Kendal 17 - 25 Harrogate.

DESPITE the scoreline, Kendal played their part in an entertaining game but all too often went asleep in defence to allow the speedy Harrogate backs the freedom of Mint Bridge.

Conceding two tries from the start was far from ideal, but fine work from Nick Michilini and Matt Belshaw on the wing created good field position for a well-worked back-row move from a scrum, Steve Woof powering over.

James Hadwin made a welcome return and showed enterprise with fellow centre Warren Tilsley, although they generally were well policed by the Gate midfield.

Vocal Liam Hayton put body and soul into the rearguard action but Harrogate stretched ahead with a converted try after a catalogue of errors in defence.

Then after good driving from the Kendal forwards, Allen Martindale set up an attacking platform for a try from No. 8 Adrian Nutter.

Heads up, the Kendal forwards drove on again from the restart. After an out-rageous dummy from Steve Bowman, a good run by Steve Capstick, supported by Nigel Pearson, ended with Nutter being awarded a try, converted by John Holmes, who was on for the injured Andrew Boardley.