After Kendal’s narrow win at Winters Park last weekend, the two teams met again, this time at Mint Bridge, in the semi-final of the Cumbria Cup, which Penrith had held since 2018, when they defeated Kendal in the Final, doing the same at the end of last season.

Ollie Rose had played his last game of the season last weekend, as he heads with Barney Coxon to New Zealand, and Aaron Stephens was moved to scrum half. This allowed Ben O’Halloran to move to fullback, with Mikey Charnley coming in on the right wing. Following John Dervey’s injury last weekend, Dane Blenkharn moved to the second row, with Johnny Swallow coming off the bench, to the back row with Patrick Wolstenholme starting there, with four Second XV players Evan Beatie; Connor Lees; Dafydd Philp and Luke Middleton joining an expanded bench .

Penrith had seven different players in the team from last weekend including at least one on his debut they also only had two on the bench neither of whom were not involved last weekend. Joe Spencely moved from centre to outside half and Sam Wilson from No.8 to centre

After a dry morning the forecast rain arrived just before kick-off, and with it a strong breeze.

After the poor start last weekend, this time it was Kendal who started better and after a few near misses took the lead after eight minutes when the forwards rumbled over (no idea who got the final touchdown – but Robbie Kincart was one of the last coming back). Evan Moir added the conversion 7v0.

Any thoughts that this could be an easy win for Kendal were quickly extinguished with Penrith having a long period on attack in the Kendal half, and like last week managing to keep the ball through long periods with no handling errors. However also like last week, Kendal’s defence was equal to everything thrown at it.

Having weathered the storm Kendal broke up field and immediately punished Penrith.

Ben O’Halloran made a strong run down the right wing, but there was a tackle on the line which forced him in to touch before he could touchdown. The Penrith lineout throw was stolen and the ball was moved into mid-field where Alfie Bradshaw powered through, and whilst he was stopped before the line, he got the ball away to Ben Dixon for the second try. Evan Moir added the conversion. 14v0.

The final score of the half came from a Penrith handling error on halfway. Matt Houghton was fastest to react and kicked the ball through and then followed his kick to do the same again. Oscar Coxon was through to chase the kick and just needed to pick up and fall over the line, but in the wet conditions this was not easy. Evan Moir added a third conversion. 21v0.

Kendal made a tactical change with Connor Lees coming on for Joe Anderson, then in added time were forced into a second with Robbie Kincart coming off to be replaced by Patrick Wolstenholme, with Matt Houghton moving to the front row.

At half time despite the weather, Penrith stayed out and were kept waiting by Kendal, who made a third change with Luke Middleton replacing Dane Blenkharn.

Kendal quickly extended their lead after three minutes. There was a good run down the right wing by Dan Shorrock and whilst he was stopped, the ball was recycled. Andy Rogers lurking on the left wing, quickly called for the ball which was moved across field, for him to power over near the corner. 26v0.

Kendal made a fourth change with Dafydd Philp coming on for Mikey Chanley who had played well.

The next score after quarter of an hour, was finally reward for Penrith with a try from short range. 26v5.

Kendal almost immediately restored and extended their lead. Penrith ball was turned over and there was a dangerous long pass, but no interception, with Dafydd Philp taking the pass and releasing Ben Dixon for his second try. Evan Moir added the conversion. 33v5

Penrith came back again and added a second try from short range, 33v10.

Again Kendal were quickly back, first Evan Moir put over a penalty 36v10, then Andy Rogers went over for his second try. 41v10.

Joe Anderson returned for Connor Lees.

The penultimate Kendal try, was the try of the afternoon. Back at fullback, Ben O’Halloran had been using the extra space with a number of powerful runs, but was always being caught. This time there was no stopping him, with a weaving run starting on the left and beating a string of would be tacklers, and whilst caught on the line he managed to get the well deserved score near the posts. Evan Moir added the simple conversion. 48v10

The final Kendal try went to Dafydd Philp who powered through for a try on the left. Evan Moir added the conversion. 55v10

Penrith had the final score again from short range with the last action of the game 55v15.

For a third game, Kendal probably had far less ball that their opponents, but when they had it they got the important scores. Whilst Penrith had little reward on the scoreboard for all the ball they had, if they had not kept it so well it could have been a much bigger scoreline.

A return to League action for both teams next weekend, with just five games to go. Sixth placed Blaydon are the visitors to Mint Bridge, whilst Penrith travel to Sandal, having dropped into the bottom two this weekend following Middlesbrough’s win over Sandal in a high scoring game, which also saw Sandal pick up a double bonus point. A Penrith win will help both teams, however despite their position, Penrith have safety in their own hands, with Middlesbrough and Cleckheaton still to visit them, but will need to turn possession into points and stop scores at the other end of the pitch.

MAN OF THE MATCH

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ACTION

TEAMS :

PHOTOS

Paul's

Andrew Field's

OTHER GAME

A important bonus point win for Middlesbrough and a double bonus points for Sandal

SECOND XV :

Off

WASPS :
After the win last weekend, another winnable game this weekend as the team head to Chester Divas, who won 5v27 at Mint Bridge, but Sefton, who the Wasps pushed all the way a fortnight ago, had recently won at Chester.

SENIOR COLTS :
Are at Mint Bridge on Sunday to Waterloo who top the table with six wins from their eight games (although Preston are just three points behind with two games in hand)

Waterloo won 41v14 in the away game.