CALDY battled against the elements to record their first-ever win against Kendal at Mint Bridge in a tight encounter that despite the 15-14 scoreline was a real spectacle.

Tough defence was the order of the day as both sides repelled each other’s attacking efforts with big tackling and resolute mauling. Richard Vasey was the difference again with his exemplary kicking in tough conditions.

Kendal took the lead early on when a period of sustained pressure by the home forwards gave time and space for fly-half Mike Scott to open the scoring with a sweetly-struck drop goal.

On six minutes, Lewis Boyd scored the only try of the game when he touched down in the left hand corner after a delicate chip from Mike Scott eluded the Caldy backs to make it 8-0.

Caldy hit back when Kendal were penalised for being offside in front of the posts and Vasey kicked the resultant penalty.

Immediately, from the re-start Kendal pressed in the Caldy 22 metre zone and were awarded another penalty, converted by full-back Mark Ireland.

The rest of the half saw both sides testing each other’s defence, and on the stroke of half-time Caldy were awarded another penalty which Vasey kicked to make the half-time score 11-6 to Kendal.

The second-half started with Kendal putting pressure on the Caldy line but some big tackles and excellent organisation meant Caldy were continually able to turn the ball over. Craig Smithson had another superb performance and he together with Jon Sewell and Jake Lyon were beginning to dominate at the breakdown.

Caldy then through a series of rolling mauls worked their way into the Kendal half and were awarded penalties on 56 and 59 minutes which were both converted by Vasey to put the visitors ahead by a point.

Kendal hit back on 67 minutes after some back chat by the Caldy players resulted in a penalty being brought forward by 10 yards into kicking range for Ireland.

The tension was growing in a low scoring game when on 70 minutes Caldy were awarded another penalty which Vasey struck between the uprights to restore his side’s lead.

The remainder of the game saw Caldy trying to score the elusive try but Kendal’s defence held firm and referee Fisher ended the game after a big tackle from Jack Parker resulted in a knock on by Voortman.