Kendal Colts............. 17 Ormskirk...................... 0 KENDAL Colts had a scrappy head-to-head battle against league leaders Ormskirk on Sunday.

Playing with the wind in the first half, Kendal were unable to capitalise on the natural advantage. Gaining ground and possession was not a problem but, as in previous weeks, maintaining continuity was.

Three points from a long-range penalty by Tom Barton on the stroke of half time was the only reward for a lot of hard work.

As in their previous encounter, Kendal found Ormskirk's strength lay in their forwards, who were well drilled and had some effective individuals.

However, the chance to upset Ormskirk's hopes of taking the league title was not lost on the Kendal pack, which became increasingly dominant in the second half.

An impressive drive and try by Warren Wharton early on gave Kendal the upper hand. Both sides were still making simple mistakes, but Kendal's defence thwarted any threat from Ormskirk.

Finally after a quick recycle Kendal moved the ball quickly down the line, giving the speedy Matt Wilson an overlap and a burst of acceleration put him in for the try five minutes from time. Barton converted both tries.

Mathematically, if Kendal suffer no further losses they will win the league.

The next scheduled league game is against Aldwinians on January 23, because the Orrell game this weekend has been cancelled as they can no longer raise a side.