Kendal Wasps were beaten 33-10 by Keswick at Mint Bridge after conceding two converted tries inside the opening 10 minutes, but the home side’s response provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the new league season.
The match was reported by Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on 30 August. Keswick, playing in its new league, made the stronger start and looked capable of competing at that level. One of its early tries was converted from a wide position.
Kendal gradually settled into the contest and scored two tries of its own. The club said the final score could have been closer as the Wasps grew into the game.
Improved scrum and handling lift Kendal
The Wasps scrum was on top for much of the match, while the team’s handling was described as much improved on last season. In defence, Kendal also coped well with Keswick’s speedy back division.
A new outside half was identified as the pick of the backs in the report. In the pack, front row Hannah Metcalfe was praised for repeatedly appearing in support, taking passes and helping to keep Kendal moving forward.
There was one injury concern during the game. Wing Sophie Postlethwaite was hurt shortly after coming on.
Match ended early after heavy rain
The game ended 20 minutes early at the end of the third quarter. The report said it was unclear whether the decision was connected to the threat of lightning, although the lightning did not arrive despite some thunder, or to the extremely heavy rain that followed.
According to the club account, the rainfall in the 20 minutes after the match was probably close to double the amount that had fallen during the summer.
Wasps begin league season in September
Whether Kendal can join Keswick in the league next season may depend partly on whether more players who were unavailable for this match can return when the league campaign starts at the end of September.
The players named in the report included Kate Birchall, Amber Byers, Eleanor Cheseldine-Culley, Hailey Coutts, Lucy Cowell, Lydia Fleming, Laura Kay, Alice Kenyon, Ruby Kirkham, Hannah Metcalfe, Josie Noble, Grace Owen, Sophie Postlethwaite, Aimee Sharp, Esme Webb and Susie Winter.
Kendal Wasps will begin their league season at home to Peterlee and Horden on 27 September. Keswick’s new season starts away at Liverpool St Helens. The teams are due to meet again a week later, on 4 October, in the Intermediate Cup, with that match also scheduled to take place at Mint Bridge.