OTLEY 29 – KENDAL 9

A VIEW FROM THE COMFORT ZONE (STANDING ROOM ONLY)

On a day when only brave souls would venture outdoors, many loyal Black & Amber supporters travelled the aquatic route (A65) to Cross Green for the eagerly awaited cup tie with National Divisional 2 frontrunners Otley.

Pre-match buzz in the clubhouse suggested a close encounter with every chance of an upset being on the cards with the leveller of atrocious weather and difficult playing conditions being a factor.  Fears of gluepot/mud bath conditions were unfounded with the playing surface holding up well although extremely slippery on the turn.

Warm applause greeted the Kendal players as they raced onto the pitch and strong vocal support was evident throughout the game.  From the kick-off Kendal chased up field and set about their opponents with some vigour.  Unfortunately, this early pressure was short-lived and a more tentative approach allowed Otley to take control and gain territory deep into the Kendal half.  From a good position an attempted drop goal floated wide and a similar fate awaited a penalty shot from 35 metres when Kendal were caught offside.  Electing to tap kick from the re-start went sadly wrong and only desperate defence thwarted Otley’s powerful efforts to open the score.  Another misplaced pass resulted in Kendal being driven back to concede a 5 metre scrum.  Thankfully a free kick for the put-in enabled Stephens to relieve the pressure.

With 15 minutes gone Otley were now camped close to the Kendal line and a try looked highly probable.  It duly arrived following a catch and drive from a lineout with prop forward Steele touching down.  The conversion from wide out failed.  Five minutes later Otley put the ball into the opposite corner from a penalty given for offside.  Again the forwards secured good clean ball with the maul driven over the Kendal line.  Although some doubts were expressed on the grounding, a try was awarded with the credit going to the other prop Wederall.  Kitching converted with a fine kick stretching the lead to 12-0.  Ominous signs with other scores imminent unless Kendal could counter attack and register some points.

At this stage a dog entered on the scene with devastating style and injected some pace into those loitering around the fringes.  It proved four legs were definitely an advantage in such conditions!

Spurred on following this ‘intrusion’ Kendal manfully regained the initiative and stormed back in customary manner.  Clearly shaken, Otley then had to endure a torrid time in the face of constant pressure by a rejuvenated Kendal pack.  The home forwards were now back pedalling and losing territory with numerous errors and infringements creeping into their game.  A penalty awarded for offside enabled Stephens to reduce the arrears and against all the earlier odds Kendal were now dictating affairs.  An excellent kick into the corner allowed the Kendal chasers to collar the fullback before he was able to take evasive action.  From the scrum Stephens launched a cross field kick in the direction of Luke Ladell who narrowly failed to go over in the corner.  Kendal were now controlling every phase of the game and with half-time approaching Stephens coolly slotted a drop goal to pull back the score to 12-6 and set the scene for a pulsating second period.

With Coxon on for Bowles to bolster the forward exchanges it was vital not to concede an early score.  Unfortunately that was not to be with Otley finding a rare opportunity to breach the midfield defence with Parsons penetrating run taking him over the tryline and in comfortable range for Kitching to add the conversion for a 19-6 lead.  Not to be outdone Kendal clawed back further points with a successful penalty by Stephens following an offside offence 30 metres out.  Another long range penalty shot was then teed up by Stephens who quickly surprised everyone with a diagonal kick which narrowly missed the speedsters along the Kendal backline.  Full marks for inventiveness.

Otley were now resorting to the kicking game but good recovery work and excellent returns by the Ladells kept them on the retreat.  Defying the elements Kendal were still intent on running the ball whenever possible but with scant regard for losing possession.  Gough in his tireless commitment to win made an impressive break with numerous exchanges between support players.  The final surge by Harryman sadly ended in another error (no blame attached to anyone) just short of the Otley 22.  Following another great kick and chase by John Ladell the Kendal pack propelled a ferocious drive only to be held up marginally short of the line.  Another wave of forceful play presented a penalty opportunity for Stephens but the kick sailed narrowly wide.

Otley managed to re-group and regain shape.  A rare excursion into the Kendal 22 resulted in an offence at the ensuing ruck and Kitching’s successful penalty attempt cooled the nerves. Score 22-9, game over? No way, Kendal still had fuel in the tank and a job still to do.

With Kendal ringing the changes – Quarry for Holmes and Dan Murray for Luke Ladell – there was still 10 minutes to muster both energy and strength for a comeback in the closing stages.

With the final whistle about to be blown Otley broke away from the over stretched defence with flanker Andre crossing the whitewash.  With Kitching’s conversion going over the game ended 29-9 in Otley’s favour.  That late try was a crunch blow and one which Kendal did not deserve.  Many Otley supporters graciously conceded the final score did not truly reflect the magnificent display by all the Kendal players.

The resounding applause by both sets of supporters acknowledged the contribution by all the players in an evenly contested match played in good competitive spirit.  What better entertainment on an otherwise dreadful winter’s day?  Well done all the Kendal lads – show the same character and commitment in coming weeks when we return to the league campaign.  The cup run may have been a diversion or distraction but who cares.  Those present at Otley will testify to the fact that these games add spice to the season and provide a platform to judge performance against opposition from higher divisions.  The Kendal team provided the answers and can stand proud with heads held high.

Roger Thompson