A wild pass spoiled this opportunity and, in the second half, Kendal used the wind far better and reduced the lead to 17-13. However, Harrogate continued with their attacking brand of rugby and Arnie Ellison’s second try eventually earned them a valuable 5 points against their fellow strugglers.

From the kick off, a clever Callum Irvine chip was gathered at pace by Sam Bottomley who carved an opening through the Kendal midfield. Kendal won vital turnover ball but were then turned over themselves and Irvine’s break created an overlap for Ellison’s opening try.

Harrogate continued to attack but poor passing ended several promising situations. A strong driving maul seemed certain to earn their second try but Kendal’s Joe Mallinson illegally interfered and was despatched to the sin bin. Harrogate opted for a scrum from the penalty and Tom Harvey crashed over for a try converted by Irvine.

More Harrogate pressure followed with the outstanding back row combination of Tim Heaton & Ryan Peacey punching through the visiting defence. Peacey drove through to score Harrogate’s second try while Kendal were reduced to 14 players. Mark Bowman then became Kendal’s second “binned” reducing them to 13 men for 3 minutes but Harrogate failed to take further advantage.

Kendal opened the second half with a testing up and under which Harrogate failed to gather cleanly. A series of Kendal driving mauls followed resulting in a try for flanker Gary Holmes, converted by Gian Boardley. An attacking Kendal kick was brilliantly taken by Harrogate’s fullback, Ed Smithies whose counter attacking run was carried on by Heaton. A knock-on ended the move and, shortly afterwards, Harrogate were penalised for going offside. Arguing with the referee cost them a further 10 metres and Boardley’s penalty goal reduced the deficit to 17-10. Another offside decision then went against Harrogate and Boardley’s kick made it 17-13.

Harrogate responded with more trademark attacks and swift hands gave Ellison enough room to dive over in the corner for the game’s final score. Further home tries seemed certain but Kendal defence held out well in the final 15 minutes.

Harrogate’s team Manager, Graham Siswick felt that the Heaton/Peacey back row combination was the main difference between the 2 sides. Kendal’s Ian Voortman praised his team’s dogged determination and has high hopes for better results when their long injury list improves.

Harrogate: Smithies, Ellison, Gemmell, Bottomley, Heylings, Irvine, Wickham, Bergmanas (Browne 58), Maycock, Fraser (Innes 58), Harvey, S Brady, Heaton, Beaumont (J Brady 58), Peacey (Spencer 75).

Kendal: Park, Bratton, Mercer, Thomas, Postlethwaite, Ireland, Davidson, Chesher, Houghton, Harriman, Gore, Redhead, Holmes, Mallinson, Bowman

Referee: Wayne Falla (RFU)

Man of the Match: Tim Heaton (Harrogate)

Match report by Bill Barrack
Photos by David Aspinall