Kendal 2nd XV 3 Points v 14 points Vale of Lune 2nd XV(Report by Fred Swarbrick)

A. Fowler
M. Davenport
J. Hesketh
I. Thornton
A. Foxcroft
B. Keenan
A. Powers
J. Mitten
J Batty
B. Dobson
C. Murrell
J. Antcliffe
H. Connelly
T. Bell
L.Starkey#
M. Fenol
O. Wilkins
“The old hometown looks just the same”

A much changed Vale 2nd XV were selected to face the Kendal XV on their own ground. After Kendal had put one over the Vale 2nds earlier in the season the general feeling was they – the Vale today—could well be in for a tough time. From the kick off it was clear this young Vale XV filled with some reliable and strong, experienced players – when I say experienced they are vastly experienced—had no such inhibitions.

I we – Reg Robinson and Cliff Huck – have followed the seconds throughout the season to date. We should not be surprised at seeing numerous new faces week after week as the management Dan Rainford and Paul Peters struggle with selection issues.

IF ONLY WE COULD PRODUCE A SETTLED SIDE ON A HOME/AWAY BASIS !!!

I -your scribe – over the years have witnessed many Vale/ Kendal games at all levels and certainly at Mint Bridge – although I’m reliably informed the river close by is actually “The Sprint”.

Today was going to be different. This young Vale XV was going to produce a performance that would contradict not only the expectations but also the record book. When was the last time a Vale XV registered a “W” on the Kendal turf.??

It was a dark dreary day and to illustrate this the lights were put on half way through the first half clearly to illustrate a great Vale performance.

The Kendal XV were certainly one of the youngest sides we are likely to meet this season – although having said that Rochdale our next opponents do have a preponderance of young players.

To the game – the Cumbria Society Referee – whistled the game off on the 2.15p.m. mark and immediately the Kendal XV were on the attack. In fact after 5 minutes and a penalty infringement they kicked a three pointer. Actually this was to be their last score.

The Vale side following this setback produced a determined response. I’ve got to say I have never seen a Vale 8 dominate a Kendal pack as was witnessed today. With an experienced front row in Archie Fowler – he is going to be a good player for the Club – Matti Davenport and James Hesketh they were proving to be an overpowering unit.

In the workhouse Isaac Thornton – enjoying much lineout success – and Adam Foxcroft were locking the scrum solidly. The Kendal XV were in retreat at “every” set scrummage piece. Yes – every set scrummage !!

The back row of Ben Keenan, Andy Powers and Josh Mitten were providing the extra pressure and allowing Jack Batty clean ball and able to feed his back division with useful ball to provide them with room to attack the determined Kendal defence.

At this stage I’d like to nominate Adam Foxcroft as my M.O.M. not only for his scrummaging play but with numerous drives into the heart of the Kendal defence always allowing Vale attacks on the front foot.

With this considerable advantage – How many times have the Vale XV dominated the scrummaging phase and come away with a defeat – inevitably a win was on the horizon. From a massive driving mode of play on the Kendal line Josh Mitten No.8 crossed for a try. He is enjoying his game at number 8 sure I saw him on the wing earlier in the season. Ben Dobson showing his ability from fly half converted. The Vale were on the move.

The lights were on emphasising a most illuminating performance by this Vale XV. Actually the voices on the field of play exceeded the noise from the Club house support. They were experiencing a Kendal side suffering a mauling..

Apologies I lost track of the changes subsequent to Lee Starkey leaving the field with a facial injury. C. Murrell moved to Fullback and proved to be a most elusive player. Ollie Wilkinson took over from Murrell and Marionne Fenal took to the field this in the second half.

Talking about experience, evergreen Jamie Antcliffe now in the centre was using his strength and at times overpowering the Kendal defence. Henry Connelly now established in the middle was showing signs of his undoubted ability. Manager Paul Peters, offering physio requirements as necessary to both sides, in addition was managing changes as necessary. Marionne Fenol taking to the field with Ollie Wilkinson . Tom Bell on the opposite wing providing undoubted pace.

After some regular driving movements Marionne Fenal after just taking to the field crossed close in for a try. Was it his first try for the side ?? Both tries converted reliably by Ben Dobson. Is he a natural fly half with ability…

At 14 points it was clear the Kendal side were not in a place to overtake the Vale score and the game finished with a “historical” victory on Kendal’s home ground.

Be aware……We will be there again come January in the Cotton Traders Cup Competition -----

Fred Swarbrick..