KENDAL men welcomed NW Men’s League Div 5 North leaders Urmston to the Cinder Ovens on Saturday.

Although the Greens carved out a series of goal-scoring chances which on another day might have evened up things, Urmston showed their class and ran out comfortable 8-1 winners.

Skipper Galloway could not find his scoring touch and was limited to just the one goal - and the Urmston ’keeper even saved a penalty flick.

The match started badly for Kendal when Martin Boyd, showing the usual enthusiasm which belies his years, went low to make a fearless tackle and soon afterwards found himself in Westmorland General for stitches. Losing such a key player after less than 15 minutes put Kendal under extra pressure.

Kendal kept their morale high and worked hard to limit the deficit, but it was not to be their day.

On Sunday, Kendal travelled to Formby for a previously postoned fixture.

Games between the two sides have a history of being very even and this was no exception.

Iain Donaldson returned to his defensive role and made his customary clearances off the line from three penalty corners.

John Stanworth and Alex Palmer each produced immense performances and the hockey from both sides was fast and entertaining.

Ewan Galloway scored twice, while the Formby attack could only respond once and as the match wore on there seemed hope that the Greens might claim all three points.

However, Formby equalised from a penalty corner in the final act of a very close sporting contest.