Kendal Development XV v Penrith 2nd XV

The development xv started their home campaign this week, with a fixture against a very balanced Penrith XV, including a old favourite in Keith Robinson.

The game started with the home side wanting to play their patterns at pace, and both sides going at each other, but in doing so creating a stalemate rather centrally on the paddock. A clearance from Sean Garnett found a resounding thud on the roof of the stand. Penrith took the throw quickly, but everyone had heard the ref whistle, so instead of running up, the home side stopped, and the most surprised man on the pitch was the away (literally) centre who pottered under the posts. Back came Kendal, but their pressure was to no avail, and the away side turned the ball over, and again with some mis matches, managed to score near the posts again...14 0 to the visitors.
Instead of capitulating the development side again came back to life, this time quickly recycled ball made it's way to the dangerous Josh Chaplow, who sped in to make it 14 5. Yet more Kendal pressure followed, with excellent line out ball being guaranteed. The out of position Ian Ross, was creating havoc in midfield, with his power and handling skills, forming a target for the forwards to get to. Again quick ball got Kendal on the front foot, and by now they were playing out of the tackle, and yet again Josh Chaplow forced his way over for a converted score. Straight after the restart, Kendal went back on the attack, in a play out of the tackle trademark attack. When in the opposition 22, the speed of the attack created a pretty large overlap, and the final Penrith defender gambled at breakneck speed, which paid off as he sped 90 yards, with the Kendal defence unable to track him down, as he had too much of a head start, The conversion was duly dispatched, and the half finished at 21 14 to the visitors.

Again Kendal refused to give up, and started the half again with great gusto. More quality possession saw Sean Garnett break down the blind side, fend off his man, and a quick dummy later, saw him coast under the sticks for a converted try 21- 21.
Penrith came back strong this time, and after a penalty at the breakdown, another 3 points went on to their total. Now both sides were really attacking from anywhere, Kendal through great patterns of play, and their offloading game, and Penrith through a big pack standing the ball up, and their dangerous backline. Another breakdown penalty saw Penrith extend their lead to 6 points, but Kendal again came back, and Josh Chaplow got the ball into space, and yet once more powered his way over the line for his hat trick ( If any Penrith lads read this, he clearly made the line with the ball well, according to the ref anyway!. A few more attacks broke down at crucial times for the Development team, and yet again a penalty was awarded against them. Even though they threw everything at Penrith for the final few minutes, their opponents managed to run the clock down with some experienced play, and for the second week running a single score was the deficit of the defeat.
Again the team is progressing, and this performance was the best so far, which was very pleasing. If they continue to play in this manner, the first victory should surely be around the corner.

In slightly more upsetting news, a big get well soon goes out to team stalwart Glen Archer, who had captained fantastically in place of Rob Wightman, who continues on his first team duties. Glen was seriously injured, by a complete accident, and is getting out of hospital this coming week, but we are all missing him, so hopefully he may join the alikadoo's until back to full fitness!

Arthur