Kendal pipped at the post by a strong finishing Rossendale

Mint Bridge was surrounded by gloom and heavy rain, as the glorious summer ended with a sudden jolt, but the Cumbrians seemed to enjoy the wet weather as they burst into action almost from the kick off.
After only four minutes, Dan Lowther made a fine break down the left wing, charging through a Rossendale defence in complete disarray, scoring a fine solo try after a fifty metre break. Gian Boardley missed the conversion, but the Hornets were buzzing, and some of the Lancashire lads were still in the changing rooms,or so it seemed.

Kendal continued to dominate possession, in spite of losing Reece Tomlinson, who was yellow carded for foul play in the tenth minute. This was definitely not a friendly encounter, but a full blooded match!

Rossendale immediately attacked with a penalty to the corner, laying siege to the Cumbrian line, but Kendal immediately won turnover ball, and a long kick out of defence saw Garry Holmes chasing hard and made a fine tackle on the Rossendale full back who was caught in possession.
Jordan Johnson, Kendal's right wing, was quick to snaffle the loose ball from the ruck and chase thirty metres for the line for a fine team effort - good support work bringing a superb long distance try. Gian Boardley adding the easy conversion: Kendal 12 Rossendale 0.

Soon after Gian added a penalty to increase the home lead, but after half an hour Garry Holmes had to leave the field with a damaged shoulder, replaced by Jamie Thompson.
Andrew Hudson was confident in the back row, making numerous charges, and when Reece Tomlinson returned, Kendal continued to dominate, committing Rossendale to a fine catch and drive from a line out in the right corner. It was like clockwork, catch by Reece, the whole pack drove for the line, and Hudson gained the touchdown as he flopped over. Boardley kicked the conversion and the Black & Ambers were twenty points up as the whistle blew for the break.

When the second half commenced, it seemed that the Lancshire lads were relishing the foul elements, or maybe they had a good rollocking from their feisty coaching team, for suddenly they started to move the ball to the wings, as they gained much more possession.
Dan Logan on the right wing took advantage of a big overlap to cut inside and score Rossendale's first try near the posts, easily converted.
It was Kendal's turn to be sleepy as the opposition continued to attack.
Rossendale won important turnover ball whilst attacking, and Sam Greenwood, a fine open side wing forward, charged through a shredded home defence for a second converted try for Rossendale.

As Ross continued to dominate, only six points behind now, the clincher came when they won a scrum in the home twenty two metre zone, moved left, then the fly half switched the ball inside to Andy Douncey, his supporting back row, who charged over from close quarters. The conversion was kicked and Ross now had a one point lead.

At last Kendal showed some fighting spirit - Ian Voortman counter attacked, supported by Dan Lowther and full back, Leo Mercer, and good passing saw Leo haring for the right corner. But Leo was caught by the Rossendale cover.

The game was over, and Rossendale deserved to celebrate their 21-20 win, which they did in style till the late hours, determined to enjoy their long training week-end, rain or no rain!
Whilst Kendal, in spite of their strong training regime since mid June, and their undoubted improved fitness, realise that they need to raise the bar a few more notches before the serious league matches commence in a few weeks' time. I have no doubt that Steve Whitehead will be reminding them of this starting on Tuesday evening!
Tackle, tackle, tackle, the old mantra will be quoted again and again, or maybe painted outside the training room door.