A second pre-season game (after the evening visit to Preston a few weeks ago). A week earlier it is possible the game would have been in doubt due to the extreme heat – No problem this weekend, with possibly the worst weather of the Summer, cold with heavy rain throughout the game (oddly we had similar unseasonal conditions when we once played Aspatria at the old Mint Bridge pre-season).

A usual pre-season game, with a mix of youth and experience, well known faces and unknowns, and regular re-arrangement of both teams.

The game started with a strong pack including Barney Coxon partnering new club captain Reece Tomlinson in the second row, but Danny Barker was the only one of last season’s first choice back division.

After an even start Aspatria had the better of play, but seemed to lack the threat behind the pack to open the Kendal defence.

First team regular Jordan Johnson was having a good game at scrum half, getting the ball quickly to the back division, but the Aspatria defence kept them at bay, and Dan Lowther at outside half was often used to clear the lines.

The Kendal lineout was working well, with Reece Tomlinson winning clean ball, but it appeared a weak spot for Aspatria, as they rarely kicked for touch instead kicking down field for position and looking for Kendal errors.

Aspatria’s pack probably had the upper hand in the scrum, until a change saw the arrival of Liam Hayton and Alistair Thompson, and the tables turned. This change was repeated throughout the game as players arrive and departed in both packs.

There were good breaks from the returned Dini Noyo on the left wing, and new fullback Nacio Cisini playing in the centre, but both came to nothing.

The deadlock was finally broken after half an hour when the Kendal pack rumbled over for a try (no idea who got the touchdown), which was not converted. 0v5

This stayed the score until half time, and conditions meant both teams left the field for the shelter of the changing rooms.

The regular changes continued after half time with Mark Carruthers and late on Glen Weightman filling the outside half role.

Kendal had to spend several periods defending on their line, whilst Aspatria managed to stop Kendal grounding the ball after a lineout drive, after conceding a number of penalties on their line which in a competitive game may have seen yellow cards and a penalty try.

In injury time Aspatria finally got their reward with a try, but with the last action of the game the conversion failed for a 5v5 draw, which probably was a fair result of an evenly matched contest.

Did we learn anything ? Possibly not, but hopefully the coaching team did.

Next weekend sees a game closer to “home”, as Moortown are due to be played at Windermere (there is a wedding at Mint Bridge – hopefully the weather will be better for both matches). There is also a possibility of a Cumbria Cup Match at Mint Bridge in the week – or maybe not – hopefully details will appear on the website in advance, if a game is being played.

KENDAL SQUAD

Forwards
Alex Ryder *
Alistair Thompson *
Anthony Gage *
Barney Coxon *
Dan Reid *
Glenn Chesher *
Hugh Davies *
Jack Blocksidge
Joe Anderson
Joe Lashley
Liam Hayton *
Reece Tomlinson *
Robbie Collinson *
Shaun Tipping
Steve Nelson *

Backs
Dan Barker *
Dan Lowther *
Dini Noyo *
Chris Park *
George Phillipson
Glen Weightman +
Jordan Johnson *
Mark Carruthers +
Mckenzie Cousins
Nacio Cisint *
Tommy Calvert

* played
+ played (but was not named in original squad)
Others were probably there but I do not recognise yet