NEGOTIATIONS are in progress set up an attractive Easter Saturday derby home match with Penrith in the Story Cumbria Cup.

The two North Division sides had been scheduled to play their semi-final on March 24, but it could become a bumper crowd puller if the clubs agree a date change to April 7.

There are many former Kendal players in the Penrith line-up and when the sides met at Mint Bridge back in October it brought out a huge crowd which saw Kendal take a big first-half lead only to be pulled back and end up hanging on for a three-point victory.

The return fixture on January 27 saw Penrith victorious, so both sides will have a point to prove in a cup match decider.

The winners of the much anticipated semi-final will face Carlisle in the final.

Defeat at Beverley last weekend has put paid to Kendal's hopes for an immediate return to national level rugby. After a flying start to their first season since relegation from National Division Three Kendal looked hot favourites in North Division One, but away from home they have been unable to reproduce the scintillating running rugby which has delighted the Mint Bridge crowd.

Meanwhile Cheshire side Caldy, boosted by an influx of quality players after a fall out at once mighty Orrell, have come to the fore while Beverley, now four points clear of the chasing pack, are the most likely candidates for the play-offs.

Kendal's home fixture with Stockport, called off in January, has now been re-arranged for March 10.