A Magnificent Afternoon
Report from Frank Jameson
This was only the start of a magnificent afternoon for the Kendal 1st XV who played for the first time in living memory, in borrowed kit of red and white shirts, kindly loaned by our Cheshire club to our grateful Cumbrian hosts from Wirral 2nd XV, because our jerseys were partly left in the old clubhouse at Mint Bridge.
We must not forget either, the strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch for Kendal in the first half. This made it difficult to pass to anyone within ten metres, and led to a high kicking game, but this did not restrict the game one iota, as both sides flung the ball about with courage in both halves, once the players had adjusted their tactics to the windy conditions.
The only score in the first ten minutes was a tight penalty goal to give the black & ambers a small lead: 0-3.
The first twenty minutes were certainly slowed down to a kicking game for each corner, but gradually the two sides settled down, and Dini Noyo started the scoring in the twenty fifth minute, back in his rightful position of left wing, when he cut infield from thirty metres, cutting through the Cheshire defence at speed, to get the first touchdown under the posts, making the conversion by Glenn Weightman straight forward. 0- 10.
It was good to see Chris Downham, playing at no.8, covering much pace as he covered much ground, well supported by James Gough back in his true position at scrum half.
I was so concerned that I moved behind the posts to watch Kendal's defence at close ls. Even though Chris Downham was yellow carded with ten minutes left to the interval, it made no difference to the tackling by the other lads
The defence was getting better by the minute as the Kendalians defended the wind, especially in the left hand corner. Dom Musetti crashed down one Wirralian, and Blake Robinson sufferd one serious blow to his face, being replaced by Josh Coyle who continued the defence, until he was Yellow Carded by a serious tip tackle. Even down to 13 men, Kendal did not stop the superb defence on their line.
Half time 0-10
Everyone agreed during the break that this was the best defence of the season so far!
The second half was no different, as Chris Downham finished his enforced ten minute break, and the confidence with the other lads grew.
Just after the break, Jimmy Annetts, the Wirral, no.13, made a fine break down the middle and scored The Wirral scored a fine solo try, followed by the conversion: 7 - 10, but this did not stop Kendal, as Leo Mercer cut in from the right and was just stopped one metre short. It made no difference, as Josh Coyle was right behind him to gain the touchdown, though the conversion was just missed : 7- 15.
The confidence was growing, as John Dervey came off the bench, replacing James Thompson, and Dini followed with his second try from the left wing, dancing through to beat the Wirralians from 30 metres. Weightman followed with the kick: 7 - 22.
Annetts followed too late with another fine try, and his own conversion, but 14 points was not enough , as the clock ticked to the last minute.
It was the best scrummaging of the season so far as the lads tackled as well to their heart's pleasure.
Every.Kendal supporter present was rubbing their heart with glee as they defeated the top of the league by a final score of 14 - 22. !
Even Freddie Howard, the ex international referee from St Helens, was impressed by our display afterwards!
KENDAL MAN OF THE MATCH : Dini Noyo
Two tries saw Dini come out top for a second time in three weeks, just edging out Chris Park and Dom Musetti.
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