KENDAL Rugby Club endured a tough afternoon on Saturday as their resilient young team were eventually put to the sword by in Macclesfield.

It was the first meeting with Macclesfield since the teams met in a National League 2 North clash in the 2009/10 season.

An error-strewn first half saw Kendal go in trailing 35-7, and were trailing 48-7 during the second half.

A string of fouls by Macclesfield saw the home temporarily team reduced to 14 men when one of their props was shown a yellow card.

Kendal took full advantage, making use of their numerical advantage to pull the score back to 48-26, earning a try-scoring bonus point in the process.

Macclesfield regained control of the game when restored to their full compliment of players, finishing the game strongly to make a final score of 53 - 26.

Match reporter Mark Hodgiss gave his analysis on the Kendal RUFC website after the game.

"The reality was that Macclesfield looked a very good well organised team, and while a number of their scores came from weak tackling, for far more of the game the defence had to be at its best to keep Macclesfield out," he wrote.

"On his return, Ben Dixon got few chances in attack, but reminded us what he can do in defence, often making a tackle and being back on his feet for another.

"With all three of the first choice back row, plus Dan Greenwood missing, Alistair Thompson again put in a quality performance. 

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"Mattie Kaye had a good game moving the ball quickly, especially in the period leading up to the first half try, looking for gaps in the defence, and putting in tackles on much bigger opponents.

"Dan Lowther had another good game, and Ignacio Cisint looks dangerous whenever he has the ball, and with those around him now beginning to get into support his runs, he is making space and opportunities for them.

"It is a gamble bringing the young players in, and they will make mistakes, but hopefully they are learning from the experience, and with advice and coaching from those more experienced around them, they will be the club's future. 

"Aaron Stephens and Tadhg Butler both showed great promise when they came on (as has Barney Coxon in recent games, whilst McKenzie Cousins took his two earlier tries well). 

"Players like Reece Tomlinson, Matt Houghton and Chris Park all took time to develop into the players they have become."

Credit: Mark Hodgkiss