Well Beaten

Since the game at Mint Bridge, there had been very different fortunes for the two teams. Kendal finished that game nineteen points and five places above Penrith, who sat two points from safety. Since then however Penrith had gathered twenty-six points against Kendal’s fourteen, so sat just seven points behind their visitors, all but mathematically safe with three games to play. Both teams had only won once in their last five games, but Penrith had picked up six bonus points in those games to Kendal’s one, and the last time they finished without a bonus point was at Mint Bridge.

After a fortnight break just two team changes for Kendal. Reece Tomlinson returned, so Ben Leacock dropped to the bench. No Dan Shorrock, so Joe Fiddler came in, whilst Will Meaden joined another returnee Joe Anderson on the bench.

After a sunny morning, it was a cold afternoon at the aptly named Winters Park, but whilst there were a few light showers, the threatened heavy rain did not arrive.

Kendal kicked off playing towards the car park, but it was Penrith who had the better of the opening exchanges, with some swift handling stretching the Kendal defence.

Kendal’s scrum was in trouble early on, but as the game progressed they gained parity.

The opening score came just after ten minutes of play. There was good build up handling from the Penrith backs, but when the score came it was a second row from short range. The conversion was added by the right wing. 7v0.

Dane Blenkharn had been injured in the build-up to the try and as forced off, with Ben Leacock making an early appearance from the bench.

Somewhat against the run of play Kendal came back and tied the scores just after quarter of an hour of play. A penalty was run, and after Ben Leacock had made ground. Steven Nelson broke away but was stopped near the line. Reece Tomlinson was in support, to force his way over, for his first try of the season. Aaron Stephens added the conversion. 7v7.

Five minutes later Penrith took the lead again. Kendal were caught offside in midfield and the kick was put over 10v7.

Matt Houghton was having a great game several times forcing penalties, getting in to try to steal Penrith ball at the breakdown, and also at least twice winning scrum put ins by stopping Penrith players getting the ball to the ground.

A Kendal handling error gave Penrith a second try. The ball was lost as Kendal tried to run out of defence and was quickly moved to the right wing for a try, which was again converted. 17v7.

This signalled a second change with Joe Anderson coming on for Barney Coxon.

Late on there looked to be another chance for Kendal to narrow the gap. A penalty was put to touch in the corner. There was a stoppage for treatment to a Penrith player, but when this ended, Steven Nelson seemed to make a joke to the referee, which clearly did not go down well, as he was penalised and the chance was gone.

There was no further scoring before half time.

Penrith had the perfect start to the second, regaining their own kick-off, to set up a position for a early third try, to extend their lead. 22v7.

Kendal probably had the better of possession and territory, but could find no way through an excellent well organised Penrith defence, which often saw Kendal going backwards despite having the ball.

Barney Coxon returned for Glenn Chesher, whilst midway through the half Will Meaden came on for Mckenzie Cousins, adding some much needed pace to the back division on the artificial pitch. Chesher was later to return for Joe Anderson.

Having weathered the Kendal storm Penrith went to the other end of the field.

It appeared Will Meaden had managed to intercept a pass and was away down the right touchline, only to be called back for offside. Penrith took a scrum from the resulting penalty and drove over for the bonus point try. 27v7

Kendal continued to have the better of play, but rarely looked like adding to their score.

The best chances came from a Will Meaden run out of defence, only stopped when a solid Penrith tackle drove him to touch, and also a kick through, when the bounce totally deceived the Penrith defence and Joe Fiddler got to the ball first to kick through, but whilst the ball may have held up on a wet muddy surface, the kick ran out of the short goal area, to give Penrith a drop out.

So another disappointing loss, but much more to do with Penrith’s watertight fast defence, and good skills in attack.

A last home League game of the season next weekend, and the daunting prospect of a visit from League leaders Macclesfield, desperate to not drop points to gain promotion, in their close battle with Rossendale.

MAN OF THE MATCH VOTE

Matt Houghton

TEAMS

ACTION

OTHER RESULTS

No slip ups for the top two

What could be an important Bonus point for Leek, a Bonus point win for them at home to Northwich next weekend and they are safe (assuming Sandbach get nothing against Rossendale).

TABLE

Penrith moved to within two points of us and Stockport (who we play in three weeks time) to within a point