Manchester Programme

19th October 2024

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vs Manchester

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Editor’s Notes Wow another home game, then quite a gap, but more importantly two wins on the run and a very well deserved first win in the league.

This weekend sees a wealth of rugby, a number of articles make reference to the numerous matches which can be seen this weekend here at Mint Bridge. I suggest you either plan out your two days with reference to the fixture lists or just go with what you see in front of you.

Basically, that is my approach as I will be trying to watch the firsts and the wasps, plus anything else I encounter as a bonus! This has been in recent years my approach to music festivals at one time marking all the times of groups/singers I wanted to see like a military operation, but in recent years that has gone by the wayside and the “enjoy what is in front of you” approach has taken over!

This week for me work wise has been busy and then on top of that two rugby programmes to write, but the Wasps programme is the new one and there have been some teething problems, but Fleur assures me it will get smoother and I am sure she is right! However, it remains

a privilege to write and put these programmes together, as long as my contributors keep sending articles, dare I say well in time! Reminders in the article headed “Our Programme” below.

What a mix of weather this week, but I am sure none of us would expect anything different this year, but hopefully with all the games noted above we can have some reasonable conditions.

This is n appropriate lead into today’s game, another encounter which hopefully will display the qualities of good, fast, exciting rugby.

Certainly, this season we have been treated to many high scoring games in which teams attacking ability has been stronger than their defences. Today’s opponents are Manchester, who like us have been around this league for a while, although they have finished higher than us in the top group. This split usually begins to show at this point in the season and generally consists of 3 or 4 clubs, which interestingly this season we have played most of that group.

Manchester are located in that Manchester/Liverpool region, which is thick with

rugby clubs of all levels, also a club I am familiar with from my playing days. Anyway, back to the game in front of us, , it is our pleasure to give Manchester a special warm Kendal rugby club welcome which we extend to the team, officials and supporters. I know you will enjoy our hospitality, but the competition on the field is going to be full on.

Somewhere in the programme the issue re lack of RFU support for grass roots clubs has again been raised. I certainly mentioned it last week. If our great game is to truly offer itself as part of the sport for all movement, then grassroots rugby needs to be extended further, both with the support of the local community and we are a great example of that and the RFU. It is no good just investing in the top of the structure or it will be unsustainable and collapse. It is not rocket science and thus I believe glaringly obvious.

Many issues are in the news at the moment, on the sporting front, football is suddenly noticing the ridiculous number of games players at the highest

Specific thanks to all our contributors: Arthur Perrie; Mark Hodgkiss; Richard Sanderson; Dan Stephens; Dan Bowman; Dave Rochell; Danny Airey; Adrian Heffernan; Claire Park; Warren Tilsley; James Nield and Stirling Hulme.

Please send articles for the programmne to Richard Sanderson: richard@alistairsanderson.com by Monday 25th November!

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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.cont

level are expected to play.

Interestingly in contrast to the small number of games we play, although we are on a cup run! I know we are playing Kirkby Lonsdale, but at this point in time I have no news of the fixture.

Related is the pressure on top players and I think the comradery of rugby gives natural support more than other sports. I referred to the mental health day that surprisingly Arthur missed in last weeks programme and it is brought to mind this week by the self-destructive death of Liam Payne. People being thrust into alien situations without support, would test anyone, but this emphasises the support Arthur often makes reference too.

Last week’s programme contained two tributes to recent club members deaths and I referred to Marks as being devastating because he was so young. I was pleased that the lads had requested the minutes silence last week for Mark as like me some will remember playing with him in the seconds as well as maintaining friendship, part of that special quality of rugby. There is a short piece in club news re funeral details.

Last Saturday not only saw an exciting win for our first

team, but I also saw [on TV] Wigan win the super league grand final against Hull KR. This was also a thrilling game but in which the defences were on top. Maybe we could ask Bevan French to come along for a couple of games before the rugby league season commences!

Instinctive genius cannot be created, we just have to stand back and enjoy. From a personal point of view I hope Wigan are back to the great days, when some of the best rugby players were playing for them including Andy Farrell, Shaun Edwards, Kris Radlinski and Jason Robinson to name but a few!

Bringing the thoughts back to Kendal, we have witnessed some great rugby, from as stated a number of times in this programme, a young team who are learning and improving. They are also learning about their individual and collective strengths, but need to be perhaps more confident and hence react quicker to support attacking breaks and equally defensive lines.

More vocal support would help considerably, but that again is experience and perhaps rests on players like Matty [his return has made a great difference] to set the example.

Finally, as I often note we are fortunate to live in a safe country in a beautiful part of the world. I appreciate the problems in our lives can be complex as above but please spare a thought and or a prayer for the thousands being killed or displaced in horrendous wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, There is a lot to share and reflect on but now is the time to concentrate on the game in front of us. Whatever the conditions I want to see fast running rugby, skilfully crafted tries. In my playing days largely in the Wigan area we often said let the ball do the work, so come on lads let us get that third home win, you can do it and we [the crowd] need to get behind our team and give them that extra support.

By the way in the last programme at the time of writing England Men’s cricket team were on the brink of a win, which they did! A week later they are on the edge of a loss…that is sport!

Enjoy the programme and most importantly today’s game.

Richard ■

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President’s Patter Afternoon dear reader Are you well? [Just thought I’d ask, as rather rudely I haven’t been for a while.]

Welcome all to Mintbridge for today’s fixture against Manchester. I hope that our visitors have had a safe trip up, and that they have a great day with us.

Very quick round up. last weekend the firsts registered the first league win over Stoke, the 2s drew at Preston, and the colts, I believe, had a really close loss at Preston.

The Wasps didn’t play.

This week sees a lot of Rugby, especially here at HQ. First’s today, U15 county cup, U16s, Wasps (1pm) and colts (3pm) as well as the other age groups, and the 2s away at Eagle. Next week all three adult teams are all away at Birkenhead on the Saturday afternoon!

After that, due to breaks in the RFU calendar, and the way the fixtures fall, the next home fixture will be !6th Nov for the seconds 24th Nov for the Wasps, and 30th Nov for the firsts…….so get your fix in now…….do remember though that Friday 8th Nov we have the community

fireworks here, so do please come to support, and attempt to get in as many puns as possible! (yes puns dear!).

Also please remember to keep checking our superior socials for info. I did a lot of the fixture rearrangements (don’t be cheeky!) and I’m a bit confused with it all (I did say not to be cheeky!)….. so again, best off checking prior to any form of disappointment.

Whilst on (sort of) rugby matters, congratulations last week to Matty Houghton, and Glen Cheshire for getting their 200th first team appearance. After the game I had the proud honour of presenting Matty with his players player award from the previous county season.

A great accolade for him, and a lovely moment for me as ex county president. Excellent work Matty.

There’s a man renowned for his excellent work, and dubious sponsorship, Ian “pounds and pence” Thompson. Luckily, he’s not been round to “bend my ear” this season.......but my quest

for an “emergency” sponsor carries on (yes I know it’s not a surprise), just incase he does turn up. Bless you all for either 1, not telling him, or 2, drat you all for giving up on reading this drivel!

Either way, I’m managing somehow not to suffer his wrath!

I’m managing not to get into a RFU rant as of yet.....but there’s the autumn series round the corner, so I’m pretty certain this will return to future columns!

Mental health - again my mention of this will not stop!

Last week saw World mental health day. It was only when I figured this out, that I then figured out that in recent weeks/months I’ve become, for various reasons more withdrawn......luckily as I hadn’t noticed it advertised, when I did, I was shocked I’d missed it! In retrospect, I realized that I had become more withdrawn, so decided to speak to some people,

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President’s Patter

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about anything in general.

I know that a lot of people may get withdrawn, or possibly they have been for a long amount of time.

Let’s keep our eyes and ears open for everyone around us down here, and in society if possible. Just that little question of “are you ok?” may just be enough to get someone to open up and become less withdrawn.

As ever, if you feel that you have no one that you can speak to, please do just contact me, I’m always about.

Nearly done (stop cheering) just the usual thanks to all the players, volunteers, coaches, sponsors, and spectators that week after week give some of themselves to this wonderful club, and make it the wonderful place that it is.

I hope you all have a tremendous day with us, and a safe trip home, wherever that may be?! Commence cheering.

Be well, and be lucky.

Arth ■ Thanks Arthur, great explanation of forthcoming fixtures - Richard

Today’s Match Sponsor

Our Programme Just a reminder that on 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!

Our regular contributors have done us proud and I am particularly pleased with the fab M and Y reports and importantly photos, the kids love to see themselves in print.

All these valuable articles have made the programmes relevant and hopefully interesting.

As previously, mentioned, slight layout changes mean I can accommodate different length articles

more easily, hence I welcome 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..

This weekend sees the second women’s programme!

Finally sponsors for any and all aspects of Kendal Rugby are welcome and needed, particularly programme sponsors we can make space in the programme adverts of all sizes and match day sponsors are welcome today’s “Electric Center Kendal” ■

www.kendalrugby.co.uk

Chairman’s Thoughts the Trading Company, which though unwelcome, can be accounted for entirely by the rise in the cost of our utility supplies and increases in prices of consumables (food and drink).

A very tough start to the season with the strongest four teams in the League to be played first. We did, however, take 5 bonus points from those losses which shows our resolve and determination. A few injuries have inevitably caused problems in fielding our strongest team. It was a relief to win last Saturday against a spirited Stoke team who were also looking for their first win of the season.

The Club has had another challenging year, with the Board working hard to keep the financial position of the Club secure, concentrating on both expanding our business and keeping costs under control. It is my 20th year as Chairman and no less difficult than the previous 19. Our accounts will show another loss for

We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, members and supporters as without your financial support we could not continue to provide the sporting opportunities for our local community. We are proud to be a largely volunteer-led organisation with over 100 registered volunteers who provide the bedrock of support for the Club.

In the past the RFU provided substantial support for community rugby clubs like ours. Today, despite claiming to do so, the reality is that we have seen an erosion of financial support. As an example, our travel grant for the Men’s 1st team for the whole season is £400. The cost of one coach to an away match is now at least £700 with 11 away League games per season. You may think this is a derisory amount of support. There are, naturally other travel costs for the

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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

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Chairman’s Thoughts cont 2nd team, Wasps and Colts, which receive no support at all.

We have been in our ‘new’ location since 2017 and this past year has seen some unexpected costs for repairs and maintenance.

The three original hot water boilers started giving trouble with one leaking from the casing and failing, then a second until we were relying on a single unit to provide showers and general supply. It became urgent that we replaced the hot water supply and two new uprated boilers have been fitted at a cost of £40k. Additionally, our insurers insisted, at renewal of cover, that we added a fire suppression system to the upstairs kitchen which cost £4k. These costs are in excess of our planned maintenance budget but were unavoidable.

Another unpleasant surprise was finding that the main grass pitch had developed extensive boggy areas between the halfway line and the river end.

Previously the drainage had been excellent, but trial holes showed that water remained after rain

and did not drain away as expected. We undertook an investigation of the drainage and this showed that the side sand slits that drain to the main underground pipes were compressed and needed to be replaced. It is unfortunate that there is an impermeable band of slate under the pitch which starts at the dugouts and stretches roughly diagonally across the pitch towards the containers at the far end of the car park. This accounts for the water retention.

You will have seen our Crowdfunding Appeal to raise money to undertake the repairs, which was organised superbly by Claire Park. We are very grateful to all who have contributed and now have some £18k in funds (including Gift Aid).

The works were completed just before the first League game and despite the rather strange appearance, has proved to be a success.

Our AGM is set for Wednesday November 6th at 7pm. All who were in membership on 30th April this year are invited to come and have the opportunity to question the Board and

discuss matters rugby or otherwise. We look forward to your support.

Kind regards, Stephen Green ■ Thanks for that full and frank overview of our club - Richard

Our Director of Rugby Dan Stephens

Good afternoon everyone and a very warm welcome to Mint Bridge especially the players, staff, supporters and members of Manchester, I hope you enjoy your afternoon.

Today will be the third home game on the bounce for the 1st XV but due to a fixture reschedule in November, won’t see us play here again until the 30th November when we will entertain local rivals Penrith. It’s great to

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Our Director of Rugby cont hear that hospitality for this fixture has already sold out and we are looking to attract a bumper crowd for what is always a great spectacle.

Today’s opponents have had a strong start to the league campaign and currently sit in fifth position on the ladder having won 4 out of their opening 5 fixtures. We will need to be at our very best today if we are to maintain our unbeaten run through October, but confidence is high and we know we have the playing squad capable of competing with any team in this league on our day.

We continue to keep the good doctors and nurses of our country busy.

Unfortunately, we lost Dini to a broken wrist last weekend and he underwent surgery on Thursday. Luke Atkinson will undergo back surgery on Tuesday which will more than likely see him sidelined for the remainder of the 24/25 season. We wish both players a full and speedy recovery.

Tomorrow sees an actionpacked day at the club with fixtures starting at 10:45 and running right through the day. Please do get down to

support the teams if you can!

Head Coach

10:45 U14 vs Stretford Grammer School

Dan Bowman

11:00 U16 vs Keswick 12:30 U15 vs Wigton (Cumbria Cup) 13:00 Wasps vs Sefton Ladies (Championship North 2) 15:00 U18 Senior Colts vs Widnes (Halbro NW – B) Due to the recent drainage works on the main pitch and the number of senior fixtures to be held over the weekend, the junior hornets are having to use alternative training space around the club and the nearby QKS playing fields. I would like to thank all of the M&Y coaches, players and parents for making this work and continuing to provide rugby for our junior teams whilst we have limited pitch space. A big thank you also goes to Danny Airey for his continued management of the M&Y section and the juggling of pitch space on a Sunday.

Enjoy your weekend.

Dan S. ■ Thanks for updates, fixtures like busses come together – Richard

I am a big fan of Oscar Wild he said “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes” Good afternoon, and welcome to Mint Bridge for the game today against a very competitive Manchester side and what looks like at time of writing a traditional Cumbrian October Day regards the weather.

The First team secured our first league win last weekend against Stoke in which the team certainly improved on the couple of areas we focused on defensively and in our self-management, leading to a low penalty count and the pressure weighted into Stoke which we capitalised on well at times.

Matty Houghton, our vice-captain picked up many things last weekend from his 200th first team appearance for Kendal.

Cumbria Players Player award from last season’s county campaign, several

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of Stokes ball carries plus many metres with ball in hand, resulting in Man of the Match for the game.

Fabulous achievements well done Matty, just on the coat tail of Glen Cheshire who achieved 200 game a couple of weeks ago, both fine contribution to the club’s history, thanks Glen.

The blend of this experience with several young players not barely in double figures give hope for the future at the club. Youth is given to us however, experience we often pay for like Oscar Wilds quote, this is true just now with some of our league results providing learning opportunities and the injury list with a number of our players sitting out just now, chin up fellas and focus on recovery. This is set for a good game of Rugby, please support and get behind the teams.

Dan B ■ Thanks Dan, that magic mixture of experience and youth- Richard

The Women’s Section - WASPS Hello and welcome back to Mint Bridge An inspirational player once said “the battle is with no one other than your own mind, but it is one I believe you have to consistently win if you’re going to achieve great things”. Perspective should be applied before anyone decides if something is great or lacking. I would in my humble opinion go by the thought process that if anything we do improves the quality of life of those around us then those actions can genuinely be defined as great, not only by outcome but also by intent.

Today you will see players enter the field of play with determination to improve the outcomes of all those around them. Their determination to achieve great things for others shows how this battle is being consistently won within the theatre of sport where players support one another to be the best they can be.

Support is the foundation upon which we build our success, and the support comes from all directions, from our sponsors who provide the financial support to ensure we can provide the best resources to our players and the club who ensure we have the best training facilities and equipment it can provide, but we must also recognise the support from our friends, family and club members who attend the games and cheer the players on the field, most importantly the support the players provide to each other both on and off the field. Our success is built upon so many layers of support and we would like to recognise each and every person involved.

We welcome Sefton to

The Women’s Section - WASPS cont mint bridge this weekend for what I am sure will be a hard fought game between two sides determined to improve the outcomes for their respective teams, with both teams ending last season in the top three with only one point between them I can presume with confidence that this game will be one of the toughest games this season.

Regardless of the outcome you will see players giving there all to support one another and above all playing the game they love to the best of their abilities which will I am sure deliver

www.kendalrugby.co.uk a spectacle to eyes for those who observe.

I hope that you enjoy your experience at our club and trust that you will continue to win the battle in your own minds by taking the time to recognise the great things you can achieve in the support you can show to others.

Adrian ■ Thanks, support, determination and focus, all factors of success – Richard

Dave and the 200 club

Lightning does strike twice I did think he had won before.

It was in 2011 though. The October winner is Mike Watson and he has a member of the Stoke on Trent hierarchy to thankThis got me thinking about the likelihood of winning more than once.

The computer system I set up starts in 2010, and here are the stats. one number has won seven times.

• If you ask nicely, perhaps they will sell you this number.

• All you have to do is find out which number, and whose number it is!

Three numbers have won four times. Eleven numbers have won three times. Twenty numbers have won twice.

Seventy numbers have won once which leaves ninety five numbers (including mine!)

Which have not won at all.

So, if you have never won, you’re in good company!

However, two numbers have won the £1000 prize twice!

Dave Rochell ■

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Coach - Chris Park

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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.

Kendal Youth Round Up

Kendal Senior Colts Hope everyone is well. A tough start for the boys so far this season. With 1 win in the league to date it looks bad on the table with 3 losses, but the games we have lost have all been lost by less the 10 points.

A consistent squad is proving difficult with the boys playing a lot of rugby at their schools, colleges through the week. Injuries appear to keep mounting up but that’s not an excuse.

We aren’t far away at all and a little more rugby know how could well see us in

a different position. We, the coaches have enjoyed seeing the rugby that the boys are capable of. We need to be doing this a little more consistently and for 70 minutes. We have scored some fantastic tries this season already with the one at Hoppers at the weekend a try of the season contender.

The coaches are also working hard on keeping the boys positive. It’s our job to fix and worry about what isn’t working, but also encouraging positive feedback from the boys as to what they are seeing in the games. Narrow losses

to Rochdale, Vale, Hoppers have turned this weekend’s game against Widnes into a must win. We need to get the season back on track.

Stacks of rugby this weekend at the club. Seniors today, tomorrow the 13’s, 14’s, 15’s, and 16s all in action. Then the Wasps followed by us, what better way to spend a Sunday!

Thank you as always for all the support we receive.

Warren Tilsley ■ Thanks clearly narrow margins keep positive lads!Richard

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Kendal Youth Round Up cont

www.kendalrugby.co.uk other Warren Tilsley Cockermouth U14s v Kendal U14s

Other Youth News Kendal under 11s at Vale.

For their second fixture of the season the under 11s headed to Vale. 11 players in the squad meant lots of rugby for everyone.

Vale had 18 players across 2 sides. Historically Vale have always been a strong side and so it proved again. They didn’t have everything their own way this time though as the ever improving Kendal 11s made them work for everything.

Kendal defended well as a team, attacked the spaces out wide, tackled and rucked really well. So many positives for them to take

away from the game. Can and should be so proud of how well they played and how hard they were all willing to work for each

The U14s were beaten in the quarterfinal of the Cumbria cup by a big, strong hard running Cockermouth side. Kendal, hit by multiple injuries in key areas struggled to find any rhythm. However, the boys never gave up and despite a slow start leading to a steep uphill battle, got over the whitewash just before half time, when a charged down kick was pounced upon by L Wilcock, converted by J Smith. Unfortunately, after the break, Cockermouth

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Kendal Youth Round Up cont cannot wait for our next fixture.

Kendal U8s v Vale of Lune U8s

got back into their stride, and their massive number 8, who scored most of their points, went over from the kick off. Kendal continued to defend well, leading to only one more score in the second half. The final score 43-7 was, unfortunately, a fair reflection of the game.

The lads look to bounce back on Sunday against Stretford Grammar School in a combined under 13’s and 14’s fixture.

against Vale of Lune. Some stunning tackles, weaving and dodging, loads of tries and some unexpected blitz defending ensured they did themselves and their families proud. Lots of smiles later and all involved

The U8s made their coaches and parents proud by the way they adapted to smaller pitches than they had been practising on as they took two teams to play two 20min games each. They kept their formation well and played out two good and enjoyable games.

Kendal U9s v Vale of Lune U9s The team played some fantastic rugby, and all enjoyed their first

James Nield All the Minis teams travelled to play Vale of Lune on 13 October ’24.

Kendal U7s v Vale of Lune U7s After a few nerves and lots of excitement the U7 squad took two teams to play their first ever fixture;

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Kendal Youth Round Up cont experience of a contact game, getting stuck in with some excellent tackling and defence. No doubt the coaches also enjoyed the first experience of contact rugby and not having to deal with tags and belts.

Kendal U10s v Vale of Lune U10s The under 10s travelled to Vale for their opening game of the year, off the back of a good few weeks of training.

The introduction of rucks, mauls and scrums has added a new dimension for the players to think about, and early in the games you could see that Vale had a few more games under their belt with this. They all grew into the games brilliantly and held their own, with good movement of the ball wide at times and showed that they have grown in

confidence in the contact area over summer with some good tackling, rucking and ball carrying.

Always a great morning when there’s rugby involved!

Tomorrow (20th Oct) There are games at home for the U14s, who welcome a touring team from Stretford Grammar School, the U16s play Keswick and the U15s

have their first-round game of the Cumbria cup against Wigton.

With both the Wasps and the Colts playing back-toback games on the main pitch straight after this; why not get yourself down to the club for a full day of rugby and cheer on the youth teams.

Danny Airey ■

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Unpredictable Nonsense Have you ever tried one of the “guess the scores” competitions that some clubs do to raise funds?

Over the Summer, I found out by accident just how hard it is to predict an actual score.

I was Spring cleaning my flat (which on a good day resembles a junk shop, and normally needs some attention after a Winter, when I have better things to do at the weekend) and found an old match report and decided to put it back in the programme it must have fallen out of. It should have been a simple task as I have a spreadsheet with the scores of all 3,624 games that the club had played since 1905, which can easily be filtered to find a game if I know the score. So, it was a bit of surprise to find Kendal had never won a game 31v28. I then tried a random score line of 20v24 – again in over 100 seasons, no game had finished with that score line.

Liking a challenge I decided to look at all the results last season. Of the twenty three games played, sixteen results were unique, whilst

for all but one of the rest the result had only been seen once before. There were some odd results last season, scoring 34 points away at Manchester, but still losing, which was equal to the second highest losing score away from home with five others, the most was 35 scored in losing at Rossendale in 2012/13. The highest score in a lost game, was also last season, 38 against Blackburn at Mint Bridge. The odd one out last season was the Penrith home result of 13v0, which has been seen thirteen times before, including three against Vale of Lune.

Of the six results so far this season, the five League games were all unique (not surprising as all have been high scoring by both sides), however despite the 69 points scored, the 43v26 Aspatria cup result had been matched once before, against Eccles in April 2015.

Fortunately, I worked out the report was from the pre-season game against Moorville, held at Windermere a few seasons ago, which was why it did not appear in the stats, and there was no programme to

put it with.

When originally written in the Summer, there was a second part with more analysis of the scores, but I decided even for me who loves numbers, there were far too many, so that will keep for later in the season.

TRY SCORING BONUS POINTS : After eavesdropping on a conversation in reception following last Saturday’s game, on whether the team had ever managed to win their first five games with a try scoring point (TSB), I did a little research. It seems TSB first appeared in 2004/5, whilst my detailed Season stats only started in 2013/14. However, I can discount any season in between as each season we had a score under 20 in at least one of the opening five games, so no bonus point (that included the 100% 2007/8 season, when there were no TSB anyway, as the team started with a 16v0 win – and the 2015/16 season when we only scored two tries in the opening narrow win at Leigh, before scoring at least four in the next four games). So ,this

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BECOME A SPONSOR An amazing opportunity for you come to become an integral part of our Senior Team and support the players and coaching staff on their journey throughout the season.

Whether you’re a local business or a dedicated fan you can sponsor a position or coach and be part of their success.

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Unpredictable Nonsense cont. does appear to be the first time the team have started with a run of five TSB games, but it is not the first five in a row, that came towards the end of the 2013/14 season, where we finished fourth after relegation the previous season.

More details on the website Mark Hodgkiss ■ Wow I always knew rugby scores fascinating and they are! -Richard

Pre Match Hospitality

Six Nations Ticket Ballot 2025 England v. Scotland - 16.45, Saturday 22nd February 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

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.

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.

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

England v. France - 16.45, Saturday 8th February 2025

Auld Greys Walking rugby

Make a day of it with a meal before the game To book pre match meals please email Jack on events@kendalrugby. co.uk ■

Nothing this week from Pete, being away is no excuse Peter, well maybe as it is the Outer Hebrides !

Only to say despite this walking rugby well always be there on a Wednesday Richard ■

Mark Cottam After the recent devastating news of the passing of Mark, a number of people have asked if there are any arrangements that I know of. They are as follows: Wednesday 23rd Oct 11am Old Hutton Church.

Anyone who may want to come will be welcome. Arthur ■

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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

17 - 66

1st Mar

18th Jan

14th Dec

19th Oct 22nd Mar 9th Nov

1st Feb

30th Nov

11th Jan

33 - 24

1st Mar

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

15th Feb

46 - 24

31 - 33

5th Apr

Birkenhead Park

10 - 29

Blackburn

5th Apr

94 - 7

Kendal

4th Jan

1st Feb

31 - 43

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

15 - 17

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

38 - 45

4th Jan

Stoke on Trent

26 - 42

19th Oct

14th Dec

11th Jan

9th Nov

15 - 20

30th Nov

1st Mar

31 - 62

1st Feb

Wirral

8th Mar

33 - 13

16th Nov

5th Apr

45 - 12

1st Feb

19th Oct

11th Jan

15th Feb

21st Dec

21st Dec

1st Mar

Wirral

Manchester

52 - 26

Stoke on Trent

Leek

56 - 0

Stockport

Kendal

11th Jan

Rossendale

Blackburn

Anselmians

Birkenhead Park

Anselmians

AWAY HOME

17 - 55

14th Dec

22 - 38

7th Dec

15th Feb

4th Jan

33 - 32

48 - 15

16th Nov

8th Mar

4th Jan

26th Oct

29 - 23

26th Oct

17 - 22

8th Mar

18th Jan

18th Jan

5th Apr

16th Nov

22 - 28

50 - 24

5th Apr

9th Nov

26th Oct

46 - 5

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22nd Mar

7th Dec

Club Shop

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AVAILABLE ONLINE, GO TO oneills.com CLICK ON CLUBS & EDUCATION SELECT KENDAL RUFC

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What’s On FANTASTIC FIREWORKS

Up Coming Events

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.

19 October - Manchester - Rugby social music/karaoke - hospitality selling fast 25th October - Quiz Night 8th November - Community Fireworks, gates open 5pm The AGM is set for Wednesday 6th November at 7pm so please note that in your diaries.

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.

30 November - Penrith - derby day - live music Bailey Moore hospitality- sold out 13th Dec - Kendal Rugby Club Xmas Party limited availability 21st Dec - Kendal Rugby Club Xmas Party available 22nd Dec Breakfast with Santa

Tickets can be bought online via try booking

04 Jan - Anselmians - hospitality good availability

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DVLZ The Social Committee

League - Regional 1 North West Team

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

+/-

TB

LB

Rossendale

5

5

0

0

266

123

143

5

0

Pts 25

Anselmians

5

5

0

0

206

75

131

5

0

25

Wirral

5

4

0

1

144

124

20

4

0

20

Blackburn

5

4

0

1

189

133

56

3

0

19

Manchester

5

4

0

1

144

106

38

3

0

19

Newport (Salop)

5

3

0

2

193

113

80

4

2

18

Penrith

5

2

0

3

174

150

24

2

2

12

Stockport

5

2

0

3

145

134

11

2

2

12

Kendal

5

1

0

4

163

202

-39

5

1

10 5

Stoke on Trent

5

0

0

5

120

203

-83

4

1

Leek

5

0

0

5

75

237

-162

1

0

1

Birkenhead Park

5

0

0

5

65

284

-219

0

0

0