MATTY Houghton has returned to the fold in style by playing a key role in Kendal's triumph at Scarborough on Saturday.

And club chairman Steve Green said he hoped the talismanic second row man, who is back at Mint Bridge after a spell at Wharfedale, would help the club build on what could be a pivotal North One East triumph and ease towards a more prosperous 2020.

"He's a local lad and while we were fully behind him trying his hand at a higher level, it's great to have Matty back," said Green.

"He will be a great asset to the second row but he's a very versatile player who can also play at hooker and can also play in the backs."

But Houghton, a keen all round sportsman who also plays cricket for Burneside, was not the only one to star on Saturday as Kendal put their recent patchy form behind them to storm to a dramatic triumph courtesy of club skipper Glen Weightman's late try.

The victory delighted Green, who said he hoped it would be a springboard for the Mint Bridge side to lift themselves into the right half of the table as the business end of the season looms.

"There are a few times this season that we have lost narrowly and by late scores, so it was a change to win one narrowly," he said.

"When we played them at home earlier this season, their pack were very good so we knew we had to try to keep them quiet.

"It was a very competitive game all the way through but we started really well and let them back into it.

"But we kept going and got that late try, and then had to hang on for five minutes at the end."

But Green knows tough challenges lie ahead, starting on Saturday' when another Yorkshire outfit in the shape of promotion chasing Driffield roll up at Mint Bridge.

"They are in second place in the table so that shows how good they are and we know it is going to be tough," said Green.

"But it was great to get that away win last week. You are usually expected to win at home but to win away from home was a great boost so we hope we can take that form into the Driffield game."

There was a late scare in the Scarborough game when the influential Danny Barker limped off, but Green said the injury did not appear to be as bad as was first feared and Barker should be available on Saturday.

Chris Bratton is still out with the injury which has sidelined him for the last few weeks but otherwise Kendal should have a full squad to choose from.

The club have also reminded supporters that kick off for the game is 2.15pm rather than the usual winter kick off time of 2pm.