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Kendal Colts v Newcastle (Staffs)
Ryan Cuthbertson21 Jan - 18:24
Colts back to winning ways in tough encounter
Match Report: Kendal 31 – 15 Newcastle (Staffs)
Sunday, 18 January 2026 – KO 14:00
Kendal headed into this fixture carrying a significant list of absentees, with Kurt Cousins (knee), Matt Capstick (knee), Seth Webster (knee), John Swallow (recovery), Tyler Ogilvie‑Booth (shoulder), and Iestyn Morgan (away) all unavailable for selection. Despite the disrupted squad, Kendal delivered one of their strongest team performances of the season, securing a much‑needed 31–15 victory over Newcastle (Staffs).
First Half
Newcastle opened the scoring through an early penalty from Zak, followed by a converted try from their No.8 James shortly after the half‑hour mark. Kendal responded immediately when Liam Barr (No.13) powered over for his first try of the afternoon, with Jake Bowman (No.15) adding the conversion.
Bowman later struck a penalty to level the scores at 10–10 heading into the break. Kendal also had to cope with a yellow card shown to Luke Cuthbertson (No.12), but disciplined defensive work — including outstanding breakdown disruption from Joe Morris — ensured Newcastle couldn’t extend their lead.
Second Half
Kendal came out with real energy after half‑time. Liam Barr grabbed his second try in the 47th minute, converted again by Bowman, giving Kendal the lead. Barr completed a superb hat‑trick on 73 minutes, showcasing his pace, strength, and timing.
Up front, the Kendal forwards took control of the contest. Isa Muschamp (No.8) was exceptional, repeatedly carrying into contact, generating front‑foot ball, and providing the physical edge Kendal needed. His hard work was rewarded late on when he powered over for Kendal’s fourth try in the 78th minute — Bowman adding yet another conversion.
Newcastle scored once more through Benji in the 68th minute, but the missed conversion left them too far behind. Even after a late yellow card to Logan Tilsley (No.3), Kendal remained organised and controlled the closing stages with maturity.
Work‑Rate and Team Impact
Alongside Barr’s scoring and Muschamp’s dominance, William Dent delivered a massive performance built on grit and graft. His defensive effort was outstanding, and his contribution in the scrum provided a solid platform for Kendal all game long.
Joe Morris continued to excel with his tireless breakdown work and support play, regularly slowing Newcastle’s ball and helping Kendal win key momentum shifts.
Man of the Match – Liam Barr
With three tries, constant running threat, and huge influence across the pitch, Liam Barr was the clear and deserving Man of the Match.
A Big Win at an Important Time
Considering the long list of unavailable players, this result is even more impressive. Kendal showed character, resilience, and quality — producing a dominant second‑half performance to secure a vital and confidence‑boosting win after a challenging run of fixtures.
Sunday, 18 January 2026 – KO 14:00
Kendal headed into this fixture carrying a significant list of absentees, with Kurt Cousins (knee), Matt Capstick (knee), Seth Webster (knee), John Swallow (recovery), Tyler Ogilvie‑Booth (shoulder), and Iestyn Morgan (away) all unavailable for selection. Despite the disrupted squad, Kendal delivered one of their strongest team performances of the season, securing a much‑needed 31–15 victory over Newcastle (Staffs).
First Half
Newcastle opened the scoring through an early penalty from Zak, followed by a converted try from their No.8 James shortly after the half‑hour mark. Kendal responded immediately when Liam Barr (No.13) powered over for his first try of the afternoon, with Jake Bowman (No.15) adding the conversion.
Bowman later struck a penalty to level the scores at 10–10 heading into the break. Kendal also had to cope with a yellow card shown to Luke Cuthbertson (No.12), but disciplined defensive work — including outstanding breakdown disruption from Joe Morris — ensured Newcastle couldn’t extend their lead.
Second Half
Kendal came out with real energy after half‑time. Liam Barr grabbed his second try in the 47th minute, converted again by Bowman, giving Kendal the lead. Barr completed a superb hat‑trick on 73 minutes, showcasing his pace, strength, and timing.
Up front, the Kendal forwards took control of the contest. Isa Muschamp (No.8) was exceptional, repeatedly carrying into contact, generating front‑foot ball, and providing the physical edge Kendal needed. His hard work was rewarded late on when he powered over for Kendal’s fourth try in the 78th minute — Bowman adding yet another conversion.
Newcastle scored once more through Benji in the 68th minute, but the missed conversion left them too far behind. Even after a late yellow card to Logan Tilsley (No.3), Kendal remained organised and controlled the closing stages with maturity.
Work‑Rate and Team Impact
Alongside Barr’s scoring and Muschamp’s dominance, William Dent delivered a massive performance built on grit and graft. His defensive effort was outstanding, and his contribution in the scrum provided a solid platform for Kendal all game long.
Joe Morris continued to excel with his tireless breakdown work and support play, regularly slowing Newcastle’s ball and helping Kendal win key momentum shifts.
Man of the Match – Liam Barr
With three tries, constant running threat, and huge influence across the pitch, Liam Barr was the clear and deserving Man of the Match.
A Big Win at an Important Time
Considering the long list of unavailable players, this result is even more impressive. Kendal showed character, resilience, and quality — producing a dominant second‑half performance to secure a vital and confidence‑boosting win after a challenging run of fixtures.
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