Earthblog

First I must apologise for not putting anything in for a while. To be honest it has been a pretty frustrating start to the season.
Leading out of the very successful touch season on a Wednesday night we began pre season for the main contact season. Woody (Mark Wood) leads the fitness sessions with lots of sharp running and agility, and sprints, which seemed to be going well for the first couple of weeks. I then sustained a back strain that hampered the rest of my pre-season, and am struggling to shake it off.

This resulted in a 10 minute cameo experience in the match against Dundee, before I hobbled off with the strain increasing. After 2 weeks rest I managed to return to training, I managed a full training session on Tuesday with no problems, and passed fit to play in the 1st match of the season against Hull. Unfortunately, during the warm up, I changed direction and felt a pain in my right knee which we think is a torn cartilage. This will put me out for a big chunk of the season but should have me back ready and raring to take my place back.
 
The Matches so far.
 
I was at the Hull Match and what a match, I thought that at one point Hull were going to run away with the game but in true Kendal fashion the lads battled back, got in side the heads of the Hull pack and managed a point, maybe it could have been more. I’m not sure what happened in the Caldy match by talking to some of the lads and one of the Caldy players who I work with it seemed the same as last time we played at Caldy. A couple of injuries to key players and a couple of missed tackles. Souty (Caldy winger) did say that we battled well and it maybe should have been closer. Sounds like a very disappointing result.
 
Looking to the future there are 2 very big games looming, first the visit of Huddersfield a very healthy rivalry has formed over the last 5 years. If you remember the end of last season Huddersfield ended their losing streak against Kendal and will be looking for their first win at Mint Bridge. I think it is a good chance to pick up our 1st win of the season and get the ball moving for the fixture ahead.
The second game is the visit to those old foes - Fylde. Family interest will be low for this match as I am definitely out for it, while Alan will be also doubtful as he has  suffered an injury during pre season. This doesn’t stop bragging rights though, and we will both be down cheering on our respective sides.
 
Last weekend, I watched the 2nds play Fylde 3rds with Stuart Cartmel being the only player experienced player in the squad. They ran out very impressive winners against a larger Fylde team. Notably, there where some big performances from some young lads who will in the future be pushing to break into the 1st team I am sure. A little word for these 2nd team guys, let's make sure we are training and keep impressing, it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
 
Finally, I will come to the additions to the squad; we have the new contingent from Barrow - Matt, Dan, Joe and Brad had an interesting 1st night out in Kendal I hear and I'm sure Kyle has managed to clean the house after that. These guys can only be good additions to the squad.
Lucian our Romanian Scrum Half, waiting for his work permit, played for the 2nds against Fylde. Replacement for Goughy, can you replace Goughy? I’m not sure you will find many people in the world like Goughy, but I think Lucian will be another good addition with a good pass and a dogged attitude in defence. Let's see if he will take on the largest guys on the field!
 
Kyle Pyper, Fly half, small to look at, but seems good in defence, he also seems comfortable on the ball. I can wait to see him running the game when he is completely settled.
 
Finally, the return of a legend, Blandy. Nathan Bland is a a name that I used to hear 10 years ago. A caveman at the moment, with his beard and probably one of the unnerving sights to look up and see on the side of a scrum (experienced from when we played Otley)  Blandy is renowned for being a work horse, and popping up in the right place. It's good to see him back.
 
Looking ahead, I have my leg in cast for 2 more weeks then rehab will start. Until then, let's hope the lads can win these next 2 weeks and bring some clubs back down to earth.
 
Cheers

Garry Holmes

I must apologies for not getting in a rant for a while, so I will get a couple of things off my chest.

Players blog
By
Garry Holmes

Player's blog
by Garry Holmes