Westoe 20 - Kendal 15
Jan
THIS was a win that Westoe badly needed but it was at a price.
They emerged from a gruelling battle in the mire with four points to keep promotion hopes buoyant and spirits lifted after their abject defeat at lowly Morley the previous week.
The cost, though, was that two of their main men ended the game injured on the sidelines and verdicts on how seriously will be anxiously awaited.
Aaron Myers, moved from the back row to fill a gap at scrum half, limped off before half time with a hamstring problem and equally combative Miles Scott, wearing the number 4 jersey, had to be helped off by two teammates shortly before the final whistle.
It is feared that his cruciate ligament has been damaged which could mean that like Paul Bird, the giant lock who badly hurt a knee in training ten days ago, he could be out of action for some time.
All three have been crucial to Westoe’s efforts since their elevation to National 2 North at the beginning of last season and have played key roles in the team’s conspicuous success this campaign that has seen them win all but two of the 16 games so far.
Grim faced director of rugby Andy Howells said: “We can only wait and see just how much harm has been done. But it is a good thing that we have recently recruited new players to give added give depth to the squad.”
Dunes Adventure Island-sponsored Westoe have jumped into third top spot over Leicester Lions whose game at Huddersfield was postponed and are still breathing down the necks of leaders Fylde and Loughborough Students who both also won.
Kendal came to Wood Terrace in third bottom place with just three victories in the bag but quickly showed they were no pushovers.
With the Shieldsmen floundering more in the mud, unable to string passes together and surrendering too much possession, it was the visitors who had much the better of things in the first half.
Though they were unable to pierce a defence that was typically fierce tackling and unyielding, they forced errors that brought four kickable penalties and fly half Mark Ireland’s unerring left boot did the rest.
His counterpart Mark Bedworth pulled one back but the Lakelanders well deserved their 12-3 lead at half time.
Some forthright words must have been spoken because Gareth Nesbit’s men, now with the slope in their favour, came out revitalized and suddenly the tables had turned.
They drove over beside the right flag only for the ball to be held up, but sustained pressure forced misdemeanours, referee Matt Daubney’s patience finally snapping in the 48th minute when he awarded a penalty try - Bedworth converting.
Soon after Westoe went ahead when lock Iain Robinson snaffled a lineout ball after a penalty kick into touch on the five metre line and was driven over, Bedworth’s class kick from the edge making it seven points.
His second penalty as time ran out pretty well sealed victory, but Ireland was again on target with his fifth to mark the end of the game and so earn his side a bonus point which they fully deserved.
Howells said: “It was a tough and physical game in which the lads stuck to their task and got us the win that we badly needed. While it was not pretty, it was a resolute performance on a difficult surface of the sort we can expect in the next few weeks.”
*The Colts gave a good account of themselves but were beaten 15-0 in their under-18 clash against league leaders Percy Park at Oakleigh Gardens, all points being scored in the first half. The pack battled strongly but the backs missed out on attacking opportunities.
*The Seconds and Thirds, both unable to get a fixture, had a game amongst themselves at Wood Terrace ahead of the First XV match.
