Kendal 2nd 15 Sandbach 2nd 15
Keen to play again after the Xmas break, Kendal 2nds entertained Sandbach in this first league fixture of 2012. It was a typical Lakeland winter's day, overcast with an increasing wind and after almost constant rain during the last month, the pitch was heavy to say the least. With both teams sitting next to each other in mid table, the winner would likely be the team who played the conditions the best.
Both teams started well,playing some close but fast rugby, and the game flowed well despite difficult handling conditions. Sandbach got the first break through on 7 mins, a tap penalty inside the Kendal 22 led to a number of forward drives with their young second row taking the final drive over the line despite a crunching tackle that led the home side to question if the ball had
been placed under control. Despite playing against the wind and conceding the early try, Kendal played some solid, controlled rugby and were not afraid to use width when the opportunities arose,
however the visitors also looked equally determined.
Sandbach notched up a 3 point score on 25 minutes with a penalty against D Peacock for handling in the ruck. Again, Kendal rallied and the pressure led to a Sandbach forward receiving a yellow card for being constantly offside. The home side took advantage of the extra man and a backs move out left was quickly recycled allowing J Johnson to step back inside for the try. A similar move 5 minutes later allowed Johnson to score his second of the afternoon to take the score to 10-10. Kendal were now on top and as soon as the visitors were back to full strength, another yellow card
offence, this time for holding back a Kendal player left them under strength with two minutes to go to half time.
Sandbach managed to hold out during the second yellow card period and were next onto the score
sheet. Despite Kendal having the advantage of the wind and an extra man, Sandbach had pressurised Kendal deep into their own half and a stolen line out led to their wing crossing for their second try of the afternoon wide out left.
If it was to be a winning afternoon for the home side, Kendal needed to take play up field and camp
inside the Sandbach half to force the errors in which they were only partially
successful; as too much urgency led to players carrying the ball in isolation
and penalties conceded for holding on in the tackle, allowing Sandbach to
relieve the pressure.
The cold and wet conditions were taking their toll on both sides, with the full allowance of
substitutes being made by both sides and the pitch being littered with walking wounded. With two minutes to go, Kendal finally forced the try (S Woodburn) wide out on the left hand side after a
number of short drives by the forwards to take the scores level. A difficult conversion was narrowly missed. The referee was not finishing the game early and Kendal used the last couple of minutes to try and grab the win. To their credit, despite being out on their feet, Sandbach held on for the draw.
Despite the dour weather, the game provided great entertainment – a
credit to all the players.
David Orrell |
