The first walking-only version of one of rugby’s most hotly contested rivalries, the Calcutta Cup, took place in Kendal.

The Midlothian Untouchables travelled down from Dalkeith to take on the Kendal Auld Greys at Mint Bridge to take part in a walking rugby festival.

A friendly atmosphere with mixed teams was the order of the day. It was clear during the opening exchanges, however, that the visitors had fast hands and quite often faster feet than Kendal were used to.

The game was played with 10 people squads, seven a side and 10 minutes each half.

A large partisan crowd travelled down to the rugby ground to watch, which joined in with Mexican waves and exercises to keep out the cold.

The Kendal Auld Greys were initially surprised by the game being more physical than they were used to and, fair to say, they stiffened up quickly.

Perhaps this unnatural style put them off their game, and after a stray pass the Scots broke away and scored the first of their two tries.

Half time was all square but a further contentious breakaway down the wing from the Scots gave them a lead before Auld Grey team manager Paul Want called a time out.

In unequivocal terms the team were told to calm down and play our normal game.

This seemed to work as with just a few minutes left one of the Auld Greys was put through a gap in the Scot’s middle and he yomped towards the try line leaving defenders bimbling in his wake.

Shortly afterwards referee Tony blew for ‘no side’ and the match finished two tries apiece and honours even.

There was sufficient time before the storm came for a second game with fresh legs to be played, but this finished 2-1 in favour of the Scots, and so the cup went northward.

Auld Grey Martin Douglas said: “Afterwards in the bar, before long, the strains of ‘Delilah’ echoed around the clubhouse.

“Mercifully the chorus belonged to those second teamers whose game earlier in the day had been cancelled and allowed them to spend their spare afternoon watching the International in the Peter Kremer bar.

“We old timers rediscovered our sense of propriety and made friends and more polite conversation with our guests who kindly had come bearing gifts.

“Many thanks to chef Chris for providing a restorative meal and to everyone else who made our first international afternoon so successful.

“Our Scottish guests loved our Mint Bridge home and thoroughly enjoyed their tour which concluded taking in the delights of a stormy Saturday night in Kendal, doubtless before finishing off with cocoa and in dressing gowns.

“Kendal director of rugby Chris Hayton watched our games and said afterwards that he approved of the competitive spirit the games were played in, but would be unlikely to call on any squad members to supplement the first team anytime soon.”