KENDAL'S best cup-battling tradition was in evidence at Mint Bridge on Saturday as a brave attempt to reach the Powergen Cup's fifth round ended in a noble failure, beaten 22-16 by Waterloo.

Kendal scored 13 points in a sparkling first half, in which they prevented the National 2 side from getting on the scoreboard.

Two successful penalties from stand-off Dan Stephens reflected Kendal's rousing start and Jon Ladell scored a try in the corner, following up Simon Mulholland's 50-metre foot race to the line after Kendal won turnover ball inside their own 22.

Kendal then were reduced to 13 men with yellow cards for Dave Preston and Richard Harryman going up to half time, but defended tenaciously against the visitors, who had also a forward sinbinned, after fighting broke out.

Waterloo got their act together in the second half but not before Stephens added a drop goal to put Kendal 16-0 up.

An unstoppable driving maul from the linout was a formidable weapon for the visitors and they scored two tries from this setpiece and then jinked their way through a tiring defence for a third try to go 16-17 ahead.

Kendal never really got close to scoring and were a bit unlucky when the referee awarded a free kick and moved the visitors back 10 metres for back-chat but did not change his decision to a penalty which would have given Stephens a crack at goal. Instead Waterloo went back upfield to score a fourth try that put victory beyond doubt.