WITH the new season now well underway, Kendal Hockey Club are looking to build on their success on the field by recruiting more volunteers and sponsors.

The club is flourishing with five senior teams competing at a high level and a host of junior teams from under 10s upwards and attract players from across Cumbria and the wider region.

The Men’s 1st and 2nd team splay in North West Leagues and the men's section is continuing to grow rapidly with a number of players joining the ranks from the junior set up with the possibility of an additional senior team currently under consideration.

The Kendal Ladies 1st team currently play in the North Division One league and the long term aim is for this the team to return to the Investec National League, where they will once again compete against elite teams from across the UK.

The Ladies 2nd Team continue to play in the Cumbria League while the development team plays throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire.

In addition, the club operates a very strong junior section with teams at U10, U12 and U14 level, playing tournaments across Cumbria and the wider region with many players going on to represent Cumbria at county level.

And the club said any juniors wanting to try hockey can come down for a couple of free sessions to see if they enjoy the sport before deciding whether to join.

Match days are Saturday for the senior teams and Sundays for junior tournaments, with home games taking place at the club's new pitch at Queen Katherine School.

But the club, who now have Club Mark accreditation, urgently need more coaches, umpires and parents to support their work and are also looking for sponsors and in particular a new main sponsor for the 2020/21 season.

Any business or individual who may be able to help are asked to contact club chairman Scott Robinson at srobinson5@sky.com.

The club's first team, pictured left, were in action this weekend, with the men's team making the short trip to Kirkby Lonsdale.

In bright sunshine, a youthful Kirkby team initially pressed back their derby rivals, but the Greens weathered the early storm well with Nick Davis, Simon Millington and Chris Woodman soaking up the pressure and building the platform for Kendal to pass their way up the field.

And it was the visitors who eventually broke the deadlock as captain Aaron Screen flicked the ball past the keeper after playing a defence splitting one-two with Noah Ross.

Kirkby rallied and once again put the Kendal back line to the sword, but despite creating several opportunities, the hosts could not capitalise.

And with Phil Conlin utilising his unorthodox passing technique in the Kendal midfield, they began to dominate again and doubled the lead when Tom Taggart danced his way through the Kirkby D and found John Stanworth waiting at the back post to sling the ball into the net.

The second half started with both teams playing dynamic hockey but as time ticked on, the visitors gained control with man of the match Screen was continually creating chances, Mark Addison refused to give up on a single ball and Liam Platt and Andrew Melville tireless on their respective wings.

And Kendal eventually grabbed a third when Steven Olliver picked up the ball just inside the Kirkby half and strode toward the opposition goal before finding James Marston with the killer pass.

Marston’s run left him one-on-one with the keeper and he made no mistake with his first-time, lifted finish.

The win means Kendal stay top on goal difference and sets up a fascinating clash against Bolton, who are equal on points, at Queen Katherine School on Saturday.