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Kendal 2nd XV 5 Chester 2nd XV 24 (Half time 0-7)
In conditions more akin to a tropical monsoon, Kendal 2nd eventually subsided to a strong Chester side. Well led by veteran Paul Dodds at fly half in the first half, the Black and Ambers had their backs to the wall defending the club house end, but put in a determined tackling stint against their heavier opponents. Liam Nicholson, Ben Craghill and Alistair Woodward set a fine example in the back row, knocking back the Chester lads time and again, but against the strong wind, it was difficult to get out of their own half. The only score of the first half came just before half time when Chester moved the ball to their right wing, and a good inside ball to Pratt saw him slide over the line. The try was converted, but Kendal's determined efforts gave them hope for the second period. With the elements in their favour, the Kendal pack, now well led by Ian Ross , started to gain more ground, but loose tackling in the middle of the park saw an inside ball to the Chester second row deceive the cover, and he dashed over, and a few minues later, Chester scored their third try when they passed out wide to Smith who scored in the corner. At 0-19 down, all hope seemed lost, but Kendal rallied and came back to the other end, where slick handling put Oliver Bainbridge in the clear down the Kendal right wing, and Bubba scored in the corner to the delight of his colleagues. At last the first Cumbrian try was on the board! This gave the home team renewed hope and, led by Joel Howse and Dan Boardley, they fought hard for territory in the muddy , cloying conditions. Nathan Woof, playing on the left wing, made a fine counter attacking move from a Chester kick through, making good ground up the touch line, and his inside pass was well supported, but the ball eventally went to ground. It was not a day for stylish passing in the backs, so Ian Ross led his forwards up the middle with drive after drive, but the break through would not come. Just before the end, Chester scored their final try, but the final score flattered them somewhat. This was a much improved display by the 2nd's, and gives hope for the rest of the season. The Bateman Premier League is a tough competition, but if the squad continues to show the enthusiasm and determination required, the results will come. |
