Further to the cancellation of last night's semi-final between Aspatria and Carlisle, our opponents in the Cumbria Cup Final next Tuesday evening under floodlights at Keswick RUFC will be Carlisle.

To facilitate players leaving work and travelling spectators, the fixture has been moved back 30 minutes to 7.30pm K.O.

Correspondingly, the Kendal Supporters' bus will now leave at the later time of 6.15pm, returning to Kendal for approximately 10.30pm.

If YOU are interested in travelling on the Supporters' bus, please leave a message at reception 01539 734039, email info@kendalrugby.co.uk, or KRUFC@caross.com, or call Craig Ross on 07933 695000 to reserve your place. The cost will depend on the size of bus and number of travellers and we will need a minimum number to justify the expenditure.

Interview with the Director of Rugby
After the first season at our fabulous new ground Richard Sanderson posed Steve some questions that reflect back on the season:
1. Did losing the first few home games of the season affect the morale of the squad?
No. With everything being so new there was a lot of excitement around and we knew those first few games were all going to be tough encounters with top sides
2. We have had some excellent results away from home, which ones stand out as particularly pleasing?
I think the Rossendale game was a real stand out as given their budget many had written us off prior to K.O. The lead changed hands many times during the game and we showed great character and enterprise in getting that vital first win of the season
3. The defence this season in most matches appears tighter, how do you feel about this aspect of the game?
For me great sides are built on defence. It reflects the intensity in the squad and what it means to be a part of it. With the exception of the Preston game, the games have been quite tight and we will build on that going forward
4. Additionally, are there other aspects of our game, which you feel have improved?
The shirts...
5. Accepting that this league is very tight and therefore results are very up and down, are there any other factors that have caused some erratic results?
Injuries have played a major part this seasons consistency. We started the season without Kris Bratton and Zane Butler, then quickly lost Damien Armstrong, with Liam Hayton soon to follow.
All these players are key men in our squad and a big part of us going well. These are all players that week in week out give far more than they ever take out and have been greatly missed by all on and off field
6. Is our [current/final] league position a fair reflection of the strength of the squad?
Yes, I think so. Results have shown across the league that nothing can be taken for granted and the league has split almost according to budget reflecting the strength and depth of the squad available.
For us this season has been about completing the move and consolidation in the national leagues. It’s one thing getting promoted to a higher level, but maintaining that position is tough, as good clubs all around us are now finding.
As things stand, we now have a thriving junior section, our first team are on pole for a mid- table finish in the national leagues and in the Cumbria Cup final. Our second team are once again top of their league, going for back-to-back promotion and cup final of their own, and we have a thriving ladies section, which although results have not gone their way this season, are happily integrated and a real credit to all involved showing what this club is about.
Given all our leagues are getting tougher, the club is in good health and showing sustainable growth in a challenging year
7. How important is winning the Cumbria Cup?
For me the actions of some in Cumbria have over the seasons lessened the value of the Cumbria Cup and that I hope is changing. The Cup is a historic competition and offers clubs across the county the chance to have a go at each other and be measured away from the weekly pressures of league rugby.
Kendal enjoys the support it receives from Cumbria and works closely with its representatives to improve our sport, and as such are committed fully to backing its county and its cup
8. What changes would you like to make for next season in terms of players/coaches, structural approaches to games, administration of matches etc.?
Next season under head coach Tom Borthwick we will see changes on both playing and coaching front but the ethos will remain the same.
With the move now complete and a few players nearing retirement the time is right to recruit and continue our progression. This will be done carefully in a manner that can be sustained long-term without compromising the club’s integrity or identity.
9. Finally do you still get satisfaction from your position as Director of Rugby and why [or why not]?
Of course, as with everyone involved there are the highs and the lows but I have great support from those around me and both myself and the club are very lucky to have these people representing the club.
In Steve Green we have a dedicated Chairman who works tirelessly on the clubs behalf and credit must go to him, our sponsors, players and coaches without whom we wouldn’t be the club we are.
A special thank you must go to those who are often seen but not mentioned: Chris Downham, Kerry Nelson, Jason Donoghue, Rob Quarry, Nick Milner, James Mackereth and the Right Honourable Arthur Perie, have all been a huge part of what has been achieved, along with match day volunteers, gate and car park attendants players and the largest supporter numbers in the league make it a proud position to hold in the club.

Comedy Night this Friday!
3 top comedians grace the clubhouse from 7pm on Friday and the ticket price includes hot bar snacks!
Tickets available online HERE

Rugby Development Camp - May Half-Term
Following on from our last hugely sucesssful Rugby Development camp at Easter, we are pleased to present another Skills Development camp during May half-term!
Date: Friday 1 June 2018
Ages: 11 - 16
Time: 9am - 3pm
Book your places now by calling reception on 01539 734039, or email info@kendalrugby.co.uk