"The ups and downs of Saturday's performance clearly provided the crowd with an even more radical version than usual of the roller-coaster of emotions that accompany watching any sporting event.

These highs and lows seem to be particularly intense when observing recent Kendal displays.

Being unable to witness the game live, as I was returning from working abroad, I was compelled to follow its undulations by text messages at a series of South American airports.

From the delight and security of the half-time position, accompanied by rapturous accounts, came the mounting stress of the second half, followed by news from Mike Healey that the scores had been levelled by Paul Dodds' try, and that the conversion was necessary to secure the victory.

I will never know whether he was seeking to add a further sense of drama to a game not short of this quality, or whether, in the excitement, the mathematics was beyond him.

It is a stressful experience watching the game on a Saturday; it is infinitely more stressful not watching it.

It is odd to watch the game for the first time on video, when the result is already known.

The rapture and despair, often in equal measure, that accompany a live game, are replaced by a dispassionate analysis, which is tempered by frequent disbelief that the performance can be so different from the carefully crafted plans of the training field.

It may surprise spectators to know that it is never part of the plan to lose the lineout, spill the tackle ball or kick possession away aimlessly.

However, even second hand the opening quarter of Saturday's display was a delight. The pace and skill of the performance left previously unbeaten Cleckheaton literally clutching at shadows.

It reinforced the conviction that we can outplay the best opponents when we can retain the ball, move it quickly and constantly shift the focus of the attack.

Alas, it was all too good to last. I can't remember when we last entered the last ten minutes of a league game with victory beyond doubt, and the usual stress and tension mounted with the passage of the second half.

The winning score was, however, an appropriate one. The approach work down the right was of high quality, and when the ball moved left there were only fragments of defence remaining.

However, when the ball left Phil Graham's boot it would have presented a challenge to devotees of Spot the Ball competitions. The crowd hushed as it feared the opportunity had been lost; when the kick landed unerringly in the outstretched arms of the oncoming wing, joy was unrestrained.

The try turned out to be worth five points, and the magnificent touchline conversion was important only in running down the clock. Whilst the drama was magnificent, it should not have been necessary.