Kendal 45

Huddersfield YMCA 7

THE gradual upturn in Kendal's fortunes continued on Saturday as they eased to a priceless North One East win.

But the scoreline belies the fact that they were made to work for their victory against a visiting side who belied their lowly position with a determined display.

Boosted by the return of Mark Carruthers, the home side must have been confident of victory against the winless Yorkshiremen, but it was Huddersfield who made the better start, applying a long spell of pressure without being able to get on the scoresheet.

And it was Kendal who took the lead from their first real attack when after Jack Lashley made good ground, skipper Glen Weightman weaved through for the opening try.

Then after some ill tempered clashes, Huddersfield were reduced to 14 men by a red card.

The home side took full advantage, Josh Chaplow powering over and Weightman converting, and extended their lead when Nick Carlton touched down, Weightman again converting.

Kendal were now in control and seconds before the break, Rory Blakeney-Edwards evaded a host of defenders to cross for another converted try to make the half time score 26-0.

Despite the scoreline and numerical advantage, Kendal found themselves defending for long periods early in the second half.

But they weathered the storm and when they counter attacked, Chris Evans drove over for the opening try of the half.

Blakeney-Edwards then added another try to snuff out any lingering hopes of a comeback by YMCA, Weightman converting, and Jordan Johnson then darted through for what proved to be the home side's final try of the game.

At 45-0, Huddersfield heads could easily have gone down, but to their credit, they kept on battling and got their reward with a penalty try in the closing seconds.

But that did not take the shine off a Kendal win which takes them out of the bottom three and in good heart for Saturday's long trip to Pocklington.

On Sunday, Kendal Wasps ladies' team continued their fine start to the season with an excellent 29-14 win at Novocastrians 2s despite having a bare 15 players.

Tries from Lauren Harkness, Hayley Hodgson with two, Rowan Boardley and a career first from Lorne Mellonie secured with win with Tamar Benson adding two conversions.