gave Will Coxon a try in the corner to make it 19-5 but good forward play from Tarleton saw Kendal under pressure with last-ditch tackling.

A quick penalty saw Tarleton cross for an unconverted try and that meant a nervous end to the game for the hosts – and when Tarleton were awarded a penalty try for a high tackle, which saw Kendal reduced to 14 players, they ran in a try to make it 19-17 and really squeexe the game./ Butv Kendal hung on for the win.