IT was a case of defeat with honour for Kendal on Saturday as they were edged out in a tough encounter at high flying Morley.

The visitors gave everything and the result was in doubt until the final whistle, but it was the Yorkshire side who held on to edge a 12-8 victory.

A rejigged side missing Steven Nelson, Mark Carruthers, Dini Noyo and Kris Bratton faced an uphill task from the moment they fell behind from Morley's first attack thanks to a Mark Chester penalty.

But Kendal dug in and had their fair share of chances only for the home side to double their lead with another Chester penalty from their next foray up front,

Still the visitors battled, keeping the ball well with Joe Cook prominent, and skipper Glen Weightman's penalty reduced the deficit.

And it got even better when Nick Carlton made a break and after good work by Jordan Johnson, Carlton was on hand to take the scoring pass and put Kendal ahead 8-6.

With Weightman's kicking game in great shape, they continued to press with Rory Blakeney-Edwards going close, yet though they were unable to extend their advantage, the visitors held their lead up to the break.

But Morley were not to be denied and regained their lead with another Chester penalty after a spell of pressure early in the second half.

The game continued at a frenetic pace, with both sides making handling errors despite the dry,warm conditions.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, it could have gone either way, but the home side extended their lead with yet another Chester penalty, this one with a touch of controversy after their appeared to have run the ball when the offence was first given.

Harry Hamspey-Cook, Chris Park and Richard Harryman were thrown on as Kendal tried to pull it out of the fire, but despite a late Ben Dixon run which almost produced the winning try, it was not to be.

However, there was much to encourage the visitors as they look ahead to Saturday's home game against strugglers Huddersfield YMCA.