Kirkby Lonsdale 10, Carlisle 20

CARLISLE had the edge for size but Kirkby Lonsdale set off well and after weathering early pressure, they set up a blindside move which saw captain S.

Storey intercept and speed over for an early try.

Although the conversion attempt failed, it was the better start Kirkby had made for some time.

Carlisle replied with a well-worked try from the inside centre to level the scores at 5-5 and then a good passing move gave their full back an overlap to score in the corner which was converted to extend the lead to 5-12.

Play was fairly even for a spell until Carlisle were awarded a penalty to go further ahead.

Kirkby got back into the match, however, when scrum-half J.

Ladell took a tap-penalty and ran in a good try to cut the deficit at half time to 10-15.

Veteran Richard Taylor played well in the centre but left the field after a heavy knock to a leg, forcing Kirkby to reshuffle with J.

Robinson going into the back row and A.

Robinson moving out to the wing.

Kirkby soon had the chance of a score but Storey's drop-goal attempt just went wide.

R.

Robinson made several bold charges at the opposition without quite securing a breakthrough and Kirkby were wide with a penalty attempt which would have put them back in the reckoning.

Carlisle produced a period of continuous pressure and only some amazing tackling kept them out.

The new law regarding wheeling scrums seems to be one of the ridiculous changes made in recent times, but Carlisle benefited when they got turnover ball and a flanker came off the back of a scrum to wide the gap to 10-20.

Kirkby were still having a hard time and only a brilliant tackle by Storey, who was injured in the process, prevented another try.

Kirkby got on top for the last 10 minutes and Carlisle gave away a series of penalties, but Kirkby's lack of kicking success saw them opt to go short each time and Carlisle's powerful defence kept them at bay to maintain the 10-point margin up to the final whistle.

n The Wanderers had something of a surprise after their good win at Netherhall last week.

After a good start the match went completely the other way and Carlisle ran out easy winners.

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