Bonus Point win on the road

Kendal’s previous visits to Sandbach in a pre-season game, and at the start of last season in the League, had ended in big defeats. At the start of the season Sandbach would have been seen as title contenders, but with six first team players reportedly out injured, they had started with three losses, and came into the game seven league places and ten points behind Kendal.

Naki Saumaki, was involved in a play-off game with Millom rugby league, so Luke Atkinson came into the centre. After a long period out of the First XV, Chris Evans made a return in the second row, with Barney Coxon moving back to the front row, and Joe Anderson starting from the bench. Also on the bench for his debut was another of last season’s Colts, Will Meaden.

A mix up at the laundry (that’s Tiger’s story !) meant the team played in the Second XV kit.

Kendal had the better start and dominated the early play, but could not find a way though the Sandbach defence.

Kendal finally took the lead after fifteen minutes in strange circumstances. The forwards drove to the line only to be penalised. There was a good Sandbach penalty which took play to a lineout on halfway, but the Sandbach throw failed to find its target. The ball was gathered by Glenn Chesher, who made ground, and the move was taken on by Barney Coxon but Sandbach interfered at the ruck, to slow the ball down. Aaron Stephens slotted over the penalty over 0v3.

Sandbach came back and had a period in the Kendal twenty-two, with quick recycling of the ball stretching the Kendal defence, and finally when the ball was moved to the left, fullback J Willams went over for the try. 5v3.

After several good games, the Kendal lineout was struggling, losing a lot of ball, possibly not helped by a strong breeze.

Kendal re-took the lead after half an hour. Sandbach were penalised and Kendal took a scrum, and when Sandbach were penalised at the scrum, Aaron Stephens took the penalty quickly. Glenn Chesher broke a few tackles only to be stopped on the line, then Barney Coxon was also stopped short, but when the ball came back and was moved left, with the defence sucked in, Luke Atkinson went through for the try. 5v8.

This remained the score at half time, with seven minutes of time added for stoppages.

Kendal were playing up the slope after half time, but made an excellent start. Sandbach were penalised after their restart kick, and were then marched back ten metres for delaying the penalty being taken, and a further ten for speaking out. Matt Houghton made ground, but when the ball came back a pass went loose. Leo Mercer however gathered the ball and made a break before releasing Dini Noyo, who whilst caught on the line was able to touch down in the corner 5v13.

Sandbach were quickly back in the game. A penalty was taken quickly and scrum half L Essenhigh broken to the line. 10v13.

Kendal made a first change with Dane Blenkharn coming on for Chris Evans.

A dangerous tackle on Greg Wrathall saw him forced off, and Sandbach second row C Oakden yellow carded.

Joe Anderson came on for Wrathall, and made an immediate impact with a powerful run, and when the ball came back Adrian Karelse weaved through for the try, which Aaron Stephens converted 10v20.

Matt Houghton who had been having a good game limped off and was replaced by Greg Wrathall.

Sandbach hit back again with twenty minutes still to play, with prop T Hulbert scoring from short range, after a drive from a penalty lineout. Fullback J Williams added the conversion. 17v20.

With the difficulties in the lineout, Kendal started taking scrums at penalties and from one Adrian Karelse broken down the right, and Dan Shorrock powered in for the try 17v25.

With five minutes to go, Kendal made the game safe with another try from a scrum, with Dini Noyo combining with Adrian Karelse to go over for the try. 17v30.

Will Meaden came on for his debut in place of Dini Noyo and made an impact, with a powerful tackle on a much larger player which won a penalty, then a good run which saw the tackler yellow carded.

Whilst looking for a further try, Kendal slowed the game down, keeping the ball tight in the forwards and taking scrums at penalties to run the clock down.

Sandbach finished the game on the attack, looking for a converted try to get a double bonus point their performance probably deserved, but the Kendal pack were clearly intent on keeping them pointless, and succeeded in their task.

Competition for places clearly brought the best out of the team. With Alistair Thompson with the Second XV, the back row trio were all outstanding, whilst Dane Blenkharn did well when he came on. Luke Atkinson had a good game in the centre; whilst Will Meaden did well in his brief time on the field.

Whilst possibly a little heavy on the whistle and penalty count, the referee had a good game, making it clear to both teams who was in charge.

Despite the good win, at a strong opponent even with their injury problems, this was still far from the best the team can play, with the lineout problems handing ball to their opponents, some handling problems, and indecision at crucial moments. When it all comes together there is a big result coming, and next week would be a good time with Rossendale, who only sit behind Kendal in fourth due to their narrow loss at leaders Blackburn, the visitors to Mint Bridge.

MAN OF MATCH VOTE#

Vote HERE

OTHER RESULTS

Big wins for the leaders and Rossendale, Penrith's woes continue (Northwich are clearly a different team at home) and Wirral overcome Stockport
A strange week all the Winners picked up a Bonus point and none of the vanquished picked up a point.

TABLE

ACTION

PHOTO : Credit to Brewerton Sports Photography for capturing our intrepid reporter Mark Hodgkiss deep in concentration!