Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby play Sandal RUFC-full match report

Following the unfortunate passing of the club’s President’s husband Mr John Burke, a minute silence was held before the game began.

The club’s win streak continued after their 24-19 defeat over Burnage last week as the team kept Sandal on the ropes throughout, despite the wind and rain.

Kirkby kicked off from the Town end and were soon on the attack and took the game to Sandal with the forwards retrieving the ball and play remained in the visitor’s half.

The home team moved the ball along the backs but Sandal’s defence held until the 10th minute when from a scrum Dan Armitstead dived over to open Kirkby’s account. Silverwood converted to make it 7-0.

From the kick off the Kirkby forwards had their tails up and pressed the Sandal pack and after further pressure were rewarded with an off-side penalty which Silverwood slotted through the uprights to take the score to 10-0 after 20 minutes.

The visitors fought back and eventually put themselves on the scoreboard with a try and a conversion.

After some back-and-forth action, Kirkby struck again as Huddleston reached the corner and Silverwood made the conversion to make it 15 points to 7.

Stu Storey scored just before the end of the half.

The second half saw much of the same until Will Brown broke through and claimed the fourth try.

Despite the poor conditions, and despite being down on the score cards Sandal tried to mount a comeback and eventually pushed through for their second try which was followed by a conversion.

The fourth quarter was played mainly in the centre of the park but recognition of players was almost impossible and credit must go to both sides for their handling of the ball in atrocious conditions.

With just five minutes from time, Kirkby moved the ball well and managed to score their fifth try from a ruck with Dan Armitstead getting his second try which was converted by Smallwood for a final score of 32-14.

Kirkby will travel to Northwich next Saturday for their next match.