THE feelgood factor is back at Kendal RUFC.

That is the view of club officials after a bumper crowd packed into Mint Bridge on Saturday to see the recent revival continue with a hard fought North One East triumph over a dogged West Hartlepool side.

Upwards of 170 people who enjoyed the pre-match dining stayed to watch the game, boosting the crowd which was estimated to have been around the 500 mark.

And club chairman Steve Green was delighted at the turnout which he said reflected the upbeat feeling now present both on and off the pitch.

England's success in reaching the final of the Rugby Union World Cup coupled with the involvement of former Kendal player Mark Wilson in the squad throughout the tournament has thrown the focus on the sport in the area.

But Green said that was just one factor in the resurgence at Mint Bridge after the dark days of last season's relegation.

"I think we have always enjoyed a lot of local support and we have always been a well supported club," he said.

"But it was great to see such a good crowd on Saturday and I think our supporters are enjoying the type of rugby we are playing.

"Two of the tries came from the forwards and two from the backs which shows there's a good balance to the side.

"We were very pleased with the way things went on and off the field on Saturday."

Another positive aspect about the West Hartlepool game was the fact that the club were able to give a debit to New Zealander Logan Flett.

Green explained that the recruiting of the Kiwi has come as a result of a reciprocal arrangement with New Zealand club Ashburton which was set up by former Kendal forward and fellow Kiwi Nick McCain, who was popularly known as 'Noodle' during his time at the club some years ago.

Flett impressed when he was thrown into the fray in the second half as a replacement for Tom Moulton.

And Green said the versatile forward's visa allows him to stay for the rest of the season and the club were delighted to have him on board.

"He's settled in really well and he's a great addition to the squad," said the Mint Bridge chairman.

But though things have taken a decisive turn for the better in recent weeks, Green knows there's still a lot of hard work ahead, starting with Saturday's trip to Bradford & Bingley.

Kendal will go above the Yorkshiremen if they are victorious, but the Kendal chairman said they were taking nothing for granted.

"We have played them a few times over the years and we know it will be a tough game," he said.