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Leicester Lions 100 Kendal 14 Kendal, missing their inspirational captain, Ian Voortman, and Craig Wilson amongst others, on Saturday seemed more interested in their summer holidays than in putting in some hard tackling.
The pitch was bone hard, after the recent dry spell, and the crowd was basking in their shirt sleeves, expecting a feast of open rugby. They certainly got a fine spectacle of running rugby, but after a promising start, Kendal faded away, and were soon on the rack as the Lions enthusiastically ran and supported superbly to score 15 tries in all. The feelings of the Kendal faithful were good at the start, especially when they saw Mark Ireland run out for his first game after his hand injury a few weeks ago. The Black and Ambers pressed on the Leicester line, and wave after wave of attacks were repulsed, before Gerhard Boschoff intercepted a loose pass on the half way line to scoot over for the Lions’ first try. Almost immediately, Kendal came storming back and crisp passing put John Ladell away down the left. He cut inside beautifully to score a neat try near the posts and Mark Ireland equalised with his conversion. The crowd settled back to see some open rugby, but after this promising opening spell, it was one way traffic for the next 70 minutes. Matters were not improved when James Gough lost his cool in the 27 minute and was sin-binned for his efforts to stem the tide. Whilst he was off, Leicester scored three tries, and the game was over. The score was 7 – 48 at half time, with tries from Joe Williamson(2), Gareth Collins, Scott Alfeld, and Ben Walker, with John Boden adding 5 conversions and a penalty. This was a very poor display. Gareth Gore won plenty of line out ball, and Kendal attempted to play rugby from all parts of the field, but their game was too loose, too many interceptions were given and too many turnovers were made by the Lions back row, who had a field day. The Midlanders were given far too much room to run, and their confidence grew as the game unfolded. The embarrassing procession continued in the second half, with Leicester running through at will, to score further tries for Lee Dyment (3 in 25 minutes), Scott Alfeld, and Mitchell Todd. Gareth Collins, a fine captain at full back, fittingly scored his third and last try in the 79th minute to bring up their 100 points and send the Kendal lads home with their tails between their legs. The only bright spot in the second half from a Cumbrian point of view was when Matt Gracie scored a deserved try in the 49th minute, a fitting reward for his non stop work and commitment throughout the game. To make matters worse, Gareth Gore was yellow carded a few minutes from the end, and, when he lost his temper and verbally abused the referee, Mr Parker-Sedgmore changed it to a red card. Though Gareth apologised afterwards, it was too late, the deed had been done. This was the worst display seen by a Kendal side for many years and was an embarrassment for all who witnessed it. Kendal have 2 more games left, against Hull Ionians away this Saturday, followed by Macclesfield on 8th May at Mint Bridge. If they fail to show more commitment and professionalism, as seen in many games this season, they will disappoint their many supporters. Ironically the latest attendance figures were published a few days ago, and Kendal are the best supported team in the whole of the 2nd Divison North. They owe it to their loyal supporters to finish off the season with 100% effort and commitment, and be proud of the Black and Amber shirts they wear. |
