Captain Myles Kasiera won the coin toss, but cleverly decided to let the Kendal Captain decide whether to kick or receive the ball. A new tactic that many test match Captains need to take note of.

With it eventually being decided that Kendal would receive the ball at the kick off, they put on a short period of sustained pressure with the Carlisle team defending valiantly. It was during these early exchanges, that Carlisle’s superior counter rucking became evident and the ball was eventually turned over, and Kendal didn’t really get it back until they were 5 tries down. This first half was probably the most “complete” rugby the Carlisle boys had ever played. Ferocious rucking combined with great handling through the back line. A great team effort.

This brand of total rugby hadn’t quite managed to catch everyone attention though with sub Joe Kirkhope making various enquiries to the coaches about the nearby factory. What does it make? How many people work there?
Hopefully Google has provided him with the answers by now.

Kendal showed great spirit though and managed to score a break away try just before half time to give them some encouragement for the second half.

The boys formed their own huddle at half time and with the inspirational words of their Captain ringing in their ears, “just do the same as in the first half”, they went on a try scoring rampage with 6 different players scoring tries in the second half from a combination of team play and individual efforts.

Fair play to Kendal, they never gave up and hopefully their 2 second half tries will also give them some encouragement for the rest of the season.

A great team effort from Carlisle, 9 different try scorers in total, great forward play and some great back line passing. Well done lads.

Afterwards many of the lads went off to the swings and climbing frame at the kids park that Kendal RFC have on site…..which reminds us that they are still just kids and will only play to have fun on and off the rugby pitch.

John Hope, Coach Under 12s