Kendal vs Macclesfield Programme

I think I should begin with a great well done for the turn out at the last home game, both rooms upstairs were rammed, in fact I would suggest the depth at the bars measured in people was 7 deep! Clearly from the tables crammed into the hospitality room, it was a sell out with probably maximum numbers in attendance. Fabulous to see so many people enjoying the club and craic, I do not think the rugby was that important. So, a special well done to all those helping and working to make this a very successful afternoon/evening. It is a shame that we only have one local derby, but clearly everyone was doing their best to make it not only an enjoyable evening, but a very profitable one for the club. I apologise that I did not manage to chat with those I usually see after a game, but it was impossible to move! I will be making up for that this Saturday as I will be dining and I guess that it may be a little less crowded, but who knows! Clearly whatever it will be, there will be much needed funds for the club! Without further words, let me extend a warm welcome to Macclesfield their team, officials and travelling supporters. Interestingly Macclesfield are one of, the group of six teams, including ourselves that I recently identified as having similar points and very mixed results. In the last few weeks that group has fractured slightly with Stockport, Wirral and Manchester creating a small gap between themselves and the bottom five. However, heading that bottom five are Macclesfield, our visitors today. My observations are not the complex analysis that Mark can provide, but in theory, particularly as Macclesfield are just two places above us, this is an evenly matched game. A key health warning is the fact we have played 3 more games than them and all those around us.

The last home game only two weeks ago was against Kirkby, it is very pleasing that we secured maximum

points in the win and did not concede any points in the process. This is a credit to our defence as Kirkby who despite their poor season, still managed to test us. I would also like to make another positive observation about Kirkby, despite being on the wrong end of some large scores they still displayed a positive approach to all aspects of the game. We wish them all the best for next season.

We learnt last weekend about the harsh reality of how this division has split, with the top two teams, Blackburn and Lymn, establishing a ten point plus gap from their nearest rivals. Both these teams deserve their top places and should move up a to the next level all things ie the RFU being equal! Therefore, with those well earnt credits we should not be negative about today’s game. With good support, which we have established makes a significant difference, we should take on Macclesfield and aim to win with bonus points. Let us play some running rugby, move the ball through the backs, support the breaks and be aware of support runners and the opportunities can be created. So, let us record two home wins on the run!

Not that long ago I felt very strongly that the Football World Cup should not have been held in Qatar, principally due to its cruel and inhuman regime! Add in to that the obvious corruption that had them awarded the competition, the malpractice in building the stadiums and the poverty of many in the country and you have more reasons enough not to support this Cup. However much of that may have been forgotten due to the final being an exciting, great game of football! My opinion about politics [small p] and sport have varied over the years, but I think on balance, organisers of major sports competitions should choose their locations with care, so countries who try to set a good example in crucial areas of humanity should have priority?

Specific thanks to all our contributors: Arthur Perrie; Mark Hodgkiss; Arthur Perrie; Mark Hodgkiss; Richard Sanderson; Dan Stephens; Claire Stephens; Clare Coxon; Billy Coxon; Kate Birchall; Claire Park; Paul Want; Stacey Selby; Abby; Danny Airey and Pete Halsall.

I note Arthur has been controlled and not gone off on a rant on a number of issues, particularly current rugby ones. However, I cannot keep my comments as controlled. The proposed changes to the tackle law is certainly questionable as applying it would seem to be a nightmare. I note that currently the RFL are not going to follow suit. I do believe tackling has generally changed for the worse and maybe a correct technique is not taught properly and is that down to less schools teaching and playing rugby? Players who tackle well stand out, but every player should have reasonable ability in this skill, low hard tackles leading with the shoulder then trapping the legs should be the norm! The present tackle/contact laws have led to questionable decisions around intent [eg the women’s world cup final], so where will this proposal take us? Mark last week raised issues about the tackled player and the process of play restarting, I wrote that this part of the game led to the rugby league introducing the “play the ball” restart. Certainly, tackling and what follows should be examined [as it has, many times] but solutions should be workable and ensure the game flows. The start of the six nations is close, so as well as promoting our competition – see Club News – we are starting to think about the possible fortunes of our own nation. My only thought at this stage, is that we surely can do better than recent years! When seeing our Prem teams play, despite RFU apparent neglect of the grass roots, it is clear we have some great players and teams, so this needs to be reflected in England success on the field. Let us hope that players flair and talent is encouraged as seen in England cricket in all formats of the game. Or dare I say by the new Manchester United manager, sorry that has probably cursed the remainder of their season!

Finally, I have given the senior colts a lot of programme space, but they are talented players, well coached as a team and their results this season reflect that and as observed in this programme, we need them for the future success of our club.

Likewise, the Wasps are having an excellent season, they are the most successful team in the club and display all those ingredients that bring success in all team sports, as reflected by the teams mentioned above.

As in the last programme, the “club news” is an extended feature as there is a lot of important information. The programme features many articles and viewpoints, which I need them to ensure the programme is interesting to read and remains the success it hopefully continues to be. Thank for all the contributors to the programme, with few home games left perhaps you can write an article to share with club members on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon or later the next day.

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

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

Colin Baker

John Chew

Rod Short

Roger Wilson

John Uttley

Derek 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

John Derek Healey

Adrian Nutter

Steven Sproat

Andrew Peill

Andy Nelson

Craig Hine

President’s Patter

Afternoon Dear Reader,

A warm (I’m really hoping so) welcome to Mintbridge, especially to our visitors from Macclesfield, I hope that you have a lovely day with us, off the pitch of course. Just to let the more “regular” sufferer/reader know, I’m currently typing very quickly as I am further behind time than normal (indeed, I could do with some HG Wells type of help!) but also, I do have a bit of ground to cover as well, so here we go!

Last week we travelled to Lymm, ignore the result. They had a contest, but early injury for us, and the fact they are a very good playing outfit made things worse than they seemed. My opinion? We deserved a point. I’ll leave it there.

The 2s won at home to Waterloo, they are at Glossop today. I shall not go any further, as when I do something inevitably goes wrong.

The ladies won at Novo’s, and many thanks from their president, and from me also, for all the help they received from the ladies and the coaching staff to their injured player. What a really lovely call to get through the week, especially as she wasn’t as badly hurt as she could’ve been. Excellent work all round peeps!

Finally, after a cup victory the other week, the colts have a home fixture in a cup competition. I still think this is some sort of joke, and they will reverse the decision, but currently 19th March for that. We can (currently) all warm up for it, by watching them tomorrow here at 2pm!! Please do come to support the lads, a home fixture has become a rarity this season with only 1 so far ( I kid ye not!) thus though not quite as rare as my spotting of my own feet…..you get the gist.

After that recap, I feel I owe it to recap in a different way! I’m going to have to be incredibly vague (don’t be cheeky!) as a variety of different factors all must have worked out correctly (doubtful), and I will have to have shown the sort of resource. timing, wit and bravado of a superior being……..so yes, I fully agree slightly less of a chance then. There’s still a chance that I will fluke my coup….. and if I do, I will recant this superhuman effort in the next notes (bet you can’t wait!)……..if you don’t see this, I haven’t succeeded, or I have just forgotten about it, which is why I haven’t sorted it out in the first place!

After that cryptic interlude, on our trip to Macclesfield, it was the Centenary Presidents dinner, and very splendid it was too. At today’s dinner our visitors will experience our “Presidents 28th birthday dinner!” as I am catchily naming it! This is due to me turning 28 very soon, thus retaining my showbiz age for at least another year before becoming 32. Along with our sponsors for the game, Marsh (thank you) will be my columns beloved sponsor, Ian “he’s lovely to old people and animals” Thompson, amongst many lovely people having dinner at the event.

As my more enduring reader will know (and God bless you for it) Ian has somehow not followed up on

his promise to “make my eyes water” if he was ever “associated with this load of old drivel” ever again, or words of that nature. Luckily, as per the last fixture when he was eating as my guest, no one has “grassed” me in yet, so I would appreciate the same again please! We all know that he avoids like many others, anything other than the team sheets, so “sssshhhhh”…..I do not want to try to disguise myself again to avoid the collar being felt! All I will say is, the cryptic paragraph is also to do with the crackpot plan to spend some of his money again, without him knowing. After just realising the ramifications if all the planets Aline, if you spot a rotund postbox with legs moving quicker than it should be at around 2pm ish, everything has worked, or he’s just seen the advertisement at the bottom of the first page. Apologies/thanks in advance for the help. As an extra treat today at dinner, there will be some club legends dining with Ian (and possibly on demand too, as it sounds good!) so keep your eyes peeled for a hero of yesteryear…….errrr…….today!

After that cringeworthy but relevant piece of link work, one of the factors that has to go right today, that I think I can talk about is my favourite RFU employee, ex club player, and head of granting several weeks of shopping trips, David Barnes, is due for a visit today too. We’ve had a few “misfires” on this, but he assures me he shall be coming today. Let’s be honest, after the recent “faux pas” from the union as far as most of us Plebians are concerned, I’m sure he’s ready for a rest and an escape from work!! Thus, for today at least, my usual “moan” about the RFU and its latest gaff will be given a sabbatical until the next programme…….where past favourites such as effects on playing numbers, the 6 nations in general, and the “caterpillar” ruck will be complained about by me. Again, I bet you can’t wait!?!

By sheer luck if someone reads this part, as it’s a public information announcement! Yes, I know the lads are wearing different socks. This is to support “Rugby Against Cancer”. Last year it raised a few quid, but

not as many teams participated as I thought would, and well done to the lads for finding out about this, and giving me a shout. The socks have arrived, and I think that we should be proud as a club to adopt them this weekend to donate a few pounds into, what we will all agree, is a very worthwhile cause. I do hope lots more teams are wearing them this weekend.

Blue Monday came and went. Did anybody galvanise themselves into a new resolution? More importantly, did anyone not berate themselves for stumbling in their goals so far? I didn’t manage it but felt better without the self-expectation. I’ve felt a little overwhelmed recently. I do know that society has returned more to “normal” after the events of the pandemic, and the “hustle and bustle” in many ways has returned. I’ve coped better in the knowledge that having a chat is the way forward for me, and this honesty has seen more return. I do know that there will be people who are suffering in silence. Please don’t have that chat, and if you feel like you have no one that you can talk to, give me a shout, I’m always about. As ever, let’s keep that eye and ear open for each other. Nearly done (cease the cheering). As ever just a quick thank you to everyone who puts something into the club. Players, coaches, volunteers in all spheres, sponsors, even having a pie and a beverage helps [helps me,] and supporters. Without you we really would have nothing.

I really do hope that everyone has a great day today, and a safe trip home.

Be well and be lucky. Cheers Arth

The Coaches Perspective from the Director of Rugby

I’m looking forward to today’s game, particularly as I will be enjoying the pre-match hospitality courtesy of Ghandi (Saint & Co) with a further 25 ex-players and supporters. I am sure there will be some good stories of days gone by! The bar bill should be healthy, and we’re part of a full house of 180 pre-match diners enjoying chef Chris’ cooking so that’s great news for the Club. There are only 5 league games remaining and I think we are all resigned to Kendal 1st XV finishing the league in 10th place. That’s not where we had hoped to be, but at least it will ensure we remain in the same league next year and there’s some consolation in that. Last week’s score looked decisive but reports from the game suggest the first 70 minutes told a different story and all the subs being on the pitch within the first 20 minutes is never a good situation. So, we take a deep breath and go again today.

Now’s the time to have half an eye on what follows next season. Goughy, is already in conversation with a few new players, and we already have some of this year’s

Colts stepping up, which can only be a good thing as homegrown talent is the foundation of any thriving local team. All the signs are that we can compete at the top end of the league next year.

I wasn’t at the Lymm fixture as I watched the 2nd XV take on Firwood Waterloo at home. With no Colts fixture, it became a transition weekend and 6 of the current U18s team were able to get involved. It was a very entertaining game that ended in a 22 - 17 victory for Kendal.

Of course, most of the conversation around rugby goes beyond home team concerns at the moment - listen out for all the discussions about the new tackle height and look out for some of the oldies risking their backs as they make a visual demonstration to emphasise their opinions!

Thanks, Billy

We are very fortunate to have a talented Colts sideRichard

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The Men’s Second Team The Twos

Since the last programme the seconds have played last Saturday at home against a strong Firwood Waterloo side and came out as winners 22v17. As noted by Billy it is pleasing to see a number of Colts in that side, which has to be good for the future success of the club.

The seconds return home in a week’s time to face Anselmians on the main pitch, so come down and watch if you can.

Our Ladies - The Wasps

Team Strength

Below are the observations of Kate, another Wasp’s team member

It’s hard not to enjoy being a Wasp at the minute. Our track record this season is obviously fantastic, but the work that’s gone on behind the scenes to get these results is the most exciting part. These wins haven’t come from nothing. Training has been intense; we’ve been introduced to new tactics and skills, whilst being constantly challenged by our coaches and each other.

It’s been evident in our games that improved fitness has played a key role in our success, allowing us to play exciting rugby for the full 80 minutes. This improvement is purely down to commitment and hard work at training, from both players and coaches. This has been noticed by Mark Hodgkiss in his match reports, who we have to thank for his dedication to attending not only all of our home games but all away matches too. We all very much appreciate the time and effort you put into supporting the Wasps!

Throughout the season, we’ve had a large number of player debuts. This is testament to the Wasps ethos and atmosphere. Whilst we are a competitive team, there is always room for new players. It’s not too late to become a part of our team either!

Today they are away at Glossop and hopefully injuries will not stop them from being able to travel and field a strong team, although the colts will be missed.

Good luck lads

Richard

Our next home match on Sunday the 12th of February sees us come up against Blaydon, currently 2nd in the league. This should be a great game to watch and I highly encourage everyone watching today’s game to come down.

Past results are immaterial; we’ve set ourselves a standard, now it’s on us to build upon that and finish the season playing our best rugby.

Kate Birchall

Many thanks, NOTE 12th Feb. when we can see you at home-Richard

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Kendal Youth Round Up

The Senior Colts

The Senior Colts

It was good to see lots of Kendal players representing Cumbria in the recent County U18 fixtures. Congratulations to Nathan Halhead, Connor Lees, Robbie Kincart, Barney Coxon, Oscar Coxon, Patrick Wolstenholme, Aaron Stephens, Idris Hill and Will Meadon who all pulled on an U18s County shirt this season.

half for most of the first half of the game. Manchester defended well and the half time score was 0-10. Again, in the second half, Kendal dominated possession resulting in a final score of 0-31. The lads showed a great display in attack and defence against a good Manchester outfit, playing right to the final whistle. The Colts have now been rewarded with a home draw for the Semi Final of the Lancashire cup, against Firwood Waterloo, on Sunday 19th March. Our first home draw in this cup. We look forward to welcoming Firwood Waterloo to the club and would love to see a big crowd supporting the lads at Mint Bridge - so make a note in your diary!

The Cumbrian team didn’t come away with a win against either Lancashire or Durham, but three players were selected to progress to the North U18 assessment centre at the end of this month, including Kendal’s Barney Coxon and Robbie Kincart.

They’re seeking a place in the squad of 23 that will play matches against the South East, South West and Midlands during a busy February that will also include a development day at Durham University and a three-day camp at Warwick School and University.

Cumbria’s full back, Ben O’Halloran also made it to the assessment centre.

The colts had their first game of 2023 on Sunday 10 January. This was away to Manchester in the quarter final of the Lancashire cup. Having not had a fixture since their win against Liverpool St Helens on 27 November, the lads were fired up determined to come away with a win. Kendal camped in the opposition’s

With no colts league or cup fixtures last weekend, this gave many of our colts the opportunity to play senior rugby for the club. Barney Coxon, Nathan Hallhead, Idris Hill, Luke Middleton, Ollie Yarker and Patrick Wolstenholme all played for the second team, against Firwood Waterloo, alongside last years Colts Kian Barsby, McKenzie Cousins and Connor Newhouse. Meanwhile Aaron Stephens travelled with the first team to Lymm RUFC.

Tomorrow, Sunday 29th January, we welcome Stockport U18s to the club for our first home fixture since Sunday 11 September. This is our second league fixture since securing promotion to Conference League A in the Halbro North West League. We expect it to be a tough game against a strong Stockport side but the lads are looking forward to playing on home turf. Please do come down and support the lads!

As previously mentioned, many of the U18 squad have represented Cumbria this season. The Cumbrian team didn’t come away with a win, however three players were selected to progress to the North U18 assessment centre at the end of this month, including Kendal’s Barney Coxon and Robbie Kincart. This sees them travel to Bradford on 29 January where they hope to secure a place in the squad of 23 that will play matches against the South East, South West and Midlands

Kendal Youth Round Up .cont

during a busy February. Including a development day at Durham University and a three-day camp at Warwick School and University. We all wish them the best of luck and will keep you updated on their progress!

Claire Stehens, Clare Coxon and Dan Stephens

Thanks for all the information, what a great team, I can not wait, at long last, to see them play at home!!

-Richard

The remaining league fixtures are:

29 January Home to Stockport [as above] HOME!

5 February Away to Wirral

12 February Away to Warrington

19 February Home to Caldy

26 February Away to Chester

5 March Home to Rochdale 19th March Semi Final of the Lancashire cup, against Firwood Waterloo

Other Youth News

The Under 10’s

The U10s have had a fantastic season so far with an ever growing team of players, coached by Mark Ireland, JJ Weir, Tom Booth and Jason Grobbelaar. We’ve played some exciting games against Fylde, Penrith, Carlisle and Keswick to name but a few.

Our dedicated coaching team and players have been fully committed to developing their tackling, running and passing skills which has been reflected in some superb game play in recent weeks.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive an

anonymous donation to buy our players and coaches a Kendal Hornets training top which I’m sure you’ll agree look very smart! We are extremely grateful for such a kind donation.

We train every Tuesday evening from 6-7pm at Mint bridge and either train or play matches on Sunday mornings at home or away. New players are welcome, so feel free join in!

Abby - The U10s Team Manager [also the first team physio] – Fantastic news- Richard

I was lucky enough to get down and watch all the younger ages play on Sunday (as our U14s game was cancelled) and Abby’s report could be replicated for all of the age groups. All of them are very well coached and are clearly filled with the enthusiasm to go out there and perform to their best and enjoy themselves.

Danny Airey

Thanks Danny for the round up- Richard

Great result for the under 16’s last weekend away at Penrith 24v 43, well done. This week they are at home to Houghton.

The under 12’s this Sunday are at home to Keswick. The minis teams will be training this weekend.

Your support of all these teams is greatly appreciated

Richard

10’s Squad photo Below

Official Club Sponsor

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Ball Sponsors

14. Leo Mercer

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8. Steven Nelson

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1. Joe Anderson

10. Glen Weightman

9. Joe Allday

13. Jack Blakeney-Edwards

15. Tommy Calvert

11. McKenzie Cousins Tomlinson & Wightman Builders

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Director of Rugby - Billy Coxon

Coach - Richard Harryman

Head Coach - Garry Holmes

Physio - Laura Martindale

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Auld Greys - Walking rugby

There’s no i in team but there is a u in nuts

Do you ever wonder what it must be like to live in the public eye, to have every action examined and discussed by the world’s media? Going out becomes like being a goldfish in a bowl and a trip to the shops takes forever because of the hordes who all want a picture of you. They gurn idiotically and if you don’t smile, they post the picture and complain how miserable you are. Imagine. Recently, I have been drinking from the chalice of fame. It started when I was chosen to receive the Ginna, our weekly trophy at the Auld Greys’ session on a Wednesday. Then I was asked to pin up some promotional cards for the AGs on Sainsbury’s noticeboard. There I am, along with Ivan and Ruth, beaming out from amongst the adverts for charity whist drives and dog walking services. The real spotlight moment came when an email arrived from Sainsbury’s analysing my purchases over the last year. Ladies and gentlemen, I am the no 1 buyer of Just Snax peanuts in Kendal. Let that sink in. Number 1! They tell me I am Boss of the Basket. I have arrived. Anyone know a good PR agency?

I don’t fancy a life in the spotlight and would agree with that bloke who wrote that no man (or woman) is an island and each of us needs others around us. That is surely one of the attractions of team sports. Each of us has played with someone who never really does it for the team but considers themselves bigger, better, or more important than the rest. But when we look back on our own sporting successes is it not the team achievements that stand out most? The camaraderie and laughter, shared effort, and graft? Likewise, in whatever work we did or do isn’t success sweeter and more savoured when it is a group effort? On the other hand, failure endured alone is so much harder to suffer than when the burden can be shared with others in the same boat.

The attractions of the Auld Greys are numerous. The f word is prominent in any list of our motivations and is at the heart of every session. By f word I could mean fitness, fun, fulfilment, or friendship. However, I wish to focus

upon a t word that is of great relevance to our band of brothers and sisters. It is teamwork. Many of our membership have played team sports in the past but as one ages like a fine wine or goes flat like a discarded Party Seven, team sports are often replaced by solo pursuits (no-not that one!) Walking rugby allows us to take part as a member of a team again. Each week a group of us comes together, encouraging and coaching and easing the burden as we hurl a ball around. Each week a group of us is thrown together by merit of the colour of a training bib in the pursuit of one goal. There are moves, there are switches, there is laughter and most of all there is support for one another. There is that lovely feeling of being a part of something a little bigger.

Recently we welcomed some students from Kendal College to two of our sessions. They mixed in with us unsure of what they would find. Our ages range from 58ish to 82ish. Theirs from 16ish to 18ish. Within minutes their preconceptions were rubbished. They saw that we worked as teams, we knew the rules, we helped and encouraged each other. By the second of the four round robin games we played they were properly mucking in -joining in with the laughter and seeking clarity on the best way forward or to better understand the rules of this strange game we love. The desire of them as individuals to score a try had been replaced by the desire to help their team score a try and quickly, they even got the message that keeping score isn’t important. It’s the craic, its’s the fun, it’s the taking part. If you come along, you will have the same warm welcome. I guarantee it!

I was once challenged by a very bright kid I taught. ‘You keep saying it’s not rocket science. Well, what is rocket science? I’m not sure, but I know that looking out for friends and working as a team certainly isn’t.

Yours until I am overthrown as Boss of the Basket

Pete Halsall

Great philosophy and an enjoyable article - Richard

In the Past (2)

This was originally planned for the Kirkby programme, but I decided two pieces in a row on the past may be too much.

When she rang me on Christmas Day, my sister asked if I was doing anything exciting. I said probably not to anyone else, but compiling the 1905 to 1949 Kendal Rugby Club statistics was to me. With the enforced longer break, and the prospect of bad weather (although it was not too bad this year – apart from the afternoon when the Social team were playing), I try to have a “plan” of things “to do” over the Christmas/New Year break. However, the one thing I can normally be sure of is anything on that list are the ones that won’t get done, and I will be doing something totally different instead. This time was different, as the pre-1950 stats were what I had set out to do, and did.

The real “excitement” (well at least “interest”) came two days later when having updated information for each season, I started adding the information for the full period. I had not realised until I started do this, how little I had previously entered for this period. Players’ names were already there, but most scoring and appearance details (the latter still being far from complete) had yet to be entered, despite much of it having been found during pre-pandemic visits to the Archive Centre in Kendal, from lists compiled by others at the time. As previously mentioned, the figures do not always agree, so what I had been doing on Christmas Day was trying to sort out the differences, where the scorers from match reports did not match the end of season summary total in the archives lists, before moving to the next step. The way it works is fairly convoluted. First as I check each season in old copies of the Gazette on microfilm in Kendal library I add the details game by game to a spreadsheet for each season. Once that is complete, (or rather I have added as much as I can find), that information later gets put into a table of players appearances and scores for each season. Then as the original sheet from 1905 to date got too big, it is now split into three blocks, which

fitted with quality of the original information; nonexistent pre-1950; almost complete post-1999; variable in the intervening years. So, I add the information from the season’s sheet onto the fifty year sheet which gives most players career details. Finally (the one I did at New Year, but rarely gets done) is a summary of the three blocks combined, so I can compare the records of all players since 1905, and also those players like Billy Coxon, Richard Harryman and Liam Hayton, plus those of the 1940s and 1950s, who have played in two of the blocks. As I started adding the figures for the highly successful mid-1930s it became clear there were at least two more players who had beaten Chris Park to the 1,000 point mark. However, the player capped by England whilst at the club, and the captain of team which went unbeaten for a very long period in the 1930s, are not bad company to be in. Also, in the seasons between 1928 and 1937 the team were scoring an average of 140 tries a season (178 in 1929/30), which made passing records a bit easier, (last season’s 103 tries was the third best since 2000), Despite tries being only 3 points (drop goals were 4) Sam Martindale had 1,142 points from 63 tries, 365 conversions, 73 penalties and 1 drop goal (there are more to come), whilst Alec Johnson’a 1,201 points came from 275 tries, 100 conversions, 73 penalties and 14 drop goals. As they played together kicking was shared, whilst others also took some. As previously mentioned kicking was not so easy in those days with in the 1928 to 1937 period just 38% of tries being converted, whilst Chris and Glen managed 72% last season.

Whilst the appearance figures pre-1950 still have a lot to be added, due to the work of others in the distant past, the scoring records are starting to look good. From the launch of the current club in 1905 until 1913, when play was suspended for the First World War, only 2 points in 2,500 are not listed to a player (occasionally it is Mr AN Other, as the match reporter didn’t include a player’s name or there are two players with the same surname, but the report only mentions a surname). Details were

In the Past (2) .cont

missing for the 1923/4 and 1924/5 seasons, (I started filling these gaps from the old Gazettes on the morning of the Kirkby game, and hopefully will have completed more before today’s game), but apart from them, from 1919, when play resumed, until 1938, there are under 100 points missing in over 7,800 scored. A bit of work to do 1938 to 1949, but from Gazette reports I already have found 675 of the 679 scored in 1947/48, 280 of the 361 in 1948/49 and 356 of 371 in 1949/50.

So still a chance others may join Sam, Alec, Chris, David Bell and Keith Ridding.

However, before I get to them, Glen Weightman’s name could join them, with just 41 points needed at the time of writing, although with only five League games to go, he may need a few tries or a good run of end of season cup games, if he is to make it this season

FOOTNOTE : A bonus of finding out about Alec Johnson’s scoring feats, was I went back to a newspaper article about him reproduced in the Centenary book, and whilst reading it (with the help of a magnifying glass) I found some extra first names of players from that period. Reports were fairly formal in those days, calling players by their surname or occasionally adding an initial (even

sections of the Centenary book do the same). So finding first names is a bonus to me.

I have added the long list of players I have so far found who have represented the club since 1905, into the Season Summary page on the website (link at the foot of the Preview and Report). So if you know some of the names I am missing (some are more recent than the 1920s), I would be pleased to add them

Some players may still be missing, whilst I suspect some were just typos of another player’s names in the Gazette. A few are players from other clubs who made up the numbers when we were short in away games, so will have appeared only once. At the time we occasionally did the same for others when they visited us. When this happened, I make a note on the spreadsheet, and also add extra details when I find them, like where players came from, or went on to, when they were injured or playing for the County. One of the 1923/24 players was described as the “son of the Vicar of Burneside”).

Mark Hodgkiss

Improved boots and balls has led to more converted tries? -Richard

PREDICTIONS COMPETITION ENTER NOW FOR £5

Entries must be in before Friday 3rd February with cash or a cheque [cheques payable to KRUFC Supporters Club]. Please hand into the club or send to 6 Nations c/o Dave Rochell, 125 Heaning Lane, Windermere, LA23 1JW. Please note entrants must be 18 years or above.

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LADIES DAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2023

Once again, we are delighted that Stacey Selby will be hosting and organising Ladies Day 2023. The event will take place on Saturday 18th February 2023 for the 1XV game against Northwich.

The theme is Calamity Jane and fancy dress is optional but we hope many of you will join in the fun!

Tickets are priced at £30pp members and £35pp nonmembers and includes welcome drink, themed food, day and evening entertainment and a few surprises.

To make a booking please message our Facebook or Instagram page or send an email to volunteer@ kendalrugby.co.uk.

We have sold 100 tickets – but there are a few tables remaining!!

We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of FUN!

Stacey and the Social Committee

FOODIE FRIDAYS

The new social committee has also helped launch Foodie Fridays which will be continuing the last Friday of every month in this year.

League - Regional 1 North West

Please support these events and to all our volunteers THANK YOU and thanks for making Kendal Rugby Club the place it is, a great community to be a part of!

Claire Park

200 CLUB WINNERS

Drawn at the Kirkby game

November Paul Dodds

December N Hine

January Mike Baldwin (again!)

There still a few places left for you to join.

FAMILY CEILIDH NIGHT

The Family Ceilidh Night is a fundraiser being organised by the U14s team in aid of the Kendal Hornets Juniors. Doors open 7pm and dancing starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Vicky on 07724287254. Tickets are priced at £12 per adult and £6 per child and includes a pie and pea supper. Booking is essential. The evening is open to all so please come along and support our Junior section.