ONLY self-esteem was at stake for Kendal, but the

willingness to keep on battling away when a winning chance had gone suggests heart and soul are still in the right place, writes Richard Daniels.

The final tally was Wharfedale 48 - Kendal 28.

It seemed an age ago not just a fortnight that Kendal were on the relegation rack and now they faced good friends and neighbours going through the same emotions.

For Kendal supporters it was a thowback to the less

neurotic pre-league era when points and prizes were not the be and end-all!

Not so for Wharfedale, who looked as tense and steely-willed as SAS men behind lines, but a convincing

mission did not bring them comfort as the other results mean that they still have to go to Harrogate next week.

Then if they win they will definitely stay up.

Understandable then that Wharfedale played the more eager, crisper rugby early on and achieved enough to seemingly seal victory when amassing a 35-6 lead five minutes into the second half.

Right winger Jonathan Davies was the mainspring of their points-scoring effort and cruised through the middle for the first of his two tries as early as the third minute.

On kicking duty as well, he personally scored as many points as Kendal did.

Concerted pressure forced a couple of penalties, which Davies slotted to extend the lead to 13-0 before Kendal managed to off the mark after 22 minutes.

Dan Stephens kicking over the top and and catching the high ball before it was recycled to launch Voortman on a threatening burst which failed when he not get the final pass out in the tackle.

However, Wharfedale infringed at the breakdown and Scott made the penalty count.

Wharfedale quickly countered with a second try from skipper Andy Hodgson who finished off an impressive handling after the home pack wheeled the Kendal scrum.

Left winger Luke Ladell was a constant thorn in Wharfe-dale's side on the left wing and good harrying earned a penalty which Scott converted, but Davies nullified it with a 38-metre effort and Davies took advantage of turnover ball to sweep through a stretched defence.

Wharfedale picked up where they left off after the interval as Hodgson sliced through the defence for an unconverted try before Kendal's fightback began in earnest.

Voortman's chip over the top put Ladell away to make good ground and quick ball at the recycling allowed Ian Gowing to put Dan Stephens over for an unconverted try.

A Davies' penalty - one of four he kicked - followed and Kendal's new-found confidence was tested when lock Mike Capstick was red-carded for kicking out.

Wharfedale took advantage of the extra man as No. 8 Ben Wade was mauled over the line for his side's fifth try, yet Kendal did not capitulate.

Instead Kendal show pride to keep about their work in great style and scored three tries in a rousing final quarter.

Airey's chip into space which Tim Whitehead chased bounced awkwardly for the winger, but Keith Robinson, playing at No,. 8 for the unavailable Adrian Bateson, hacked it on and laid hands on it to tumble over the tryline.

Flanker Phil Skillen then scored his first try for Kendal when the depleted pack still managed to maul their way over from a lineout catch and drive.

Wade blasted his way over for Wharfedale from close range soon afterwards, but Kendal had the last work when Voortman sythed through the defence on craftily delayed pass and dash under the posts and Scott converted.

Kendal wrap up the campaign next week at bottom club Fylde.

April 17, 2003 16:30