KENDAL trekked to the other end of the country on one of the coldest weekends of the winter so far and put up a heartening display in defeat against highly-rated promotion-chasers, the Pirates.

Packed with bought-in talent with a strong South Sea flavour, the Pirates were 20-0 ahead by half time and well on the way to victory.

New signing Sebastian Berti kicked two early penalty goals and converted two tries from centre Mark Fatialofa and scrum-half Gary Becconsall.

The high-spots for Kendal came when debutant winger Luke Ladell scored one of three of his side's tries in the second half, with centre Steve Healey and full back Dan Stephens also crossing the line, Mike Scott converting all of the scores.

The Pirates were busy, too, and Victor Olonga notched a hat-trick of tries from the five they added after the interval.

Berti made seven successful kicks out of eight attempts for a 21-point tally and also added a try.

Final score was Penzance & Newlyn 51, Kendal 21.

Kendal are hosts to Sedgley Park at Mint Bridge this Saturday (2.30pm kick-off).

January 6, 2003 11:00