Kendal hockey teams win 5-3 and 6-3 in two matches

Kendal Men’s 2s travelled to Preston for a late push-back under the lights, facing the hosts’ development side.

Two young teams competed superbly in an end-to-end game, with plenty of future stars on show for both clubs.

Kendal edged a five-goal-to-three contest thanks to a brace from Thomas Coxan, with further goals from Joe Gardner and Dan Bath.

There was also a memorable moment for 12-year-old Seth Ray, who scored his first goal for the Greens.

The lads worked well in both formations, looked dangerous in possession and stayed organised out of it.

It was particularly pleasing to see players adapting to, and excelling in, new positions.

A special thanks to Preston Hockey Club for being fantastic hosts and playing their part in an excellent game.

The future looks bright for both clubs.

Match report: Ladies Development v Kirkby Stephen Development

On a drizzly afternoon in Kirkby Stephen, Kendal Ladies Development took on Kirkby Stephen Development team.

The game began with lots of end-to-end play from both sides.

Unfortunately, Kirkby Stephen managed to score first and we went into half time 1-0 down.

After a motivating half time pep talk, the second half allowed for lots of central play with amazing runs and passes down the pitch.

A memorable performance from W. Ray for lots of strong tackles.

On 64 minutes, a great run from H. Platt was passed through to L. Phillips for a tap in to make it 1-1.

With greater determination, Kendal kept up the pressure with L. Ray making great interceptions and forward balls.

E. Fletcher also had an amazing game by keeping the Kirkby Stephen forwards away from goal.

However, five minutes before the final whistle, Kirkby Stephen managed to score again; despite efforts from Kendal to get the ball forward for a final shot.

The game finished 2-1 to Kirkby Stephen.

The juniors within the team are working so hard and are improving massively which made a big impact in this game with passing, good space and running.

Well played everyone and thanks to the supporters who came to watch.

Most improved player goes to F. Edmondson

For making good tackles and running up and down the pitch after the ball.

Match report: Ladies 1 v Sedbergh

Next up for Kendal Ladies 1s was a home fixture against Sedbergh.

Both teams came out strongly and the opening stages of the game were end to end.

Kendal were first to strike on eight mins with a beautiful ball from L. Morris out of defence to J. Clayton who passed it delightfully into the path of N. Hartley who weaved through the Sedbergh defence and smashed home the opener.

Kendal continued to move the ball confidently around the pitch but could not find a way through the Sedbergh back line.

Sedbergh struck back on 24 mins to level the score but this appeared to light a fire in the Kendal team and they quickly replied with two more goals; the first following a fantastic ball from K. Ireland which was picked up by N. Hartley and finished by S. Byrne and Kendal’s 3rd came from a textbook penalty corner, injected by L. Morris and smashed home by K. Beaumont.

It looked like Kendal would be heading into the half time with a two goal cushion, but Sedbergh hit back with the very last play of the half, converting from a penalty corner to make it 3-2.

After a rousing team talk, Kendal came out positive and determined and it took just two mins for them to restore their two goal lead; a penalty corner started and finished by L. Morris.

The game continued to ebb and flow with both teams enjoying periods of domination and both defences thwarting incessant attacking play.

It was Kendal to strike next and another superb piece of individual play from N. Hartley made it 5-2 to Kendal.

Only minutes later, she was carving her way through the Sedbergh defence again and squared to K. Beaumont to get Kendal’s 6th.

Sedbergh continued to fight and scored a consolation goal on 61 mins but the day belonged to Kendal Ladies 1 and a hard-fought 6-3 win.

With some fantastic stick work on display across the whole pitch, the spectators were treated to an exciting and entertaining match.

There is an argument for at least half a dozen Kendal players to be awarded Player of the Match.

So many top class performances, inch perfect passes and strong defensive challenges.

However, this week, N. Hartley is voted the player of the match; scored two, set up two and 70 minutes of 100 per cent!