Not at their best - but another WIN

After the strong performance, but loss at leaders Rossendale, then the second postponement at co-leaders Macclesfield, the team were back at Mint Bridge, against a Leek team who had held them to a draw earlier in the season, and were looking for points to keep clear of the relegation zone.

Still no Matt Houghton, Greg Wrathall or Alex Ryder, but Steven Nelson was back on the bench. Charlie Lowther who had missed out on a debut due to the postponement at Macclesfield, retained his place, as did Chris Evans. The only change to the team selected for Macclesfield, was Ben Leacock coming in for Tadhg Butler. Nelson was joined on the bench by Barney Coxon and returning from time away over Christmas Seth Haddad (although rumoured only for a few more weeks), so an all forward bench.

Leek had the better of the opening play, keeping the ball through multiple phases, whilst Kendal too often kicked away the ball when they had it, but most of the play was in the Leek half.

The deadlock was finally broken after quarter of an hour. There was excellent handling down the left from the Kendal backs, keeping the ball alive. When the ball was moved into midfield Reece Thomlinson made ground, only for a Leek player to come around illegally to steal the ball and the chance of an opening score. A penalty followed, but the player appeared very lucky to escape a yellow card. The decision was taken for Aaron Stephens to go for goal. 3v0.

The lead was extended within two minutes. The restart kick was returned, but when the ball came back to Kendal, it was spread long the backline to Ben Dixon on the left wing. Nothing seemed on close to the touchline with players in front of him, but instead of trying to break through he chipped a kick down the touchline, chase the ball and kicked on. There was a bit of luck as the ball ricocheted off a Leek player back to Dixon. He continued and whilst tackled, was able to regain his feet and go through for the try. Aaron Stephens kick from the touchline looked on target, but dropped short. 8v0.

The Kendal lineout was struggling, with Leek stealing a lot of ball and it almost cost Kendal as an overthrow was gathered and a Leek player got to the line, but was held up, for a goal line drop out.

After twenty five minutes Kendal made a change with Barney Coxon coming on for Joe Anderson.

Having missed an earlier penalty, Leek pulled three points back with a long range kick after half an hour.

Kendal quickly extended their lead, There was good play down the left wing involving Will Meaden, Dan Shorrock and Ben Dixon. When this was stopped the ball was moved right, and when it came to Charlie Lowther on his First XV debut, he had the confidence to take on the defence, showing a good turn of speed to go through breaking a tackle to score. Aaron Stephens added the conversion for a half time lead of 15v3.

Kendal made two further changes at half time with Stephen Nelson replacing Chris Evans, and Seth Haddad replacing Charlie Lowther (not the two most obvious changes based on their first half performances).

Leek stayed out but Kendal went in, and it was the visitors who seemed to return the more fired up and put a lot of pressure on the Kendal line

Seven minutes into the half the referee stopped play on the Kendal line for an injury (which possibly prevented a Leek try). There was a long period of treatment, and when the player got up there was concern, as it was Ben Dixon, who has been playing so well since his return before Christmas. He was forced off and with no backs on the bench, Chris Evans returned. The call from the bench appeared to be for Alistair Thompson, who was having an excellent game, to move to the wing, but Steven Nelson joined the backs and playing in the centre.

Five minutes later the Kendal defence was finally breached with a try which was converted 15v10.

Dane Blenkharn was forced off with Charlie Lowther returning.

Just after the quarter of an hour mark, with Leek well on top, they took the lead with a second converted try. 15v17.

Kendal came back into the game, and started to regain the upper hand, but a number of handling errors and some solid defence from Leek, kept the visitors ahead.

With ten minutes of normal time to play, with Kendal on the attack under the Leek posts, the referee penalised the visitors, and yellow carded their outside half.

A simple kick would have taken the lead, but instead the decision was to take a scrum, with the pack having recently stolen a Leek put in. The plan did not immediately work as several attempts to get over the line failed, but when the ball was moved right, Naki Saumaki, enjoying the extra space on the wing, burst through to score. 20v17.

Joe Anderson returned for Reece Tomlinson

With the stoppage for Ben Dixon’s injury there was still plenty of time to play, but whilst there were a few scares Kendal looked the more likely to get their fourth try, than Leek a further score .

Dane Blenkharn returned for Charlie Lowther.

There was a final chance for Kendal, after good work by the forwards, Dan Shorrock seemed to be unmarked on the right wing, but instead the ball was moved left.

When a handling error ended a Kendal attack, it looked as if Leek would have a chance to snatch a late victory, but with five extra minute added, the referee had seen enough and blew for time.

Another game which showed regardless of the League table, where teams are well spread out, there is often little between them, and the difference is probably the best teams take their chances when they come.

The Kendal team were far from their best after half time, but re-grouped when it looked as if Leek would take control, and a few better decisions, and they would have come away with a more comfortable win and a bonus point.

An away trip to Blackburn next weekend, which whilst still a big challenge, is looking less daunting after recent results.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Alistair Thompson

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