The Kendal Development squad stood firm to beat a very physical Moresby 1st XV

Kendal Development Squad 20 Moresby 1st XV 18
Kendal Development squad stood firm against a very physical Moresby 1st XV to edge through on Saturday with a fine win.
An early matched opening period saw each side test the other's defences, and on fifteen minutes a lapse in defence allowed Moresby to score the first converted try: 0-7.
Kendal however rallied, and ten minutes later, good work by the black and amber pack allowed the ever improving James Cox to drive over: 5-7.
Josh Chaplow - outstanding commitment and leadership throughout the game.
From the kick off, Kendal again drove upfield and from a line out, Rob Wightman stole the ball and completely confused the opposition defence to score Kendal's second try:10-7.
This game was never going to be dull, with Moresby's rough,tough tackling, and Kendal's sturdy defence.
Just before half time, the West Cumbrian lads scored their second try to take the lead: 10 - 12, and increased it with a penalty: 10-15.

After half time, Kendal increased the tempo when a penalty kick quickly taken saw Dan Reid bludgeon his way over from five metres - all square at 15-15.
Moresby were at last beginning to realise that Kendal were not going to give in.
The tough West Cumbrians decided to use some tough tactics, and were lucky not to fall behind when Dane Blenkhorn broke through, but he was hauled down one metre from the try line with a high tackle.
Midway through the half, a simple penalty under the posts gave Moresby the lead : 15-18.
Rather than crumble, this made Kendal more determined than ever, and having put pressure on the Moresby try line, Rob Wightman scored his second try to regain the lead: 20-18.
From this moment, the West Cumbrians lost their cool, and a mast brawl ensued.
Sean Garnett had to leave the field with a badly disfigured nose, which later required hospital treatment, and the referee gave three players yellow cards (two from Moresby)to quieten matters down.
But Kendal hung on to record their fourth successive win to climb up the table.
Unfortunately, this was an introduction for some of the younger players to coarse rugby, but the home coach was much impressed by the response of the black and ambers. Their control and teamwork was exemplary, as they repelled to the rough tactics of the opposition.

Players of note - Rob Wightman - two tries
and Josh Chaplow - set a fine example.

Paul Coulter