With the First XV making the very long trip to Driffield, I and a few other regular First XV away followers instead made the trip to Southport (not Stockport !) for the Vikings (Second XV) game, and were well rewarded with an excellent team performance

Their win last weekend had seen them go top of the League. This game was originally scheduled for Mint Bridge but was switched to Southport due to the postponement of the game earlier in the season, with the points for both games combined. So ten points were on offer.

Slight problem with writing a report, as no team list appears on Facebook, the RFU site or the website. So not sure of the names of most of the young squad (they know who they are, and shouldn’t need anyone else to tell them how well they played). Second XV regulars Anthony Gage and Dan Greenwood were there, plus Alex Ryder and Chris Evans (both excellent), Luke Middleton was a replacement at half time (after running the line in the first half), whilst Will Meaden home from University was at outside half (and has lost none of his pace and skill whilst away)

Any team who scores 90+ points clearly did something right in attack, but even more impressive was their defence. Southport had some big experience players, but not only were they tackled, but often driven backwards.

Southport were in fourth with nine wins from their sixteen games, so on paper not an easy game.

The game was played on an open second team pitch as their first team (second in their League) were also at home, playing Garstang and winning 47v19 – there are a few names in that League who have been on the First XV fixture list in the last ten years, Bolton (3rd) ; Glossop (6th); and Leigh (10th of ten)

After a hail storm earlier in the morning it was a dry afternoon, but there was a very strong cold wind blowing down the ground.

Despite playing into the wind in the first half, the Kendal team had the better of the early play, but a number of handling errors (possibly forced passes) and some solid Stockport defence kept the game scoreless.

Kendal finally got the breakthrough after twelve minutes. Southport rarely used the wind to put long kicks up field, but when they did the ball was run back and one of the Kendal centres (12) broke though and in conditions which would make kicking difficult he went under the posts to help the fullback add the conversion 0v7

It took only three minutes for a second try, this time it was a backrow man (7) who powered away, again scoring under the posts for the fullback (with the right wing holding the ball in place) converting 0v14.

Southport were having spells with the ball, but found the Kendal team were quick to get tackles in and often play was going backwards as more tackles came in.

One complaint about the First XV, is often players make good breaks, but no one gets in support when the opposition make the try saving tackle. Not a complaint you could make here as the team were all hungry for scores, and the third try came following a good run by the centre (12) and having done the hardwork was finished off by the wing (14), and again under the posts for a conversion from the fullback 0v21

The other centre (13) was next to score with a run down the left wing. He seemed to have too much to do with a number of Southport players between him and the line, but he was not to be denied and managed to get to the line – no chance of going around and little chance of the conversion (it was a good kick but not accurate). 0v26

Having earlier done the hard work for another to score, for the next score the centre (12) was in support to benefit from a break by his backrow man (7) 0v33 with the conversion

That was first of three tries in very quick succession. From the kick off the ball came to outside half Will Meaden in his own twenty two, and having been stopped several times earlier in the half, this time he spotted a gap, and once away there was going to be no stopping him. 0v40 with the conversion

Southport made the mistake of putting the restart to Chris Evans, who made ground before releasing a backrow man (7) and this time he needed no support 0v47 with the conversion – on this performance competition for First XV back row spots is going to be get even tougher in seasons to come.

The final score of the half came from another Chris Evans run, and this time it was a second row (4) who finished it off 0v54

After all the running, the young referee who was having a good game controlling the two teams, and making clear what he wanted from them, felt the cold at the break and added a extra layer (wisely he took it off at the restart, as there was plenty more running to come).

Now with the wind behind them the opening score of second half went to Kendal with the second row (4) adding another try, again converted by the fullback. 0v61

Anthony Gage (who made his First XV debut in 2013) clearly felt there had been too much scoring by the youngsters, and made several attempts to score, only to be stopped or lose the ball but finally he got his try. No conversion this time. 0v66

Another of the more experienced players Dan Greenwood (who had made his debut a season earlier) went over for the next try 0v73 with the conversion.

Despite the scoreline Southport were still handling well, but the Kendal defence was not letting up, and the strong wind meant there was no opportunity to clear their lines with kicks.

Another try for the No.7 followed, this time power with him breaking tackles rather than the speed of the first half. 0v80 with the conversion.

Another try for No.13 and another conversion for No.15

The penultimate try went to replacement Luke Middleton 0v92

The final score was from No.12 then drop kick conversion from No.15. Despite there still being a little time left on the clock, the teams shook hands. 0v99

Other than not using the wind better in the first half, there was little the Southport team could have done to stop the rampant Kendal XV

If you have not seen the team yet, chances will be limited as they only have two League games to come. Away in a fortnight to Liverpool St Helens, then a crucial game at Mint Bridge the following week, when second place Fylde, the only team to defeat them on the pitch (Littleborough had a walk over on the weekend of the Penrith Cup game) are the visitors.

This weekend Fylde kept up pressure with a 17v40 win away at third placed Kirkby Lonsdale. Despite Kendal now having a seven point lead at the top of the table, Fylde have an extra game to play at home to Littleborough (the week after their visit to Mint Bridge,). So could still overtake Kendal if they win their final three games. So as the First XV will have finished their season, some extra support would be useful.

If that game impresses you, the team are also involved in a Cup Final against Prenton (currently top of the South Division) at Ormskirk on the May Bank Holiday Saturday – kick off 1.45pm

So whilst I would have liked to be at Driffield, maybe I made the right decision and this game was a great substitute.

ACTION

TABLE