Vale of Lune 0 Kendal 5

Vale of Lune 0 Kendal 5
After surviving two weeks of torrential rain and flooding the semi amphibious Kendal bus docked at the Vale to find relatively dry moorings and a surprisingly decent pitch. The long journey South had been smooth and relatively uneventful with lads enjoying the delights of Morecambe bay whilst rolling along the tourist route. All was calm and the scene was set for what was always going to be a tough away fixture against our old rivals the Vale of Lune, who having nothing to lose and everything to gain were looking forward to spoiling Kendal's party.

Kendal started the game well and were looking good in the first quarter with both sides having shown their appetite for the occasion the scene was set for a bruising derby. Kendal drove hard around the fringes perhaps a little too tight in the first half as the Vale defence was impressive round the fringes and refused to give way. Kendal had more luck attacking wider out but several chances went begging when Josh Chaplow having made a great break through the middle mistook some fresh air for Dini Noyo and a few minutes later a fine break from Garry Holmes was butchered by Gollam Goff. Half time was approaching fast, and both sides had missed kicks at goal when the love - struck Nathan Woof stepped up and indicated to the sticks, he may have meant touch however, as that's where the ball landed, leaving the score board untroubled. Just before half time the pressure told and the talented Vale fly half, Ben Dorrington was sent to the bin for a well earned ten minutes rest, and with a player out of the back line, Zane Butler took the opportunity and exta space out wide to get a couple of numbers from girls in the stand, to see him through the week. Not a single point was scored as the whistle blew, and words of wisdom were spoken by the Kendal coachesChris Downham and Stuart Wilkinson, in order to redirect and sharpen the attacking play.
The big hitting Mark Carruthers was brought on to replace Nathan Wooff, who had a nail appointment and Zane Butler was switched to the rear, in a sweeping role, where he picked up a couple more numbers for over the holidays.

Kendal's forwards changed to a strong - driving display wider out as directed,and Ben Leacock who was outstanding all day took some great catches in the middle, Garry Holmes backed up a fine afternoons performance with some Immaculate throwing in to the line out where Chris Downham, and Liam Hayton were waiting to pounce and both packs of forwards continued to exchange blows whilst the girls looked on and the rain fell once again. Vale worked hard all day and had chances to score in both halves only to be thwarted by an other great defencive effort from the lads. Matty Houghton was rested after a hard week bailing out his home and was replaced by Jack Lashley who had been released from scouts and into the front row. Josh Chaplow had a fine game in the loose making some good breaks and had he been Steve whitehead would have scored, On another occasion Ben Leacock went charging through in lively fashion, but the tries would not come as the the Vale defence was equal to any.

Finally, after over 60 minutes of the game, Dino Noyo had seen enough and lit the after burners and hurtled down the left wing creating space outside him and after drawing the full back with a perfect pass put the Romeo Butler in at the corner for the only try of the game and a superb score. Some time after Danny Barker used his pace and caught up just in time to celebrate before the difficult conversion was missed from the touchline by one of the ladies and the game still hung in the balance. However the Cumbrian's refused to be sent back over the border to God's country where they belong without a win, and their defence was rock solid for the last ten minutes, as the red and whites desperately tried to find a gap.

Much had been said before this encounter but both sides did their talking on the field and deserve credit for their respective efforts in poor conditions.

Kendal managed their first double of the season and look forward to more challenges in the New Year as they continue to grow. Well done lads and thanks for a great first half to the season.
Merry Christmas to all attached with the club and here's to a great 2016.

Regards
Frank Jameson, assisted by Steve Whitehead
PS Here's for some sunshine in the spring.