Stoke Programme

12th October 2024

vs Stoke

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Editor’s Notes Welcome to this our fourth home game of this season, although it only the third league game. As I write this, I am genuinely surprised how quickly the season, only just over five weeks old is flying by. With it is the last vestige of the summer and early Autumn warm weather, although I do remember some warm October days, sometime in the, dare I say, dim distant past! Now of course, today’s weather will be magnificent as will the rugby, please hold that thought for a minute!

A theme emerging from some articles in this programme is the importance of our young talented squad who are willing to learn. Also very exciting is the prospect of improving continuity for our colts and youth players on route to the senior teams, in return the club has a duty to provide the teams so these players can play our great game. These observations are music to my ears as one of the prime aims of setting up the youth section was to ensure home-grown senior players. We are already

seeing this as above, we have a young senior squad keen to play, learn and improve.

However, it is important to ensure that some of the other aims in starting the section are not forgotten, including: enjoyment, equal opportunities for all and developing a love for the game and all that rugby, offers. I love sport and believe that playing sport gives a person so much, but I think rugby gives that much more!

So that brings us to today game, another encounter which hopefully will display those qualities mentioned above. Today’s opponents are Stoke, or more correctly Stoke on Trent, they are newcomers to this league and are probably the team furthest away. The distance also highlights the difficulties in creating viable leagues, with lengthy and expensive journeys, ask Macclesfield and also closer to home our women’s team the Wasps.

This problem would be made financially easier with more support from the RFU, although that does not help the impact on player’s time.

Anyway, back to the game in front of us, , it is our pleasure to give Stoke 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.

I have allowed myself to inflict on our readers a recurring theme, my desire to see fast open rugby. Well, if the stats are anything to go by [thanks Mark] both sides have, even in defeat, scored lots of tries, therefore my wish should be fulfilled? Last week’s game was a great confidence boost and there were some spectacular winger tries, or more accurately tries for our speedy players, we have many let us use them, be aware of their breaks and be there in support! The pitch despite the extra markings has stood up well so conditions should help my wish for fast running rugby, an old adage comes to mind let the ball do the work! Therefore, get behind our team, support their risk-taking and help them to a second home WIN on the

Specific thanks to all our contributors: Arthur Perrie; Mark Hodgkiss; Richard Sanderson; Dan Stephens; Dan Bowman; Pete Halsall: Dave Rochell; Danny Airey; Adrian Heffernan; Claire Park; Liam Hayton and Stirling Hulme.

Please send articles for the programmne to Richard Sanderson: richard@alistairsanderson.com by14th October. 3 DAYS TIME! 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

run! Good Luck Lad’s I have in this programme added an Obituary section as Arthur very kindly recognised and wrote about: Bill Wilson and Mark Cottam who recently died.

His writing recognises their involvement with the club and the only comment I would add is that I coached Mark and he who was a genuinely good guy a totally reliable player on and off the field, a tragically young age to die.

I believe it is important to recognise people through these articles, although in some ways I would prefer that there was not a need to write them, but that is clearly an impossible wish.

Also, on a wider stage I was reminded in a conversation at the club of the recent death of Kris Kristofferson, who was a very talented country music singer and actor, Convoy a film many will remember.

This subject puts me in mind of the very limited or non-existent PSE lessons we had at our grammar school.

I remember being told there were only two certainties in life i.e. being born and dying, this subject is now called

PHSE and has definitely improved!

Whilst writing this programme and listening to the radio I learnt that Thursday was world mental health day, a subject close to Arthur’s heart, picked up by Peter and cleverly commented in a Kendal rugby club Instagram post telling us about things we should know about ourselves, which should help give us resilience in this crazy world. I do think it is great that mental heath problems are at long last being recognised as equally important health problems, but it still needs the individual to recognise their problem, we can support but the final hurdle is theirs and that is the hardest part.

Whilst in this serious vein, I would like everyone to spare a thought and or a prayer for the tens of thousands killed during the last year in the Middle East. The recent remembrance that this conflict started one year ago, brings to mind the horrors of war with some many lives lost and livelihoods destroyed.

Back to sport, I am very

impressed with England’s test cricket team, I know they have had their ups and downs in recent years, but I do not remember in my lifetime seeing a score 800+ and so many records broken.

At the time I am writing this, I do not know the result, hopefully an England win.

Also, what an excellent game of rugby last weekend when Wigan destroyed Leigh, some magic moves not least French’s try pure genius. As many of you will know particularly our DoR Dan, that today they are in the Grand Final we will be rooting for them, just like the Wigan glory days of the past!

There you are, lots to digest and think about, but now is the time to concentrate on the game in front of us.

Watch fast running rugby, skilfully crafted tries and try to ignore the rain, hopefully the forecasts will be wrong and we can enjoy the sun as we have this week, but never mind the weather lets enjoy a second home win!

Enjoy the programme and most importantly today’s game.

Richard ■

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President’s Patter Afternoon dear reader A very warm (we live in hope) welcome to our visitors from Stoke. Hope you’ve had a good trip up the M6, and you enjoy a lovely day with us here at Mintbridge.

The firsts had two losses against Blackburn and Anselmians, both looked like decent outfits tbh, and then last Saturday won at home versus Aspatria in the lesser spotted Cumbria Cup! The draw for the semi-final has been made, and we are making the short trip to play Kirkby. Game to be played before or on 25th January. Keep an eye out on the superior socials for more/far better info!

The 2’s had a rest last week, but are off to Preston today.

I know the colts have had a couple of really tight defeats in the past couple of weeks, but with that set of chaps, better times are only round the corner!

Speaking of which, the Wasps got back to winning ways on Sunday with a

convincing win at Harrogate.... so better times are now here! Bar for my sponsored player, Emma, who has the indignity of, well, me as a sponsor! If anyone does fancy sponsoring anyone/thing down here, please do speak to any of the sponsorship team, team management, in fact anyone bar me really!

How wonderful it was to see so much rugby being played on Sunday as I wandered (yes very slowly! cheeky) for my chariot. So much going on here over the weekend, and all a great watch.

A tenuous link to the sponsor of this drivel, Ian “I’m not too sure of his middle name” Thompson.

I always have a great watch for him......mainly as there’s a good chance that strange injuries may happen if he figures out I’m still flaunting the good ship Saint and co against this old tripe. As the unfortunate may have seen, I have upped my

attempts to get the odd guest sponsor “just in case”.

The regular reader will not be too shocked to learn that I’ve not had any luck in doing so! Ho hum, I’ll keep trying.

Mental health - recent events have made me a lot sadder. I have looked into possibly going to an organised mental health orientated club/society, such as the excellent “Andysmanclub”, which we have posters up for around the club. I am, unsurprisingly, very much in favour of support groups of any type. I know that lots of us, including myself, use the Ruby Club as our support club. This is excellent, but if you feel that you could do with a bit more help, why not get some?

One thing I do know is,

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President’s Patter

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sometimes it is a real struggle to start to seek any help whatsoever. As ever there may be folk here today in that situation.

So, please can we all keep an eye and an ear open for each other. If you do feel like you have no one to speak to, or you don’t know who to approach, I’m always around.

Nearly done (no need for that comment). Just, as ever, a massive thanks to all the players, coaches, sponsors, volunteers and supporters that makes this club the wonderful place that it is.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day with us, and a safe trip home.

See you next week.

Be well, and be lucky.

Arth ■ Thanks Arthur, great that Sunday Youth rugby continues strongly - Richard

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!

This is already the third programme of the season and once again our regular contributors have done us proud.

I am pleased to note we have received further positive feedback about the last programme [makes all the work from the contributors, Alistair and myself worthwhile] and I know the youth players were well pleased to see the articles about their teams and probably more importantly the photos. In this programme you will see more youth reports and photos, I also apologise that the first profile write up is delayed, but so many good articles, it can wait.

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..

As a footnote, I was really pleased to get a programme out for the women’s game home game and as it was enjoyed, we are doing it again next week!

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

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Our Director of Rugby Dan Stephens

Good afternoon everyone and a very warm welcome to Mint Bridge especially the players, supporters and members of Stoke on Trent, I hope you enjoy your afternoon. Whilst we’ve had a tough start to the league campaign, confidence within the group remains high and I believe that the five points we have picked up will be invaluable come the business end of the season. We have shown that we can compete with the top teams in this division, but we are still searching for a level of consistency that sees us compete for longer periods of the game, hopefully that starts today.

It was great to entertain old adversaries Aspatria last weekend in the Cumbria Cup. County Cup matches against opposition teams

from lower divisions are often difficult to navigate and open rugby often takes a back seat. I thought our guys (and the Black Reds in fairness) handled the game and themselves very well in what turned out to be a great game of entertaining rugby.

The win sees us comfortably through to the next round where we will face local rivals Kirkby Lonsdale at Underly Park (date tbc).

The addition of Matty Houghton back into the playing squad last week (after missing the opening four league games having picked up a knee injury in the final pre-season friendly against Wharfedale) made a big difference to this young playing group.

We have a relatively small squad this season and those on the long term injured list = Greg Wrathall (knee), Luke Atkinson (back), and Thom Leman (shoulder), have been recently joined on the physio table by Barney Coxon (calf), Tadgh Butler (shoulder), Mark Carruthers (quad) and George Philipson (hamstring) – we hope that these guys make a speedy recovery but at the time of writing expect that all

will be out of action for a number of weeks.

Trying to manage a tight financial playing budget and attract talent into the senior playing squad and the Kendal area is difficult. We recognise the importance of the existing mini and youth system and the Colts team in producing what we hope will become a conveyer belt of talent that feeds into the senior playing squads. To better harness and develop this talent and provide a more seamless route into senior rugby, the club will shortly be launching a new player pathway initiative that will provide the opportunity for selected players from the U15, U16, U17 and U18’s to form an elite training group that will be led by the senior coaches at the club. Whilst still at the development stage we hope to have this pathway rolled out later in the season.

Enjoy your day.

Dan S. ■ A young squad; development initiatives, these are exciting times – Richard

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Our Head Coach Dan Bowman

Barack Obama said once “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.”

Afternoon, I hope this note finds you in good shape for this afternoon game, for what I am sure it will be a fine game of rugby. The first team has had a difficult start to the season against some experienced quality sides, coming off second best in those encounters of league fixtures. I am not sure the results represent the character and commitment the team have shown, playing in patches some really testing rugby with attacking flare and scoring has not been our biggest issue in those games. The group have not quite hit the consistency in defence and the discipline of managing our frustrations has put a penalty count away from where we would like, which increases the pressure we have had to absorbed.

have responded to this start, reflecting inward, and looking to improve week on week which is encouraging. I feel Obama above is talking about belief and accountability both of which I have seen in our young group, and we need to nourish those roots for sure. The pivot into the Cumbria Cup last week against Aspatria seen a welcome excitement and win. Stoke, today have seen some of the teams we have this season with similar results so the form guide would say this is going to be a really competitive fixture.

I hope you all have fun today and get behind the teams.

Dan B ■ Thanks Dan, real change is rooted in belief and a cultural change- Richard

I have enjoyed the way we

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The Women’s Section - WASPS best possible shape while neglecting to maintain the security of the enclosure in which there housed. In doing so failing to protect them from the fox. It’s no surprise then to find we had a fox in our house and it did some damage, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

Hello and welcome back, following our opening game of the season and narrow defeat to Driffield in what was a toughly contested and very physical game which saw Driffield come out as victors with a 20-22 victory I found myself contemplating the outcome at length.

To simplify my thoughts, I came to the conclusion that following last season’s success and main issues being around player injury we focussed heavily strength and conditioning, while drilling our set pieces in attack for our new players who have joined the swarm.

Then came to the realisation that training could simply be compared to buying some new chickens, making them the best nesting boxes and ensuring they had the best feed and water to ensure they are in the

Following the home defeat to Driffield the Wasps have been well drilled in training to revisit and perfect our defensive play alongside polishing what was already a well drilled offensive set up. So off we travelled away to Harrogate to play our second fixture and first away game of the season.

The Wasps started the first half well and following some hard work from our forwards they moved the ball quickly through hands out wide to find Clare Gelderd back on the wing and ready to power through the Harrogate defense like a wrecking ball to secure the first try of the game putting the Wasps 0-5 ahead. With the conversion narrowly missed the Wasps set up to go again. Some quick hands soon saw the ball back in Clare Gelderds hands and following some hard runs

making a break of 40m we soon saw the effects of Hayley Hodgeson who had returned to her natural habitat in the centres.

Hodgson found a gap in the drifting defensive line of Harrogate to power through in true Hodge style and secure a second Try to put the Wasps 0-10 ahead with Tamar Benson securing the conversion to put the Wasps 0-12 ahead. The game picked up in pace with Harrogate firing back hard resulting in three occasions where they found themselves 5m away from the try line only to be denied by the well drilled and impenetrable Wasps defensive line. The hard fought Harrogate defense saw the Wasps suffer injuries on both wings with Sophie Postlewaite and Clare Gelderd both needing to be replaced. Thankfully the depth of talent within the squad shone through and we saw India Brenan and Allysia Hine stepping on to the field to show just how much impact our replacements can bring.

The second half kicked off and it wasn’t long before Hodgson broke through the line again following a quick

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The Women’s Section - WASPS cont ball and secured a try out wide by slipping past the fullback to put Wasps 0-17 ahead. Harrogate came back hard and had four visits into the Wasps 22 only to be turned over each time with Lorne Melonie and Allysia Hine showing how effective the Wasps are in defense. With Harrogate’s players holding tight to the ball and giving penalties each time for holding on.

With ball back in hand and replacements Meagan Byres, Lydia Flemming and Aimee Sharp providing fresh legs in the forwards we soon saw them drawing the defensive line of Harrogate

in tight. Thus creating space out wide, with so much room it was only a matter of time before we saw the India Brennan of old, speeding down the line with the Harrogate defense chasing the grass off her boots as she secured another Try under the posts. This was confidently converted again by Tamar Benson to put score line 0-24 to the Wasps. Harrogate played as though it was the start of the game and maintained their intensity in attack and defense. However, fatigue had kicked in and discipline had suffered resulting in a deliberate

knock on to prevent Allysia Hine receiving a well-timed pass from Haykey Hodgson.

This saw Harrogate receive a yellow card and dropped to 14 players. Despite their best efforts Kate Birchall soon put a powerful run in to test their line and found it wanting making a 25 metre break from the half way only being brought down by a questionable high tackle from behind. With a focus on maintaining the momentum Emma Lishfitz got quick ball away to find Hayley Hodgson running an unstoppable line which provided the last try of the half, with the conversion bouncing off the post we saw the Wasps at 0-29 to close out the game.

Shutting out your oponents to a zero score line at home is one thing but to do it away is definitely something to celebrate. The structured defensive play from the Wasps linked in with their well drilled attacking play proved too much for Harrogate to answer and showed exactly how hard it is to play against this side, true to form the opposition avoided running at the 8 hoping to find a fatigued

The Women’s Section - WASPS cont 2nd row or a weakness in our 9, 10 or wings, only to realise that every player in the line could stop them at every attempt with fierce intensity and determination to regain the ball.

Thankfully the team have a weekend off to recover and rest before welcoming Sefton to Mint Bridge next Sunday in what will be another hard fought and physical game between two determined teams. With Sefton finishing 2nd in the league last season ahead of the Wasps by 1 point you can be sure that this game will be a true top table clash game between two skilled teams. I look forward to seeing you all there to show your support to the Wasps as they face off against one of their toughest rivals.

Adrian ■ Thanks a great result and a reset for the season ahead Richard

www.kendalrugby.co.uk Obituaries Bill Wilson

Mark Cottam

Very sad news on the passing of Bill Wilson a few days after the Blackburn game. Anyone who would regularly attend home and away games for the 1’s, 2’s or whomever Dane Blenkharn would be playing for at the time, will have met or have seen Bill, better known as “Dane’s Grandad” to the travelling Alikadoo, spent the last 15 years or so travelling to support Kendal, and his family.

It is with the deepest sadness that I have to tell of the passing of Mark Cottam.

Again, I count myself as lucky to have got to know Bill over the past several years, and like many, spent time with him…… he never seemed happier than when he was at the rugby surrounded by his family and friends.

All our thoughts and condolences go to Elaine, Andrew, KJ, Dane and family.

RIP Bill – sorely missed.

“Cottee” played second team rugby from the 00’s through the 10’s, where I had the great honour and privilege of meeting him, getting to know him, and on the odd occasion sharing a pitch with him. He’d never let you down, always had a kind word......and I’ve never met anyone who had anything but a good word for him.

I was messaged by a good friend of his who said that rugby was always a huge part of his life, and the years he played at the club were years he always cherished, and I know that everyone who spent the time with him cherished him as well.

I’m thankful to have known him.

Mark was only 35. Our thoughts, condolences, and love go out to his wife Hazel, and children Toby and Emma.

RIP Cottee - Thanks for your involvement - R Arthur Perie

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Kendal Youth Round Up Kendal Senior Colts.

A great action shot – words /thoughts next week

some of the U15s squad the chance of game time and all three of Joe, Connor and Ben gave strong accounts of themselves.

The game itself was well controlled throughout by Kendal who were on top for the majority of the game and dug deep on the occasions when Fleetwood threatened the try line.

Other Youth News

lower pitch.

Kendal U16s v Fleetwood U16s

Kendal’s U16s have had a difficult start to the season, having to cope with losing players during the offseason and then several injuries during the preseason tour and first fixture, so it was a relief to be able to put that behind them and have an almost full squad available. They also took the opportunity to give

Last Sunday Kendal welcomed 3 teams from Fleetwood, which is the first time the two clubs have played each other at mini and youth level. The U16s kicked off proceedings on the main pitch whilst the U13s played on the 3G, followed by the U14s on the

The opening ten mins were played largely inside the Fleetwood 22 and Kendal could have had two early tries, were it not for the referee being unsighted in denying Iestyn a sniping try down the side of the ruck and then a slight knock on prior to grounding by Leon after good recycling work by the forwards. The first try came in the 11th minute when after more good work by the forwards with strong carries from props Will D and Kurt making good yards and the back row of Will T, Joe and Harry working in sync to secure quick ruck ball, it was passed quickly along the back line to allow Caleb to make the scoring pass to Olly to dot down on the right wing. With both of Kendal’s goal kickers from last season having

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Kendal Youth Round Up cont

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left the team, that position is still being decided and it was Kurt that stepped up on this occasion for a well taken conversion. Further tries then came at regular intervals allowing Kendal to make lots of changes and give new players plenty of game time, Joseph was always prominent and keen to carry the ball whenever he could, Jake showed good strength and speed to always make good ground and Will O chased down everything to make countless tackles.

The next three tries were all scored down the left wing, two for Tyler and one for Roan; Caleb had obviously taken on the advice from the coaches and was now pulling in defenders and getting the ball out to the speedsters.

The final try of the half

was the most spectacular.

Fleetwood had enjoyed some good possession in and around the Kendal try line, but when they had been pushed back towards the 22 by strong tackles and good counter rucking from Leon and Harry, they put in a chip over the top, which was gathered by Casper on his own try line before setting off on an arcing run on the outside of the chasing Fleetwood defenders to race the full length of the pitch to score under the posts; Kurt again converting. Half time score 31-0.

The second half was more of a scrappy affair as lots of changes were made and Kendal loaned a few players to Fleetwood to cover for injuries but Iestyn, Dylan and Alex still managed

to shepherd the forwards well to again dominate territory and possession.

This resulted in four further tries for Kendal before the game was halted. The first two were for Roan and Kurt who both showed good strength to fend off several tackles before scoring and then Jake linking well with Olly to pop up in the backs and carry a would-be tackler over the try line. The final try was scored by Tyler as he took advantage of an overlap on the right wing before cutting in to score under the posts for a final score of 51-0.

Fleetwood were hindered by unavailability and injuries during the game and so I’m sure the Kendal lads can look forward to a much tougher contest when they make their first trip to play the away game at Melbourne Avenue.

Kendal U14s v Fleetwood U14s The U14s produced a magnificent comeback in their fixture on the bottom pitch in front of a large group of well entertained parents and supporters.

Fleetwood raced into a commanding 12- 31 half-time lead, through some excellent

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Kendal Youth Round Up cont excellent individual skills on show, but more importantly there were lots of well worked team tries scored.

tries from strong running ball carriers.

travelling to play in Keswick.

Whatever was said at half time from the coaches obviously had the desired effect. The teams exchanged tries in the early second half minutes for a score of 19 - 36 in favour of Fleetwood, but then Kendal dominated the last 20 minutes to run in 4 unanswered tries, the last of these coming with the final play of the game for an amazing turnaround victory to Kendal : 36 - 39.

Kendal try scorers were: L Amos (2), A Fahy-Coward, J Bottomley and J Smith with a hat-trick. Man of the Match was awarded to L Amos.

The U11s have been helped at the start of the season with additional coaching support from Colts’ coaches Woz and Pete and with former Kendal player Simon Mulholland coaching whenever his Sedbergh duties allow and new coaches stepping up to help keep developing this young team, it’s a group of players that are showing great promise and learning from their coaches, to develop into an exciting looking team.

This was on show last Sunday in the game against Keswick, with some

Tomorrow, we establish links with a new club to visit Mintbridge to come and play M&Y fixtures, as Fleetwood travel to play our U13s, U14s and U16s; with planned fixtures for other age groups also booked in for later in the season.

The U13s and U16s KO at 1100hrs and the U14s at 1200hrs, and with the Colts playing their cup game against Vale of Lune at 1400hrs, it’s the perfect opportunity to get down and watch some of the future stars of Kendal senior teams.

All of those teams listed above certainly have players with the qualities needed to pull on a first team shirt and represent Kendal for many years, so get yourselves down and see if you can spot them.

Danny Airey ■

Mini and Youth Commences The M&Y fixtures started in earnest last weekend with games against Keswick, the U11s and U13s both playing at Kendal and the U8s & U14s

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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 ■

Upbeat Mark Hodgkiss

It has been a strange start to the season. A record for the club’s three senior teams of play nine lost nine in September would normally be one for concern, melancholy, and even panic, but so far, the mood seems to be upbeat.

It is difficult to comment on the Second XV as I have not seen them in action, but it seems to be the normal issue of struggling to get a side together. A bit surprising as the First XV don’t seem to be missing many players due to injury, but various unavailability has seen a number of those who last season were involved in the Seconds stepping up, and often doing rather well. It was suggested last weekend that forty different players had been named so far, the First XV had used twentyfive, despite having to draft in, to cover absences.

I saw the Wasps’ only game in September, and they came into it with what

appeared a very strong squad, but had a rare off day, with a number of players tested away from the best positions, and lost to a well organised opponent, with a clear game plan, who played very well. However even then it was to the very last move of the game, and if the conversion of the Wasps’ final try had not come back off the post it, would have been a draw. So certainly, no worries about their prospects for the season.

For the First XV, when the fixtures were announced, playing the top three left in the League from last season, was going to be a tough start, whilst a trip to Anselmians who had transformed after Christmas, looked tricky, although few would have known how much. The four teams we have played have so far only lost twice between them, and one of those was when two met.

We could and possible

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Upbeat cont. should have beaten Wirral, and if the first two home games had been swapped maybe the results would have gone the other way.

Despite being well beaten in the other three games the team were in each game at times, and I think have played some of their best rugby since early in the 2021/22 season, and seem to be trying a style of play much more suited to our current player resources.

Despite their position the team have scored seventeen tries, just four fewer than in the first four games of last season, after which the team were in third place with seventeen league points, having played two of those destined for eventual relegation. Whilst we didn’t lose too many players over the Summer, there has only been one new recruit in the First XV, but what may be lacked in quality has been made up for in quality, as Ollie Rose has been outstanding, but even he, like a number in the team, will know there is someone else in his position just waiting to step in if standards drop. The influx

of young players who have all impressed is good news, especially for the future.

So plenty of reasons for optimism.

The team do need to turn good performances into “W”s this month, if they are to match or improve upon last season’s top half finish.

Today’s opponents have had a similar start of no wins having played three of the current top four, but have four bonus points and an identical minus 67 points difference.

In the first four rounds of games there were plenty of tries, with 22 of the 24 games having been won with a try scoring bonus point, whilst in eight of those games the defeated team also got one (between us today we have seven of them), whilst in five games there was only one score in it at the end (between us we have two of them).

Mark Hodgkiss ■ Thanks Mark, good to be positive as there is much too praise -Richard

Auld Greys Walking rugby Not Falling But Laughing Half Man Half Biscuit have a song which takes the form of a news story, telling of the arrest of irritants found guilty of ‘annoying the nation’.

Those charged include bus drivers who don’t wait for people to sit down before pulling away from the bus stop, a wall of teenagers sat spitting needlessly, a man who informs people that he gets up at six a.m. every morning and seems to want a medal and an organisation that has asked for an awareness week for awareness weeks.

Dear reader, inspiration for this column comes from many places. I am no fan of awareness weeks. Like Mother’s Day they seem to put things in the window so that they can then implicitly be forgotten, but the Active Cumbria newsletter which comes my way stirred me recently because it flagged Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

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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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Auld Greys Walking rugby cont.

I’m 61, have a replacement hip and am in line for another. Through gritted teeth I have accepted that my salad days are over and that I am closer to the end of my life than I am to its beginning. I play walking rugby and walking football, golf, hike and go to the gym regularly and I do these things, not on the off chance of a new career, but because I love being active, benefit from being active and know the pitfalls of not being active. Anyone who attends an Auld Greys walking rugby session would probably say the same.

Every programme Arthur mentions our responsibility to keep an eye on each other. A friendly word here, a check in there really can make a huge difference to someone having a rough time. No man or woman is an island and so it is with maintaining physical wellbeing. We can all help ourselves and others by being active. The stuff about fall prevention made me think because it was about shattering myths.

1. Falls happen to other people. Wrong.1 in 3

adults over 65 will have at least one fall a year.

2. Falling is something that just happens as you get older. Wrong.

Strength and balance exercises can make a big difference in preventing falls.

3. Limiting activity prevents falls. Wrong.

Physical activity benefits strength and mobility and social activity is known to be good for general wellbeing.

all take part in a sport that makes us laugh, makes us friends and makes us stronger. Each new member (and we have had a fair few recently) has been struck by the physical benefit of what we do. It’s no Iron Man challenge but we are no longer Iron Men and Iron Women. We are Auld Greys Pete Halsall ■ A great article raising awareness of what WE can do! – Richard

4. Staying at home makes me fall proof. Wrong.

Over half of all falls occur in the home.

Pre Match Hospitality

5. Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained. Wrong.

Exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility and help to close the gap between how fit you are and how fit you could be.

When age comes and slaps you in the chops it can be a bit of a shock. That is where the Auld Greys can come in. We may have different life stories and different experience of rugby, but we know that we can still

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

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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

12th Oct

31 - 33

5th Apr

Birkenhead Park

12th Oct

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 12th Oct

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

12th Oct

7th Dec

15th Feb

4th Jan

12th Oct

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

12th Oct

50 - 24

5th Apr

9th Nov

26th Oct

46 - 5

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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 The Social Committee

Up Coming Events 19 October - Manchester - Rugby social music/karaoke - hospitality selling fast

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.

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.

30 November - Penrith - derby day - live music Bailey Moore hospitality- sold out

League - Regional 1 North West Team

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

+/-

TB

LB

Rossendale

4

4

0

0

228

101

127

4

0

Pts 20

Anselmians

4

4

0

0

177

65

112

4

0

20

Newport (Salop)

4

3

0

1

161

80

81

3

1

16

Blackburn

4

3

0

1

172

118

54

3

0

15

Wirral

4

3

0

1

116

102

14

3

0

15

Manchester

4

3

0

1

111

74

37

2

0

14

Penrith

4

2

0

2

152

122

30

2

1

11

Stockport

4

2

0

2

130

117

13

2

1

11

Kendal

4

0

0

4

117

178

-61

4

1

5

Stoke on Trent

4

0

0

4

96

157

-61

3

1

4

Leek

4

0

0

4

53

199

-146

0

0

0

Birkenhead Park

4

0

0

4

55

255

-200

0

0

0