Kendal Rugby face Aspatria in their first match in 17 months

RUGBY: Kendal take on Aspatria in the first game in 17 months (Report and pictures: Richard Edmondson)

17 months had passed since the last competitive game was played when the team were up against Malton & Norton and while the weather conditions were horrendous, the game it’s self proved to be hugely competitive with Kendal putting on an impressive performance.

Kendal had a number of changes to their team after Reece Tomlinson and James Gough returned to the club, whilst prop Hugh Davies made a first appearance, alongside a first team debut for Joe Fiddler.

And Kendal opened the scoring after seven minutes with a powerful rolling maul from a lineout which was finished by Greg Wrathall.

RUGBY: Kendal take on Aspatria in the first game in 17 months (Report and pictures: Richard Edmondson)

The hosts played some good rugby during the early exchanges despite the conditions and scored their second try after Antony Gage capitalised on a mistake from the visitors before passing the ball onto Ben Dixon who powered his way over the try line.

Glen Weightman who remained as the first team captain added the conversion as Kendal went 12-0 in-front.

Despite the score line Aspatria had more of the ball, helped by a string of penalties against Kendal for technical offences, however Kendal’s defence was very solid, and Aspatria rarely threatened to score.

Kendal made the best possible start to the second half after Aspatria turned the ball over before Liam Hayton passed the ball onto Lewis Kincart who powered through to score.

RUGBY: Kendal take on Aspatria in the first game in 17 months (Report and pictures: Richard Edmondson)

As the game entered the final quarter Kendal made changes with Shaun Tipping and Joe Hope coming on, while Liam Hayton, Reece Tomlinson and Glen Weightman were amongst those to come off.

All of the changes including James Gough playing outside half with Jordan Johnson at scrum half disrupted the momentum which invited Aspatria more into the game who scored a consolation try after 27 minutes into the second half.

However despite Aspatrias late rally Kendal saw out the game to secure their first pre season win as they continue to prepare for the new season which gets underway in September.