Kendal U15 v Tarleton U15

Kendal U15s got their season underway with a home game against Tarleton, who were visiting Mintbridge for the first time after Kendal made their first trip to Tarleton’s Carr Lane ground last season. On that occasion Kendal had a comfortable win against a side who were just finding their feet, after only recently forming. Having had longer now to work together and improve, Kendal were expecting a tougher contest this time around and although the final score showed a comfortable win, they were made to work much harder for every yard and every point.
In truth it was a great performance for their first run out by Kendal, whereby the work they’ve put in during pre-season sessions on improving ruck speed allowed them to control the majority of possession and when the backs, with good handling from Dylan and Olly were able to take play close to the try line, the powerful props, Kurt and Logan (2) were able to force their way over for the opening tries. Later in the second half, good strong carries from Will T, Leo and Nathan created space outside for wingers Roan and Tyler to also get on the score-sheet.
Kendal’s final try of the half came from some quick thinking from Joe and Hashim, who attempted a cheeky chip through which bounced off a Tarleton player, Caleb was on hand to pick up and barge his way over. Tarleton finished the half strongly and a quick break from a speedy back saw him go over in the corner.
The half time score was 34-5 thanks to some difficult conversions by Tristan who has obviously spent the summer working on his place kicking as he was striking the ball superbly.
Changes to the line-up made for a scrappier second half, but Kendal remained in control of the game for the majority of the half and were able to show that the hard work put in on the set pieces was paying off; Alex was hitting his targets at the line out, Leon and George coming on and adding safe options as line out jumpers and Will D moved into the front row where we continued to dominate.
As the game opened up; the tries in the second half came from Kendal’s well drilled backs, that were controlled well by Harry and Alfie, allowing Ben D, Alfie, Tristan and Tyler all to get over the try line.
Tarleton, were able to threaten at regular intervals throughout the second period and finally got a try with the final play of the half, that their good play and commitment deserved to give a final score of 53-10.
We look forward to our second trip to Tarleton later this season when I’m sure the game will be much closer given the level of improvement Tarleton have shown already in their short time together as a growing and improving squad.