1st XV
Matches
Sat 07 Aug 2021
Kendal R.U.F.C.
1st XV
17
5
Aspatria
Kendal 17 (12) v (0) 5 Aspatria

Kendal 17 (12) v (0) 5 Aspatria

Mark Hodgkiss7 Aug 2021 - 16:57
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https://www.kendalrugby.co.uk/

Back in Business

Exactly seventeen months after the last First XV game at Mint Bridge (vs Malton & Norton), rugby returned after a rather longer than usual Summer break (74 weeks)

Returning to Kendal after time away were Reece Tomlinson and James Gough, both of whom played well (although James said he would be feeling it in the morning), whilst prop Hugh Davies made a first appearance, despite being at the club for some time, and with his and Reece’s presence, the scrum looked a lot more solid for much of the game.

It was the normal pre-season type of game with rolling substitutions. Whilst the pack was strong, there seemed to be shortage behind the pack with Ben Dixon in the centre, and with three scrum halves in the squad, Lewis Kincart playing fullback.

Up front despite Chris Evans being away playing cricket (or judging by the weather probably not playing) with Ross McKay and Reece Tomlinson starting in the second row, and Liam Hayton on the bench, Greg Wrathall went to No.8, to form a formidable back five with Matt Houghton and Steven Nelson.

Despite playing in Summer, the weather at Mint Bridge was similar to much of the 2019/20 season, with regular very heavy rain, but it did not spoil the game with the ground in good condition.

Kendal opened the scoring after seven minutes with a powerful rolling maul from a lineout being finished by Greg Wrathall 5v0

The second try came from Aspatria possession. When the ball went loose Anthony Gage got the ball to Ben Dixon, who powered from close to halfway to the line to score. Glen Weightman added the conversion. 12v0

Despite the score line Aspatria probably had more of the ball, helped by a string of penalties against Kendal for technical offences, with the pack being over eager to try to steal Aspatria ball. The Kendal defence was very solid, and Aspatria rarely threatened a score.

The score line was unchanged at half time.

The first score of the second half again came from turn over ball. Anthony Gage made a run in the centre, and when the ball came out, Liam Hayton made a break (must have been reading last week’s Top Tens), before passing to Lewis Kincart, who with players in support on both side, needed no help and powered through to score.

Glen Weightman was off the field so James Gough was playing outside half with Jordan Johnson on at scrum half, so James took the kick, but did not hit the target.

As the game entered the final quarter Kendal made changes with Shaun Tipping and Joe Hope (?) coming on, with Liam Hayton and Reece Tomlinson amongst those coming off, which gave a powerfully built Aspatria pack, which had earlier made little impression on the Kendal scrum, more ball, and after twenty seven minutes their No.8 score 17v5

This was the final score.

A good run out, and it looks as if there will be some competition this season for places in the pack and at scrum half. Hopefully more of the backs missing this afternoon will return to do the same behind the pack.

If you missed this one, unfortunately the game scheduled for next weekend against Ilkley is now OFF, but there is another in a fortnight (21st) against Moortown – so get down if you can - if only to see Danny Barker’s new hair style.

Not long after the game ended the sun came out, which will have been good news for those who stayed on to watch the Lions - even if the final result wasn't

Match details

Match date

Sat 07 Aug 2021

Kickoff

14:30

Location

Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Kentdale  Jaguar Land Rover
Match Ball Sponsor - Rathbones Investment Management
Shirt & Shorts Sponsor - Kendalife
Club Sponsor - Lakeland
Club Sponsor - Saint & Co
Club Sponsor - MTP Media
Casual Shirt Sponsor - Bainbridge Electrical Ltd
Shirt & Position Sponsor - Steve Selby Building Contractors
Next Door Neighbours - Camping & Caravanning Club: Kendal
Shirt Sponsor - MGD Commercial and Motor Services
Club Sponsor - Crema Catering Supplies Ltd.