Over the years I’ve witnessed many Kendal/Vale games, actually played in many but the intensity seems to have subsided over the years as the game in many respects has changed dramatically.

Todays game at the Vale was simply a reminder of the good old days, two sides battling it out to get the game won, no holds barred, a return in many aspects to the good old Vale/Kendal battles. Enjoyed immensely today by your scribe because simply he was born and bred a Kendalian. Must admit always over the years would be yearning for a Vale victory. Today was no different.

A strong Vale side had been selected for the game presumably with the intention of reversing a “stuffing” at Kendal early season. An unsettling result up at Mint Bridge – Is it still Mint Bridge ??

From the Kick Off the intentions were clear with the Vale XV massing on the Kendal line to provide a solid platform to cross for the first try. A dart from Jake Harrison produced a 5 pointer within 5 minutes. Come on Jake a vital member of this XV. !! Jacob Thomas converted from wideout with a superb kick. Jacob is becoming a vital member of this Vale XV, a leader and a damned good rugby player. To cap it all a brain also !!!

A period of interplay followed after this try, but it was clear the Vale 15 – no the Vale 8 – were in the ascendancy at all phases of the game. I have never seen a Kendal 8 dominated in the set pieces as they were in the game today. Some powerful scrummaging from Tom Needham, Matti Davenport and James Hesketh in the front row aided by possibly the best locks in the Vale in Adam Foxcroft and Sam Lester were causing the Kendal 8 major problems. Sorry Adam, you had a great game but must nominate Sam Lester as the Man of the Match.

In the back row mixing it fully in the battle which was occurring, and it was a battle, the back row of Matt Field, Luke Sheppard and Louis Evans were simply immense in defence and determination to stop any likely attacks developing from the Kendal XV.

Having said that and after considerable pressure on the Vale line Kendal did cross for a 5 pointer converted into 7 with a successful conversion. No easing off by either side resulted in what was a great game I’m sure to play in, but most enjoyable to watch. “Clear the technical area lads and lasses – Not a chance !!!”

It was nearing the half time whistle although our Referee did play somewhat extra minutes when Jake H, crossed the line close in to score his second try. A pass from Al Crookall split the Kendal defence, Jake in support crossed the line. His second on the day !!

After a somewhat extended first half the Vale once again were on the attack, Zac Elderton on the wing was exhibiting pace, Jamie Antcliffe probably playing his best game of the season, was taking the game into the middle of Kendals defence with Al Crookal in support. Hell, Al had already produced the pass to allow Jake Harrison to score.

After massive pressure on the Kendal line the Vale XV posted a score. I think awarded to Sam Lester – No Var in this game. Jacob converted.

I have never known a Kendal side lie down and todays XV was no exception. They immediately returned and it was up to the majestic Scott Manning to keep them at bay. Single handedly it proved impossible and Kendal crossed for a try to take the score to 19 pts to 17 pts with the conversion failing. Scott was a principal figure in the Vale XV playing from full back, but continually at every opportunity taking the game into the middle of the Kendal XV – forwards and all.

From one of these forages a score resulted and the Vale were now in the lead at 24 points to 17 points.

A useful gap as time was running out. Would Referee Richard Beveridge extend the playing time, he in charge of an exhilarating game of Rugby, working hard to keep a cap on the proceedings.

With the score at 24 to 17 pts the Vale were awarded a penalty mid field, 22 metres out – Gentlemen in my day 25 yards out – Jacob had no hesitation in going for goal. The kick was slotted – thanks Jacob – taking the score to an unassailable gap and providing the side with a hard earned victory.

All replacements were implemented providing needed relief for the powerhouse of the Vale XV. Adam Newton entered the field of play, Paul Ganesh who is a beast of a man, Connor Mc Farlane and Richard Hodgson all took the field relieving a set of tiring players who had been involved in a real battle.

A game enjoyed by all and now to move on to the final three league fixtures, whatever lads make yourselves available. Macclesfield next week – we stuffed them early season – Anselmians at home the following week before moving to Birkenhead Park to complete the League season.

Please be prepared to travel !!!!
Team….

Tom Needham
Matt Davenport
James Hesketh
Sam Lester
Adam Foxcroft
Louis Evans
Matt Field
Luke Sheppard
Jacob Thomas
Joe Wills
Zak Elderton
Al Crookall
Jamie Antcliffe
Jake Harrison
Scott Manning
Connor McFarlane
Adam Newton
Paul Ganesh
Richard Hodgson
Rory Briggs