CUP specialists Kendal found themselves on the receiving end of an upset when beaten 16-9 at Sedgley Park on their trip to Greater Manchester in the Tetley's Bitter Cup on Saturday.

Over the past two seasons, the Mint Bridge side have run Premiership clubs London Scottish and Worcester close, but their former Division 3 North rivals held the upper hand in this second-round tie.

Ex-Welsh international Colin Stephens was a key man in Sedgley's victory.

It turned into a penalty duel on a sodden surface in the first half with Kendal's Mike Scott and Stephens each making three successful kicks before half time as the sides turned round 9-9 at half time.

After a strong start by Kendal to the second half failed to bring its reward, Sedgley prop John Young charged over for an unconverted try in the 53rd minute to put his side 14-9 ahead.

Kendal pressed deep into Sedgley territory afterwards, but failed make it count and Stephens sent over a long-range penalty and they defended stoutly to run out deserved winners.

Kendal are on the road again this weekend when they return to National Division 2 action at Camberley on Saturday.