In a change to tradition, the Director of Rugby will now alternate an 'update report' with the ‘coaches perspective’ report for match programmes i.e. one match DOR report, the next match Coach report

Player updates:
Mid-Season Movers and Shakers…

Callum Atkinson has been starring in the engine room for the second XV this season, but has now temporarily hung up his boots, to travel the world….. again!
His excellent performances this season have been central to our second XV success in the league so far. Bon voyage Callum, we wish you well!

Josh Chaplow will be returning to Mint Bridge this Saturday after a very successful season playing for Green Island in New Zealand where he was voted Player of the Season. Josh takes a position on the bench this week for Rob Wightman’s 18, his explosive play and changing room presence will provide a great mid-season boost to the club

Joshua Coyle returned to New Zealand after his two-year Visa expired, but he hopes to return to Kendal with his partner to make a life here in Kendal in the not too distant future

John Dervey who had some excellent performances for the 1st XV last season, despite making no tackles has now taken up a management position in the North East. Unfortunately it is not practical for him to travel the long distance to Kendal to train and play, as he is a big loss on and off field

Willie Hintz ankle is holding up well after his re-construction operation in England and has now returned home to New Zealand. He is back training and playing and we wish both he and Emma all our best for their upcoming wedding.

Matt Houghton (Cliff to his friends) has now signed for Wharfedale in National Two and last week played his first game for their 2nd XV aka ‘Foresters’ in their 80-10 domination of Doncaster Phoenix 2nd XV. It shouldn’t be too long before his skills will earn him a place in the 1st XV.
Matty has given his all for Kendal over the last four and a half seasons and was instrumental in helping the club gain promotion back into National Leagues. Contrary to what you may hear, Matty has joined Wharfedale to test himself in the league above and remains in touch with everyone at the club. He has at every stage discussed his options with me in order to minimise the impact on our season and I’m confident we will see Matty back in Black and Amber at some point. We will miss his huge forehead and presence on the park… Till then, best of luck Matty, we wish you well!
Mention in the match report here: http://www.wharfedalerufc.co.uk/?page_id=28057

Jordan Johnson has had a year off resting and travelling with his partner and arrives back in the UK in early February after touring the southern hemisphere. We may see Jonno’s return to playing for Kendal before the end of the season.

Will Montgomery has signed a three year contract with Newcastle Falcons and therefore becomes ineligible to play for Kendal. Will was immediately selected for the Newcastle Academy 18’s last Saturday and scored a brace of tries in his first match, helping Falcons to a 41 - 27 win over Northampton Saints. This Saturday sees the Academy 18’s face Sale Sharks at home, then Worcester followed by Leicester away!
It has been a real pleasure have Will with us and watch him progress to this point in his career. Just as Mark Wilson has before him, Will has given us all an insight as to what can be achieved through hard work and commitment. He is an inspiration to all our young players and we wish Will all the very best
Match photo gallery: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Gallery/View/143

Blake Robinson is now enjoying playing at Morpeth as he has relocated to the north east to help run his partner’s family farm

Alistair Thompson has fled the country after scoring a try in his last outing for the 1st XV. The lure of sheep shearing in New Zealand must’ve proved too much for him!
However, ’T-bag’ should be back before the end of the season once he’s bagged a few fleeces…

Stuart Wilkinson who was absent for a period earlier on in the season for compassionate reasons has now accepted a position on the coaching team of Sale Sharks and is no longer coaching with Kendal. Stuart is a first class coach, central to our promotion to Northern Premier and we are grateful for his time with us

Injuries:

Damian Armstrong is making a good recovery and travelled as a guest on the Volunteer’s bus to the Falcons match last weekend. He has now had the cast and support removed from his ankle and is walking unaided. He will resume training as soon as the surgeons permit, but it is anticipated that he will take no further part in any games this season

Zane Butler is awaiting results of scans on both shoulders and hopes to resume training and make an appearance before the end of the season. Zane can often be found in the Esteem Gym!

Mike Fearon suffered an injury to his knee in the away game at Pocklington earlier in the season. This was the start of a bout of knee trauma which looked like ligament damage. After resting, it now seems that ligament damage is unlikely, leaving muscle rehabilitation to manage. Mike was left out of last week’s return leg against Pocklington as a precautionary measure

Duncan Green had his appendix removed over Christmas and then unfortunately suffered a post-op infection. He is already back in the gym and we will likely see him back in the team before the end of the season

Liam Hayton is scheduled for an X-ray on Friday 19 Jan, as significant swelling to his knee meant he was unable to get one earlier. Although he is walking ‘freely’ there is no news on his availability at this stage. Both he and Duncan are a significant loss to the side, as both these players are experienced and formidable forwards

James Thomson has been receiving treatment on his damaged knee cartilage and is likely to miss the whole 2017/18 season. His knee is responding well to treatment however and we are hopeful he will return during pre-season this summer

Finally, our campaign so far has been a pretty tough one for both players and coaches alike, given our current injury list, the move to the new ground and the strength of our opposition, l think both teams deserve our praise for their efforts so far.
We have always enjoyed crowd numbers at Kendal, more often seen at a much higher level and with their support we will continue to show our gratitude by pushing hard to the season’s end.

Steve Whitehead