Kendal started their competitive season with a first step on the (short) road to defending the Cumbria Cup that they won last April, also against Keswick, but it was a much closer game than the final scoreline may suggest.

A much changed Kendal team to the one that started the Final, with only Ben Dixon; Dan Shorrock and Aaron Stephens (who played scrum half in that game) in the backs; and Joe Anderson and Patrick Wolstenholme from the pack, although four of the five replacements in the Final were involved again.

After some light showers in the morning the game was played in warm sunshine.

Keswick started playing towards the car park end, and early exchanges were even, with both teams having time in attack.

The opening score didn’t come until eighteen minutes. Kendal were twice penalised for offside whilst defending on their line, but Keswick finally got the score. A hint of a double movement as the player stretched to ground the ball, but the referee was on the spot and happy. The conversion from wide on the left came back off the post. 5v0.

Five minutes later Kendal had the lead. Aaron Stephens put a penalty close to the line. After failing to take an earlier chance when the lineout was not straight, the pack got it right, taking the lineout then driving to the line, with the try credited to second row Toby Merrick . Aaron Stephens added the conversion for the lead 5v7.

Joe Anderson went off after twenty five minutes and a lightweight pack started to struggle with Keswick winning a number of penalties at the scrum. Kendal were also having more problems in the lineout, whilst Keswick were easily securing their own ball.

Keswick continued to play well, whilst a string of errors stopped Kendal getting a foothold.

Just after the half hour Keswick re-took the lead. The score came when a forward broke through, but was set up by several good offloads out of tackles, when it appeared the Kendal defence had cleared the danger. 12v7 with the conversion.

Kendal made more changes including the return of Barney Coxon

Just before the end of the half Aaron Stephens narrowed the gap with a penalty 12v10

Kendal could even have turned in the lead. A forward made a good break, but for a second time the good work was undone with a dreadful pass to Dan Shorrock, and the chance was gone.

Keswick and the referee were both ready for the restart well before the Kendal team, with the coaches giving extra advice.

It was however Keswick who struck early to extend their lead. Kendal lost their won lineout, on the left, the ball was moved right and with Dan Shorrock trying to defence against several Keswick players, the left wing went through to score 17v10 after three minutes.

Five minutes later the scores were even. Keswick knocked on in mid-field. There was a break for treatment to several players, and when play resumed, with the Kendal pack having earlier been dominated by Keswick, Patrick Wolstenholme picked up quickly and was away making a long break to the twenty-two, where instead of trying to go all the way himself timed a pass perfectly to Zane Butler for him to score. Aaron Stephens put the conversion over from a wide angle. 17v17.

There were a few let offs for Kendal. A long kick through was gathered by recent recruit Chris Rochelle (from Sunderland), at fullback, with Ollie Rose who started there having moved to scrum half. Rather than play safe, Rochelle threw a long pass to Dan Shorrock, who tried to gather one handed - and failed.

It looked likely Keswick would try to drive the scrum over, but instead went for surprise and a quick pick up, but the Kendal defence held out, although conceding another penalty. Keswick went for another scrum, but this time the Kendal pack stole the ball and Ollie Rose was able to clear.

The try which gave Kendal the lead, came after twenty three minutes, and was started with a long counterattacking run from Chris Rochelle from deep in his own half. It looked as he had tried to beat one too many players, when stopped near the line, but the ball was quickly recycled for Kendal replacement Finn Kennedy to crash over. Aaron Stephens added the conversion. 17v24

There was a little controversy in the build up to the try that made the game safe for Kendal. Ben Dixon made a good break down the left wing, but his pass looked forward, then appeared to be knocked on, but the referee (who had a good game) either missed or was happy with both. There was then another knock on to end the attack.

However following the scrum, Ben Dixon anticipated a clearance kick and charged it down, and managed to gather the ball and go over. 17v29

There was also a bit of good fortune (and skill) in the final score. Keswick turn the ball over near halfway and the ball was moved wide, but this time Zane Butler had anticipated play and intercepted. Whilst he was caught Ben Dixon was on hand to take a pass and go in under the posts. Ollie Rose was given the conversion with the final action of the game 17v36.

Certainly not as good a performance as against North Ribblesdale last weekend, and will need to improve when the League starts in three weeks, but there are a few not involved to come back, and for a second time in the Cup, Keswick proved a difficult opponent, and the Kendal defence did well to hold firm.

Zane Butler looks a very useful recruit, whilst Aaron Stephens and Patrick Wolstenholme both continued their good form from last season, whilst Ben Dixon had another good game.

Next weekend – NOT Rochdale away (that will now be played the weekend before Christmas) but a non-League game at Mint Bridge against one of our opposition in the League, Blackburn. It had been an early Kick-off at 2.00 but has since moved to 2.30 – but keep watching for any change.

Thank to Director of Rugby Nick Millner for filling in the gaps

Other Games :
Hawcoat Park 22 v 14 Kirkby Lonsdale

To be played in 12th September
Penrith v Upper Eden
Wigton v Aspatria