Wigton had first use of a strong breeze and although Kendal attacked well from the kick off it was Wigton who scored first following a turn over and counter attack from their own 20.

Dave Hanabury made the line break carrying for 30 metres before linking with Will Miller and Richard Moffatt completed the counter with a score under the posts converted by Tom Gardner. 0 - 7.

Good field kicking from Gough and Park soon put Kendal on the attack once more and following a strong driving maul a quick short side play created an overlap for full back Chris Park to cross; Park converted well from the touchline. 7 - 7.

Wigton then had 15 minutes of territory with a number of attacking scrums but the Kendal defence held firm and began to counter. On 30 minutes they took the lead when Gary Holmes drove over from the back of another mauling drive. 12 - 7.

Wigton's cause was not helped as prop forward Lindsay Walker was helped from the field with a badly twisted knee. Rob Marrs again underlined his value to the squad as he manned up for 40 minutes at prop against Rich Harriman.

Kendal fumbled the restart to gift a great attacking position but again poor ball retention saw possession lost and at half time Kendal led 12 - 7.

Immediately from the restart it was Kendal who were to benefit from a spilled ball and set up a series of attacks in Wigton's 20. This time it was James Thompson who benefited from good mauling to touch down with Chris Park again adding 2 points. 19 - 7.

Wigtons forwards were coping well at set play and from an attacking scrum Stuart Creighton drove hard into midfield before Dave Hanabury gave an excellent flat pass for Gregg Smith to cross from 15 metres, Tom Gardner's conversion drifted wide on a difficult wind. 19 - 12.

Almost immediately Kendal stole the initiative again as Chris Park stroked over a 40 metre penalty when the Wigton midfield were up too soon. 22 - 12.

On 62 mins Kendal's intentions were clear as they spurned a goal shot to once again go to the corner and despite some aggressive defence from the greens it was flanker Liam Nicholson who bided his time to eventually secure another 5 points and Chris Park again underlined his value to the team with another 2 points. 29 -12.

Within 5 minutes some excellent counter attacking by Wigton got them right back in the game. With the Kendal pack less adept at roaming the field, the pacy Wigton backs began to exploit a stretched defence.

Moffatt, who ran hard and direct all afternoon took play up to the Kendal 20 and Captain Matt Atkinson was on hand to take an offload and power over under the posts, the conversion was a formality and Wigton were back in it at 29 - 19.

More was to follow as Atkinson provide more line out possession and Dave Hanabury used his pace to break the line and then leave a trail of defenders on a mazy 40 metre run to the line. 29 - 24 on 70 minutes and very much game on.

Wigton pushed hard for another score, it was Will Miller's turn to torment Kendal as he showed pace and strength on a 40 metre outside break and just failed to get an offload to support on the inside. However, it was Kendal who had the final word as 2 penalties allowed them to kick downfield and set up position for a third catch and drive play, James Thompson completing his brace and Park ended the day with 16 points. 36 - 24.

So a 5 try to 4 defeat - a much improved performance from the Wigton XV. The strength of the squad was again tested with Skipper Andy Brown, Mark Deans, Andy Bell and Mark Lee all sidelined from last week. Contrasting strengths on display with Kendal relying on a gnarled front 5 to secure their key scores whilst the potential of the young Wigton three quarters was evident throughout the game.

Failure to convert a number of promising first half attacks leaves plenty to work on during the week. A much improved display from the Wigton pack was encouraging but will need to be maintained if those precious league points are to be gained next week.
Supporters M O M was a close run affair and went to Stand Off Dave Hanabury.