Kendal 2nds 20 Blackburn 2nd's 3

An early encounter after Xmas with Blackburn was perhaps not what Kendal wanted but a typically feisty and physical encounter is what they got. Kendal played with the wind in the first period and new at the turn around it was important to come out with a lead. Kendal held the upper hand for the first 15 Min's but the Burn defence was in no mood to be penetrated following constant probes from the Kendal back line. Kendal were first with points on the board for an infringement a penalty was awarded and Boardley slotted over 3.0. Burn came back into the game and had some pressure close to Kendal's line this time the home defence held strong with Tomlinson working hard. Kendal showed glimpses of what they were capable of in the back line though the final pass went astray. New centre Matt Gracie made a tidy debut for Kendal. Boardley missed his next penalty attempt but was on target with 2 others for similar infringements after good work by the forwards, either side of them Burn slotted over a drop goal for a half time turn around of 9.3.
 
Kendal controlled the most part of the second half though much could be said of the organised Burn defence. Boardley was next on the score sheet with a penalty of which Burn were down to 14 men after their centre was sin binned. 12.3. Burn were soon down to 13 after the second row was Binned again for offside. Boardley missed the kick but Burn obliged soon after for another penalty too Boardley 15.3. Christmas was taking its toll on some tired legs Tilsley came on for Cartmel and the sprightly Nutter for Ross. The forwards were starting to get better ball and were rewarded when Holmes ran a training ground move to allow Boardley a try in the corner after some deft footwork conversion missed 20.3. Burn put on some late pressure but Bamber and Gillard on the wings held firm and flanker Holmes got through more than his share of work on the day. In all a typically fierce contested game was how both sets of coaching staff described it afterwards.