A DROP-goal by Kendal stand-off Mike Scott in the penultimate minute of normal time snatched Kendal a lifeline in their bid to escape relegation from National League 2 on Saturday.

Six minutes earlier, Scott's Newbury counterpart Jo Clerpak had missed a penalty kick which left the Berkshire side just two points ahead at 11-9 in a nail-biting finish.

It was never a pretty match to watch on a mudheap of a pitch, but Kendal probably deserved to take the spoils overall.

Newbury No. 8 Dave Lubans forced his way over in the 17th minute for an unconverted try to open the scoring, but Kendal edged into a 9-5 half-time lead with two penalties from Scott, who also added a drop-goal.

Kendal twice launched storming attacks to within inches of the tryline but could not cross for a try.

Instead Newbury looked to have gained the upper hand when Scott was sinbinned in the 65th minute for a high tackle and Clerkpak kicked two penalties in five minutes to put the visitors two points ahead with 10 minutes to play.

But when Clerpak failed with a crucial penalty which would have left Kendal needing to score a converted try to win the match, Scott came back on to work his magic as the home spectators cheered wildy as his drop-goal went over.

Final score: Kendal 12, Newbury 11.

February 8, 2003 17:00