A tough challenge against visitors Harrogate, who currently sit fourth in the table, but only trail leaders Hull by three points. As Hull play Vale of Lune this weekend, it will take a major shock to catch them, but Blaydon and Billingham meet, so there is every possibility Harrogate could move up another place – if they can see off our challenge.
They have only lost twice so far this season, both times by narrow margins to teams currently above them, by 2 points against Billingham, and 6 in 78 against Blaydon. Their victories have come narrowly against Sandal (4 points) and Wirral (4), but they won well against Rossendale and last weekend Wilmslow 50v12.
Last season we got close in both games, but they came out on top both times and finished the season in third.
TEAM : Again the pack stays fairly stable, with the only change being Ross McKay, who came on last weekend at Lymm, taking over in the second row from Matthew Charters
More re-organisation behind the pack. Glen Weightman misses only his second game since making his debut in September 2014. His place is taken by Leo Mercer starting a game for the first time since January last year. Both wings are changed with Nick Carlton coming in on the left wing, and Cameron Hetherington making his debut on the right in place of multi Man of the Match winner Myles Harrop. I was a little worried as an internet search suggested Cameron might be Prop, but the website says he is a centre, and scored twice for the Development team in their big opening win.
After a good game against Lymm, Chris Park retains his place at 10.
Mark Carruthers is back on the bench, with Liam Ridley, plus another potential debutant in prop George Tuala. Someone told me last weekend he is a “big lad”, but in the first mention I found on the internet, he is the little one in this photo !#
QUIZ QUESTIONS :
The two teams last met at Mintbridge on 27th January this year.
How many of today's Kendal ...
1 : 18 were in that 18 ?
2 : starting 15 were in that 15 ?
3 : team start in the same number jersey ?
Clue : The fact I am asking the question, shows the answers are likely to be unexpected
Answers in the match report
WEATHER : Could be wet for the game.