Blackburn Programme

21st September 2024

vs Blackburn

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Editor’s Notes Firstly, I would like to note how well the silence was observed in our last home game, sometimes at venues including ours that is not always the case, so well done Kendal rugby club.

It is a very pleasing task [generally] to write and edit this programme, but the last 7 or 8 days have been very hectic as the first women’s programme is being produced for this weekend. I have not checked yet if there are any other clashes ie men and women home games on the same weekend, but it will get easier once the first women’s programme is produced and myself and also Fleur can collectively sigh with relief.

I do not think I have missed anything, but to quote that overused phrase “it will be what it will be!”

In the last programme I questioned where did the summer go, well it has come back, although to be fair it has just made a last minute appearance and is set to last until Sunday?

Being nostalgic, this is how

I remember the start of the season when I played, very hot in fact energy sapping… it was alright for training in the evenings, but full sun and temperatures in the low twenties was a different matter. I thought that would be the case last Sunday, but just before kick off the cloud came in and playing conditions were then near perfect. So, I hope the weather is as forecast sunny, but I know that not all players will love it!

Well, we have been promised that the pitch will be finished and hopefully the car park vacated? Dan has suggested the battle on the beach, along with my prediction of good weather and the under 16’s recent watery visit, maybe visions of the seaside could be appropriate? However, I do not think the state of the pitch will be a problem and as Arthur and I noted on Tuesday, we encountered all sorts, back in the day!

So that brings us nicely to today’s game, old rivals Blackburn, certainly we have faced them on

many occasions in recent years and perhaps not as successfully as we would have liked. Although familiar opposition, a new season means we must view each team afresh and I believe Blackburn maybe quite different than recent seasons. Only after today’s game will we know and that is one aspect that makes sport attractive and interesting, dare I say intriguing.

Therefore, it is our pleasure to give Blackburn a special warm Kendal rugby club welcome which we extend to the team, officials and visitors. I know you will enjoy our hospitality, but the competition on the field is going to be full on and hopefully conditions should permit a fast open game.

I noted last week it will be great to see some spectacular winger tries, along with a desire to watch a Kendal win.

We did get some good tries from our fast runners and we nearly got that win in a great come back, only missing out by 2 points! So let us use home advantage and get the

Specific thanks to all our contributors: Arthur Perrie; Mark Hodgkiss; Richard Sanderson; Dan Stephens; Warren Tilsley; Pete Halsall: Dave Rochell; Danny Airey; Adrian Heffernan; Claire Park; Stephen Green; Rachel, Wayne, Mozza, Barney & Graeme.

Please send articles for the programmne to Richard Sanderson: richard@alistairsanderson.com by Monday 7th October.

All opinions expressed in this programme are those of the individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kendal Rugby Union Football Club Ltd.

Cover Photo: Paul Want | Print & Design: MTP Media Ltd | t 01539 740937 www.mtp-media.co.uk

Editor’s Notes

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first home WIN- Good Luck Lads!

There is a fabulous article further in the programme recording the great adventures of the under 16’s on tour. I have always been a great believer in the value of residential visits and ensured that I introduced them in all the schools I was head off. Although a rugby tour is different, the fundamentals are the same and these experiences not only stay with you all your life, the lessons learnt are not easily defined but are in my mind much more valuable than the equivalent time in the classroom or training pitch. So, a really special well done to all those who made this tour with fab extras possible. Please note the photos with the article are great and convey so much, well done again to all those who made it happen, so, so worthwhile!

I mention in the section about the programme, that I intended to make a start on player interviews/profiles.

I apologise to Dan that my piece about him has not gone in this programme, but for the right reasons, other items are in and

in the case of the report on the under 16 tour this being included was a must!

I would also like to mention a piece Susie the Wasps team captain has written in the programme for Sunday’s game against Driffield.

Although you probably will not see it, she expands on the many aspects of our great game, rugby.

These features, including teamwork, ambition, support respect, enjoyment etc.. are applicable to any player regardless of gender or age. However, I find it fascinating in women’s sport, which I do not think is unique to rugby, there is an extra bond, probably like the gains from residentials, hard to define, but certainly I feel it is there? Anyway, if you get the opportunity to watch them on Sunday, take it you will not be disappointed, the quality of rugby is good and the excitement total.

Wow time to concentrate on the game in front of us and all our dreams and promises come true ie good weather, fast open rugby, tries galore and a Kendal win!

Enjoy the programme and most importantly today’s game. Richard ■

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Honorary Life Members John Chew Rod Short Roger Wilson John Uttley Derek Healey John Healey

Life Members Derek Annand Richard Berrie Mark Bindloss Steve Capstick Mike Capstick Tony Dixon Michael Fahy James Gough Stephen Green Maggi Green Mark Hodgkiss John Hutton Lee Johnson Andy Keating Robin Oram Sam Rayner Neil Rollings Brian Salisbury Adrian Nutter Steven Sproat Andrew Peill Andy Nelson Craig Hine

President’s Patter Afternoon dear reader Hope you’re well? I also hope that you’ve been enjoying the last part of summer, as it managed to turn up, right on the official cusp of autumn...... but as they say, better late than never! Hopefully we’ll have a few more dry Saturdays, but I seriously doubt it.

Anyway, welcome one and all to Mintbridge, especially our visitors and friends from Blackburn. I hope you’ve all had a really good journey, and you have a safe trip back.

The season has sparked into life. Two weeks ago a strong Wirral side came for the season opener, and I’m the traditional right game, they edged it this time by 2 points.

Last week we went to see our friends at Rossendale, and once again were met by a serious outfit. Whomever you speak to, they were put under a lot of pressure, and in my opinion, we moved on again from the Wirral fixture, so fingers crossed for today.

Assuming on the turn up, today I have an old friend

dining with me (do not be cheeky!) ..... and as its that early in the season, he may not receive too much stick (no, not for being a friend!). Yep David Barnes, head of RFU botty smacking is Hopefully with us, along with his brother, and another ex-player here, John..... but that’s a different story!

Don’t think the RFU have done anything to annoy me as of yet..... or possibly we’re just immune to it all now?

Possibly!

If anyone is after another rugby fix, tomorrow there’s a under 14s Cup game I believe, as well as the first fixture of the ladies campaign at 2pm. As per, “if in doubt, socials out!”.

Basically, we all know that I’m not exactly au fait with most stuff, so best of checking (what do you mean”why don’t i?”).

There’s a man that I always check upon, mainly to make sure he’s not in the vicinity, about to throttle me..... yes, the wonderful sponsor of my tripe, Ian

“feared by the bad, loved by the good” Thompson.

I am still looking for an emergency sponsor or 2, just in case he turns up to a game. I know, like most, he skips this segment..... but one day he may not. He still doesn’t know that he’s sponsoring the segment either. That will be a very bleak day for me, so any help/prior warnings are much appreciated.

I’m hoping that spotting the sun this week has helped many people’s mental health? I know it’s cheered me up massively.

Last column I said that I’d not summered well. I hadn’t. Thank you to those who have asked me how I am, it really had meant a lot. Just a simple thing like that, as I have discovered, can raise someone’s spirits, and help so much. As we continue into the season, let’s “set the standard” and be a welcoming and pleasant to each other.

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President’s Patter

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Can’t do any harm can it?

Let’s keep that eye and ear open for each other.

Our Programme

As ever, if you feel like you need a chat, but feel that you have no one to speak to, come and find me...... always around for you.

Nearly done (stop that bleeding cheering). As ever, thanks to all the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and spectators for everything you do..... without you guys this wouldn’t be anywhere as near the great place it is.

I hope that you all have a wonderful time, and safe travels back home.... wherever that may be. Please commence cheering!

Be well, and be lucky.

Arth ■ Thanks Arthur, I will refrain from suggesting RFU comments! - Richard

Just a reminder that the team page you will see YP against some players, this is to recognise they have come through our youth section. Home grown considerable talent!

The second programme of the season and some of our regular contributors have done us proud this week. I also note the revised format has a] most importantly been noticed and b] some positive comments have been made.

The slight layout changes mean I can accommodate different length articles more easily. I has intended to begin writing up the result of player interviews into short profiles, something I had not done for a few years.

The interview with Dan Stephens took place, but the profile will have to wait as the programme this week is brimming with many articles!

As explained last week this format makes it easier to print YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, so please send me articles e.g. memories of past games/ events, history of the game, grounds played on, clubs long gone, views on the game etc..

I also thank all my regular contributors of articles and photos, but stress the importance of the set Monday deadline!

Finally sponsors for any and all aspects of Kendal Rugby are welcome and needed, particularly programme sponsors with bold adverts we can make space in the programme for adverts of all sizes and match day sponsors are welcomed for all home games.

Richard ■

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Our Director of Rugby Dan Stephens Good afternoon everyone and a very warm welcome to Mint Bridge.

Despite the excellent pre-season campaign, the first home fixture against Wirral brought the team back to reality with a bump.

We failed to get out of the blocks, gave away too much ball and invited pressure on us from the outset which Wirral duly capitalized on.

We did improve as the game went on and with ball in hand we looked a threat.

The two points gained were probably a fair, if somewhat frustrating reflection of the afternoon. Last week saw us travel to Rossendale where a much-improved team performance over 80 minutes, saw us pick up a well-earned, four try bonus point.

Two games in, two defeats, but three points on the ladder and enough reassuring signs of what talent lies in this team if we can learn to be more patient with the ball in hand and connect defensively for longer periods of the game. Today offers another opportunity for this young squad to pit their wits against another highly experienced team who

historically always end up at the right end of the table. A battle on the beach awaits, time will tell if we have learnt our lessons.

Enjoy your day.

Dan Stephens ■ Thanks for a very honest appraisal of our performances - Richard

A brief update from our Chairman Stephen just sent some very brief observations to be included in today’s programmne.

Firstly’ the pitch should be ready and finished by Thursday.

Secondly, The AGM is set for Wednesday 6th November at 7pm so please note that in your diaries.

Thanks Stephen Green ■

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THE 200 CLUB This month’s draw was made by the President of Wirral RUFC at Saturday’s game. If you missed it, you missed a cracking good start to the season. Maybe not the result we wanted, but nevertheless very good rugby.

I was aware that the Wirral hierarchy were wearing ties which were dark blue and silver (I think) and not maroon and white, which are Wirral’s colours. I made a few discrete enquiries and discovered that they have home and away ties! Now there’s posh!!

As a result of your continuing support, I am pleased to announce that the 200 Club has donated £1000 to the main pitch repair appeal.

The winner this month is number 56 Peter Haworth.

He’s a long-time supporter.

However, I have lost contact with him. He lived at Sandside and then moved to somewhere near Kirkby Stephen. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, or even if he is reading this, please contact me so he can receive his cheque.

Email dave@itsnw.co.uk or phone/text 07753 819109 Dave Rochell ■

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The Women’s Section - WASPS Hello and Welcome to the start of our 2024/25 season.

Reflecting on where we were last season and where we are now is important when deciding what you need to do to get to where you want to be. So here are my key thoughts on where we were, where we are starting and where we aim to be.

The Wasps worked hard last season to send a message to all the other teams in the league that we were going to be a competitive side to face off against and that defending relegation was not our aim for our first season in the championship, finishing third by one point it was fair to say that they achieved that outcome. We learned a great deal in our first season following promotion, the biggest lesson learnt was the importance of having depth within the squad so we could field a full side in every game and remain competitive. The increase to the levels intensity, physicality and speed of the game in this league saw a number of our established players suffering injuries

and being unable to play in following fixtures, the length of the season as a result of postponed games and then seeing some of our opposition arriving with a bare team of 15 and an empty bench only highlighted the importance of this to the squad.

Thankfully following our success in the previous season our numbers had grown and we not only had a depth of players within the squad willing to step up, but thanks to their hard work at training when players made their debuts few could imagine that they hadn’t been playing with the team for years, this allowed us to play every fixture and recognise our new players for their dedication to training and the team by developing them through game experience.

This season will be no different but with the support of the strength and conditioning coach Mark, the squad have all prepared for this season to ensure they are stronger than ever and thanks to

the hard work from our recruitment team we have seen the numbers within the squad grow further. It is a privilege to be, starting the season with a squad of over 40 players who can step on to the field and do their best to secure the win and I thank the players and recruitment team alongside the wider coaching team within the club for ensuring that our new players have felt welcomed and enjoyed every aspect of being a part of our club.

We welcome Driffield to our club for our opening game of the season. We were fortunate to be hosted by them during a charity dinner at their club for our final game with them last season. It was a great day for rugby with an amazing atmosphere which saw the Wasps achieve the win against a tough side and then enjoying the hospitality of a great club before returning home. I

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The Women’s Section - WASPS cont hope the opening game of this season provides both teams with a challenge and the chance to recognise how each side has developed and improved. To be followed by some top level food from our amazing chef Chris and the warm hospitality within our club house.

Our next game will see the Wasps travel to Harrogate on the 6th of October so for those who enjoy a good scenic drive through the Yorkshire countryside we welcome you to join us and show how well supported Cumbria’s senior women’s rugby team are.

The Wasps have an exciting season ahead playing fast paced rugby and with some new additions to the swarm you can be sure to see some new faces on the field! I look forward to seeing you at our future games where you can be sure we will be working harder than ever to ensure even more success in this season than any before.

Adrian ■ Thanks, looking forward to another great season Richard

Kendal Youth Round Up Kendal Senior Colts.

Good afternoon all, hope everyone is well and enjoying the return of the rugby season.

We as the Colts have played 2 games so far, both at home.

We beat Wilmslow at home in game 1 of the new season 21-12. Again ,a slow start saw us go a try down early on, but we rallied, played some good rugby and worked ourselves into a winning position.

Some positive performances from the Kendal players, especially the new guys who have come into the squad. Forwards working hard up front and laying the platform for the pacey back line to exploit the spaces.

A good atmosphere in the clubhouse afterwards with both sets of players and supporters enjoying each other’s company.

Our second encounter saw us play Leigh last weekend.

Played on the 3G pitch and

again a well supported game with lots of support for both sides.

Another slow start from us saw Leigh race into a 17-0 lead. We certainly didn’t help ourselves though we did have our chances. The difference already being seen between this year and last is that if you start slow you will get punished. Last season in certain games where we didn’t start well, we always had enough to come back and earn the result. This season, a year older, league higher and this is not the case.

Few words from players and coaches at half time and the rally began. We managed to pull ourselves back and lead the game by 1 point. A few naive decisions made and we kept putting ourselves back under pressure. Final score was Kendal 24- Leigh 32. Leigh deserved winners and a good marker for where we now need to find ourselves consistently this season. Again, some huge

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Kendal Youth Round up cont performances in the second half from all of the squad.

The newer guys really bedding in, Tommy running the show at 9, Isa and Zack adding to the grunt up front, Liam showing some great pace at 13. Seth sadly injured but due back soon and Lewis still to play as he has been busy with Sedbergh.

Their time will come.

As a group we haven’t lost many games so a strange feeling after the game but one we are keen to put right.

The coaching group will watch the Veo, look at what works and what needs work.

The slow start needs a fix but as we said to the players, we haven’t become a bad side overnight.

This weekend we are in Under 18s National cup action. We are away at

Carlisle. A good chance to regroup after the good weeks training and take a brief break from league action. Should we beat Carlisle our next 2 rounds could potentially be at home which would be fantastic, but we have a job to do this weekend first.

The support we have had so far for our 2 home games has been brilliant and is much appreciated.

All support is much appreciated and the atmosphere in the club post games has also been really good. Let’s keep this going.

Stacks of mini and youth rugby also this weekend with many fixtures on Sunday for different age groups. Let’s show these

teams some support also.

See you all soon Warren Tilsley ■ Thank, losing is never easy but it’s how we deal with it? – Richard Other Youth News U16 Wales Tour 2024 Kendal’s U16 squad of 19 players with 5 invited U15 players loaded up into minibuses and headed off to North Wales for some fun, team building and rugby.

Our first port of call was to find our accommodation on the outskirts of Llangollen, Bryntisilio Outdoor Education Centre overlooking the river Dee and the Horseshoe Falls.

The boys shedded off into their various bunk rooms as we de-camped the buses and support vehicles.

One hour later we headed off to the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn. A huge thank you to Bleddyn Lloyd for making this possible from the centre. The boys were split into groups of 6 to fill 4 rafts. The coaches grabbed a well-earned brew and spent

Kendal Youth Round up cont

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time laughing and hoping for kids to fall out of rafts. 3 runs later we were handed back 24 soggy tired and very cheerful teenagers, with some slightly disappointed coaches as there were no men overboard! Once again, the buses were filled, and we made our way back to LLangollen.

A quick turnaround, team photo, and then back out to the Sun Trevor pub for tea. Landlord Paul Jones & wife Katy provided meals that were more than ample to fill up hungry teenagers and supporting parents and coaches. After an almost decent night’s sleep, possibly a bit variable we were up for a great breakfast including a full Welsh (not English).

The boys were surprisingly

organised and we vacated on time. Over the Horseshoe pass and through to Mold RUFC, where we were ready for 2 fixtures, first against Mold and the second against Wrexham.

A very positive start from our Kendal squad. An early try from Team Captain Will T who plays No.8. He picked up from the back of the scrum a good 10m out, found himself a clear

line and ran hard to score just left of the posts. Will D No.1 put his kicking skills to the test and scored a lovely conversion. Mold’s defence stepped up for the rest of the first half making it a closer game. Sadly, we lost Logan very early in the first half with a reckless action from a Mold player.

Our scrums were strong and we were grateful for the support from U15 player Joe as prop. The second half was again an exciting start for Kendal their perseverance and discipline put Roan in a position to maximise his speed and agility to dodge several defenders to score our second try. Will D was less successful and unfortunately missed the conversion. Leaving this as the final score 0 – 12.

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Kendal Team

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Physio - Laura Martindale

Kit Man - Jason Donoghue

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YP Donates players who have come through our youth section.

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Kendal Youth Round Up The U16s coaches; Rachel, Wayne, Mozza, Barney & Graeme ■ Well done to you all, great experiences - Richard M&Y Sponsor

We knew Wrexham would be a much tougher game and as we were debuting 2 new players one totally new to rugby and his inaugural game and the second another Will his return to Kendal after 5 years. Both players performed well, one having a baptism of fire as hooker and Will O providing back row and second row cover, after starting in the centres in the first game. Both games were supported by our wonderful players from the U15 squad, Joe, Ollie, Ben, Roo and Thomas. All playing out of their skins against Mold and then a strong Wrexham team, coping with position changes to support injuries and substitutions.

We lost both Leo and Will T to injuries in the Wrexham

game, and this made a huge difference to the balance of the pack. Wrexham had a strong start and in the first half putting 3 tries past us in the first half but with only one conversion.

Kendal stood firm in the second half and did not concede any further points to leave the final score 17 - 0 Following food we embarked on a much more subdued journey home.

Despite the horrendous driving conditions and only one support vehicle broken down we did make it back.

A huge well done to the Kendal squad who behaved impeccably on both days and were complimented by the rafting centre as the best rugby group they have ever had. Onto the next adventure.

The M&Y section has remained without a sponsor for several years now and would very much appreciate your help and support. So, if there is anyone out there who would like the absolute privilege of being associated with the Kendal M&Y section and offering some sponsorship to support all our volunteers then please drop me a line on minirugby@kendalrugby. co.uk Our volunteers travel the length and breadth of the North West with our teams and the social media coverage is now one of the best in the rugby community, so the opportunity for exposure is extremely good.

Many thanks, Danny Airey ■

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Auld Greys Walking rugby A LUNCHTIME WITH A SOPRANO The Auld Greys were well represented at the first home game against Wirral. Sixteen of us made up a couple of tables in hospitality and there were more dotted around the crowd as well.

What a treat is an afternoon in hospitality! The beer helps-of course it does-and at membership prices it really is a steal. It’s like drinking in Wetherspoons without the nutcases and strange looks. Chris never fails to impress with his culinary knowhow and the rumoured buffet was replaced with a brilliant steak and ale pie.

A special shout out to those who serve and the volunteers who supplement them. One minute Claire Park is serving plates of pie, the next she’s accepting a cheque for the pitch appeal and then she’s clearing tables. The whirling dervish in our midst.

No account of a meal in hospitality is complete without a mention of Arthur, the host with the absolute most. I have recently been binge watching The Sopranos and I cannot get the idea of Arthur and Tony Soprano out of my head. Similar builds, similar colouring and similar

levels of sophistication make me think that the latter must have been based on the former. Arthur’s raffle is one of Life’s bucket list experiences. If Salvador Dali had ever designed a raffle, this would be it. The room is full of slightly manic laughter as people do their best not to win anything and prey to avoid having their tickets drawn from the hat and so be spared the whole ordeal.

Good food, good company and a genius stand-up comedian all for a bargain price. Top, top value!

It felt slightly odd watching the rugby in t-shirt and shorts. Normally the rain slices horizontally into the stand while the wind cuts like razors and I spend much of the game regretting not having put on yet another layer. Still, I am sure that I will experience these pleasures in future weeks.

It would have been better if Kendal had won but you can’t have everything…

The Wednesday afternoon walking rugby sessions are an integral part of the Auld Greys and for some are the most important part, but the social aspect of the group is just as important. Indeed, one of the AGs at the Wirral game was saying that for them it was

the social side that mattered most. Sat chatting, I was struck by the special nature of the group. People who have recently gone through rough times were remembered and plans put in place to contact them and to invite them to join us on one of the hospitality tables we have booked. Others of our group who are currently enduring tough times gain massive solace and release by joining the walking rugby sessions.

As well as fun, exercise and teamwork there is also the friendship and support in spades.

At some point in Arthur’s address at the Wirral game, he talked of how everyone in the room shared a bond based on friendship, rugby and drinking. You don’t have to drink to be an Auld Grey, but we are like every other section of the club, and it was nice to hear Arthur acknowledge us before he unleashed the raffle madness. Why not come and give us a go? Wednesday 2 o’clock at Kendal’s premier cabaret venue.

Cheers, Pete Halsall ■ A.G’S philosophy, these socials, all make rugby special– Richard

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Six Nations Ticket Ballot 2025 Once again, I intend to run a ballot for England’s home fixtures in this season’s Guinness Six Nations competition, open to all fully paid members of the Club The ballot will cover the France and Scotland games, as these are classed as limited availability. I would, therefore, ask anyone wishing to obtain tickets for the Italy match on Sunday 9th March to contact me by 31st October, so I may acquire specifically.

England v. France - 16.45, Saturday 8th February 2025 England v. Scotland - 16.45, Saturday 22nd February 2025 As with previous years tickets will be allocated in groups of four. To enter the ballot, please send your name via email or call me directly (details below). The closing date for entries will be 31st December 2024, with the winners being notified by 7th January 2025.

Good luck, Stirling Hulme 07881 936089 stirlinghulme@gmail.com

Keeping it in the Family Mark Hodgkiss

A late replacement for the article I was planning to use, but the weather last Sunday afternoon meant I could not go out to do what I had planned, so used the time to do something else, and as ever it spiral out of control. When checking for some information in programmes from 2011, I found two bits of information which amused me.

Last Saturday saw Barney and Oscar Coxon start in the pack. Not the first time we have seen brothers playing together, but in the time I have been watching, it has been fairly rare. Most notably John and Luke Ladell, the twin flying wings who often conjured tries out of nothing, who whilst clearly in competition, would soon be at their brother’s side if the other had picked an argument with a player somewhat bigger than them (which was not rare).

Lasting less than a season in 2006/07, another pair of twins, Massey and Patrick Tuhakaraina. An odd thing is we have a number of brothers who I don’t think ever played together, Jack and Rory BlakeneyEdwards; Alan and Garry Holmes, Tom and Will Voke.

I mentioned two years ago when Barney was making his debut how few former players have son’s who follow them. Last Saturday as well as Barney and Oscar, we also had Ollie, Patrick and Aaron in the side.

Whilst three of them play in their father’s position, for the moment at least they are all very different players. I am certainly not expecting to see Aaron anytime soon join a rolling maul and come up with the tries, as Dan did at Hull many seasons ago.

Other players who over the last twenty years followed their father include, Liam Hayton following Chris,

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Keeping it in the family cont. and Chris Downham following Ian (the two Chris’ having links with today’s visitors), plus Rob Weightman, following Barry.

Going back to the start of the 2000s, playing in the same team as Billy; Duncan; Colin and Dan, today’s regular gateman Jon Nicholson had both brothers and a father who played for the club, as in the same team did last season’s stand-in Director of Rugby Steve Healey.

Whilst checking in 2011 programmes to confirm another pair of brothers Peter and Danny Redman were not cousins or just shared the same surname (although again I don’t think they ever started in the same team). I came across the two pieces which amused me.

Peter Davy had written an appreciation of Billy Coxon for his 400 appearance. It mentioned Billy’s “retirement” two years earlier. Thirteen years on, Billy was still pulling on a shirt for the

Seconds last weekend (and initially confusing me how B.Coxon was in both teams – obviously just keeping active until he qualifies for walking rugby in under six years time). The article also reminded me that Barney and Oscar had a grandfather, Ian Hutton, who played for the club. It was however the comment of their mother in the article that amused me.

Following Peter’s hoped that the boys (then 5 and 6) would one day form part of the club’s front row, he said but “their mother Claire thinks that Ozzie is more likely to be a scrum half, given his aptitude for ignoring authority and mouthing off” Fortunately he seems to have grown out of that – and the good news for Dev and Ollie, also the scrum half’s shirt.

visitors last season. If all goes to plan the photo was on the website as part of the preview for today’s game. So the answer to my question there was, Joe Fiddler and Lewis Kincart (who has a little more hair now !).

Mark Hodgkiss ■ Thanks Mark, I need a matrix to cope with this excellent info! - Richard

The other thing that amused me was a photo in a programme from September 2011 of our two young ball boys in new sponsor’s bibs. Both have since gone on to play for the club, one of whom was playing at today’s

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Fixture Matrix

Newport (Salop)

Penrith

1st Feb

27 - 13

1st Mar

9th Nov 22nd Mar 19th Oct

21st Dec 30th Nov

4th Jan

26th Oct 30th Nov 9th Nov

18 - 60

22nd Mar 21st Sep

1st Mar

18th Jan

14th Dec

1st Feb

30th Nov

11th Jan

33 - 24

1st Mar

19th Oct 22nd Mar 30th Nov 14th Dec

15th Feb

12th Oct

31 - 33

5th Apr

Birkenhead Park

12th Oct

Blackburn

5th Apr

28th Sep

Kendal

4th Jan

1st Feb

21st Sep

Leek

26th Oct

8th Mar

18th Jan

16th Nov

Manchester

14th Dec

15th Feb

7th Dec

18th Jan

30 - 17

Newport (Salop)

16th Nov

5th Apr

15th Feb

7th Dec

21st Dec

11th Jan

Penrith

15th Feb

7th Dec

26th Oct

8th Mar

69 - 7

21st Dec

4th Jan

Rossendale

7th Dec

21st Dec

8th Mar

50 - 29

11th Jan

1st Mar

1st Feb

19th Oct

Stockport

18th Jan

16th Nov 12th Oct

9th Nov 22nd Mar 30th Nov 14th Dec

38 - 45

4th Jan

Stoke on Trent

21st Sep

19th Oct

14th Dec

11th Jan

9th Nov

28th Sep 30th Nov

1st Mar

31 - 62

1st Feb

Wirral

8th Mar

33 - 13

16th Nov

5th Apr

28th Sep

1st Feb

11th Jan

15th Feb

21st Dec

21st Dec

19th Oct 22nd Mar 9th Nov

1st Mar

Wirral

Manchester

28th Sep

Stoke on Trent

Leek

56 - 0

Stockport

Kendal

11th Jan

Rossendale

Blackburn

Anselmians

Birkenhead Park

Anselmians

AWAY HOME

21st Sep

14th Dec

12th Oct

7th Dec

15th Feb

4th Jan

12th Oct

21st Sep

16th Nov

8th Mar

4th Jan

26th Oct

28th Sep 26th Oct

17 - 22

8th Mar

18th Jan

18th Jan

5th Apr

16th Nov

12th Oct

28th Sep

5th Apr

9th Nov

26th Oct

21st Sep

19th Oct

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22nd Mar

7th Dec

Venue Hire

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Venue Hire open to all Kendal Rugby Club

We are not a membership club our facilities are available for all to hire From training sessions, large scales conference, weddings, celebrations such as birthday milestones, anniversaries, funeral teas and everything in between we can cater for your event.

The Function Room has an impressive 200sqm space and can seat 200 delegates in a variety of formations, with soundproof ‘moving walls’ offering the flexibility to divide the space to suit your event. With a bar area and covered balcony access, all spaces are fully equipped with Wi-Fi, Video Screens and superb quality PA systems. Prices start from £100 per half day

Our spacious Kremer Bar Lounge is perfect as a relaxed break-out space, welcome area and social dining and bar area. It can also be cleared and combined with the Function Room for maximum flexibility, sharing direct access to our large covered balcony. Prices start from £75 per half day Full site hire available for corporate family days, ultra events, weekend tours.

Price available on request Kendal Rugby Club is flexible. Our staff team will work with you to tailor our event spaces to your need, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional catering - tailored to your audience and your budget.

enquiries: 01539 734039 | email: events@kendalrugby.co.uk

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What’s On In the next programme, we will likely be pestering for volunteers, we can’t do it without your support

FANTASTIC FIREWORKS Kendal Rugby Club will once again be bringing a fantastic community firework display to Mint Bridge.

Tickets can be bought online via try booking

Join us for a night all the family will enjoy with a range of local vendors attending selling a fantastic range of goods including churros, hot crumbles, Yorkshire pudding wraps, woodfired pizzas, all-time favourites fish and chips plus many more. Taylor’s Fun Fair will also once again be in attendance.

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DVLZ

VIP tickets are on sale now and give exclusive access to the Clubhouse, Balcony and Lounge Bar with supper and a glass of mulled wine included. Adult VIP tickets includes a choice from three homemade pies served with peas, mash potatoes, beetroot and pickled red cabbage.

Children’s option is homemade chicken goujons and chips. Vegetarian option available. Tickets are selling fast and are limited.

Quiz Night 20th September

The Social Committee

Up Coming Events Foodie Friday 27th September Community Fireworks 8th November Builders Day/Club Christmas Party 14th December Ladies Day 1st February 2025

League - Regional 1 North West Team

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

+/-

TB

LB

Anselmians

2

2

0

0

83

13

70

2

0

Pts 10

Penrith

2

2

0

0

114

45

69

2

0

10

Rossendale

2

2

0

0

112

60

52

2

0

10

Wirral

2

2

0

0

66

44

22

2

0

10

Newport (Salop)

2

1

0

1

77

40

37

1

1

6

Stockport

2

1

0

1

60

62

-2

1

1

6

Manchester

2

1

0

1

43

44

-1

1

0

5

Blackburn

2

1

0

1

33

80

-47

1

0

5

Kendal

2

0

0

2

60

83

-23

2

1

3

Stoke on Trent

2

0

0

2

55

95

-40

2

0

2

Birkenhead Park

2

0

0

2

31

93

-62

0

0

0

Leek

2

0

0

2

24

99

-75

0

0

0