Saturday saw a third league defeat for the 1st XV, on the 300-mile round trip to Driffield, east of York. Danny Barker and Chris Evans made their first starts of the season, but John Dervey and Jack Lashley were both unavailable. After falling 17v0 behind in the first quarter, a rally after half-time saw the gap reduced to just 24v12 with twenty minutes to play, only for Driffield to pull away again. Fourteen of Driffield’s starting squad had come through their junior system, and their greater cohesion as a team was one of the differences.

By contrast, Kendal U18 Senior Colts played their second home league match v Wigan on Sunday and recorded a 43 v 17 victory, to make it 2 out of 2 home wins, after smoking ‘Hoppers 33 v 0 a fortnight ago. Tries from James Seaton (2), Will Coxon, Rhys Wilson, Cory Livesey, Aaron Quincey-Byrne and Owen Slater, with conversions from Sam Coleman (4) were the highlights of a decent contest, marred by a couple of red cards for Wigan players in the dying seconds of the game.

The U13 Girls travelled to Keswick Rugby festival and recorded 2 wins and a loss. Continuing with winning ways were the U13 Hornets playing their first game of the season v Keswick. Inspired by watching the Rugby World Cup in the club beforehand, they came out with an intensity and determination to put on a good performance for those watching from the stand and balcony. With competitive scrummaging on the menu for the first time and Keswick struggling to break the gain line, Kendal systematically stuck to great techniques in tackling, rucking and team play to run out big winners after a 9-try scoring frenzy!

It’s here!!! RWC 2019 got off to a flying start, with Kendal Rugby Club scheduled to show most of the matches throughout the next 6 weeks. The opening ceremony, followed by Japan v Russia was shown in the lounge on Friday, followed by France v Argentina and New Zealand v South Africa on Saturday. Sunday saw the club packed to the gunwales to see the home nations kick-off their RWC campaigns with Ireland v Scotland and England v Tonga providing great entertainment, while the bacon butties were flying out!

Next weekend: 28-29 Sep 19

Saturday 28 Sep welcomes Percy Park from Tyneside to Mint Bridge, for a 3pm kick off. They currently sit tenth in the table, four places above Kendal 1st XV and boast a home win against Cleckheaton in their second game, but last weekend went down heavily away at Scarborough, who Kendal ran so close at Mint Bridge in their last home game a fortnight ago. Another chance for Kendal to get their opening win of the season, to end their worst start to a season since 2010/11. As an after-match bonus, the Kremer Bar presents Live Music from Kev Kendal straight after the Percy Park match!

After missing a match last weekend due to Sale RUFC folding, the 2nd XV travels to play Vale of Lune on Sat 28 Sep in their next league match.
‘Super Sunday’ 29 Sep also sees our ladies Wasps team play hosts to Preston Grasshoppers ladies in an afternoon CUP TIE (KO TBC). But the highlight of the day should be a one-off charity match: Nige Bullock’s Elite Hornet social team v Cumbria & Lancashire Anti-Assassins social side (KO TBC). Kirkby Lonsdale Festival is also on Sunday, with our U11 Hornet and U12 Hornet teams participating.

The RWC continues with ENGLAND v USA on Thursday 26 Sep at 11.45am, with lunch served in the Kremer Bar. Matches continue on ‘Super Saturday’ 28 Sep featuring Japan v Ireland at 8.15am and South Africa v Namibia at 10.45am. Sun 29 Sep has Australia v Wales at 8.45am. Breakfast buns and bar lunches are available for ALL MATCHES shown live at the club!