THERE may be a long way to go, but Kendal increased their standing as North Division One promotion candidates by main challengers Huddersfield on Saturday.

Despite No.8 Rob Quarry being red-carded before half time Kendal had the guts and determination to see off the only other unbeaten side in the division in an exciting clash, which was likened by seasoned spectators as the club's best performance since beat ing famous London club Richmond away in the National Trophy in 2004.

Huddersfield..........................14 Kendal...................................21 BOTH sides went all out to retain their unbeaten records in a North Division One game which lived up to all expectations.

The intensity, skills and determination to win were all on display for the large crowd - including the 100 or so Kendal travelling supporters - to enjoy as this fascinating match unfolded.

Kendal had an early opportunity to score when Huddersfield were penalised for handling in a ruck in the third minute, unfortunately stand-off Dan Stephens 40-metre attempt into the strong downfield wind was wide of the posts.

The metronomic boot of Huddersfield stand-off Chris Johnson gave the home side the lead moments later and he kicked a second penalty, this time from the halfway line, midway through the first half after Kendal were penalised for holding on to the ball.

When Huddersfield were penalised for pulling the man down at a lineout in the 26th minute, Stephens made no mistake with his attempt at goal, but when Kendal offended at a lineout three minutes later Johnson re-established Huddersfield's six-point lead.

Both sides had been involved in an almighty aerial kicking dual throughout the first half with Johnson regularly punting the ball 60 and 70 metres downfield to touch. Full-back Rob McLaren and centre James Mortimore were also no mugs when it came to putting boot to ball for Huddersfield.

Kendal at times played into the hands of the Huddersfield game plan, but on the whole dealt well with the bombardment, ensuring that Huddersfield could not take better advantage of the conditions.

A minute before half-time things got tougher for Kendal when the referee sent off No.8 Rob Quarry for a stamp on scrum-half Damian Clayton.

An inspirational half-time team talk from coach Jon Nicholson sent Kendal back fired up, however, and they tore into the home side from the restart earning a penalty, which Stephens calmly slotted between the posts.

Back chat to the referee by Johnson saw him shown the yellow card in the 49th minute and Stephens kicked the resulting penalty into the corner. Kendal won the lineout and drove for the try-line, but excellent defence kept them out.

Kendal recycled the ball for Stephens to have a dart for the line and he was tackled just short. Once again the forwards did their job to win quick ball for scrum-half John Ladell to get in behind the defence, from where prop forward Billy Coxon crashed over from close range to score a try.

Stephens converted from wide out and for the first time in the match Kendal led at 13-9.

Huddersfield, playing into the wind and with their one man advantage up front, changed tactics and began to drive at Kendal through their large pack.

On the 60-minute mark the visitors' defence finally yielded when scrum-half Clayton sniped round from a ruck to touch down. With Johnson still serving his ten minutes in the sin-bin, captain and No.8 Mark Sowerby stepped forward to take the conversion. His attempt ricocheted off both uprights before bouncing out, but Huddersfield had the lead back at 14-13.

Kendal held their nerve, controlled the ball achieved field position for Stephens to attempt a drop-goal in the 71st minute. It was wide, but Huddersfield offended at the restart kick and Stephens made no mistake with his penalty from in front of the posts to give Kendal a slender two-point lead to defend in the final few minutes.

Huddersfield threw everything they had at the visitors, but the 'Black and Ambers' used every last bit of effort and energy to hold firm and Huddersfield were forced to try two long-range drop-goal attempts into the wind. Both fell short and were dealt with efficiently by the Kendal backline, which produced the best performances of the season so far by full-back Hoani Moore and centre Renier Bester.

Huddersfield, raising one final effort, flung the ball out wide. Under pressure from Kendal captain Ian Voortman, the ball was fumbled. Voortman hacked it downfield and Kendal flanker Nick McKain, summoning every last drop of energy, to set off after the bouncing ball. He willed himself on a 40-metre dash to the line and, with the defence closing in fast, plunged in for a decisive try.

Stephens missed the conversion but it mattered not as the referee raised his whistle to his lips and blew for full time.

As he left the pitch Hudderfield's Mark Sowerby graciously commented: "Well done lads, you deserved that win."