Due to the ongoing work on the Main Pitch, the Colts hosted Leigh on the 3G in a game that started in very wet conditions and in the change strip since Leigh also play in Black & Amber.
The visitors brought physicality, line-speed and clever kicking from the very start, which our lads struggled to deal with, consequently going a score behind within 2 minutes. This intensity meant we didn’t really get any opportunity to settle into the game and when we did we made a few uncharacteristic errors. In trying to turn the tide, Johnny saw yellow for mis-timing a tackle on a receiver, then a few minutes later Leigh punished us by kicking 3 points to go 10 ahead. Soon after, there was another converted score to Leigh, but by now our Colts were starting to have more of the ball, bring a couple of chances including being held up over the line. The half was unfortunately to finish 0-17.
This was truly a game of 2 halves: in weather and play!
Great work by Liam allowed Riley to follow up and open Kendals account in the corner 6 mins into the new half, though Tommy couldn’t add the extras. Leigh chose to take another Penalty on the 10th minute, taking them 5-20 up, but straight from the restart, Johnny gathered the ball and got his 2nd try in 2 games. Credit to our lads, they started to play how we know they can: Tom making some really hard yards, ably supported by Zack, Will & Johnny. 20 minutes in Will got over for another, with Tommy adding the kick to make it 17-20 and leaving Leigh a little shocked, especially as not long after, Liam anticipated a pass perfectly, to intercept and run half the field unopposed under the sticks, which Tommy duly converted to make it 24 unanswered points to Kendal – heady stuff!
Unfortunately, Leigh then realised they were in a proper game and fashioned a response of their own – scoring in the corner to edge back ahead, and then adding another 5 mins later to go beyond a one score game.
We did have a late opportunity with a 5m lineout, however despite going up uncontested, we got our timings wrong and missed the chance of the losing bonus point. 24-32 FT
It was great to have Cappy and Harley back in league action for the team.
Since Junior Colts, we should note that Leigh have moved down from league A and Kendal moved up from C, so if these opening couple of Senior Colts games are anything to go by, our lads will be very competitive and continue to be great value to watch.

Next up is Carlisle away in the National Cup – 2pm KO for those that can travel to support the Colts.