Kendal A 13

Saracens 20

SARACENS travelled to Mint Bridge hoping to complete the double over Kendal in this second team Merit table game but the heavy pitch covered with a liberal application of sand was not conducive to running rugby.

Saracens made a steady start but when the ball was dropped in the centre Kendal cleared.

Otley won a home throw-in and Ian Judson produced a strong run but when Fila went over the top at the breakdown Kendal took play into the Otley half.

Otley were penalised at the resulting scrum for not binding and Kendal kicked the penalty to take the lead.

Jim Davis had to leave the field with a knee injury and Tony Greig moved into the centre with Matthew Wright coming into the back row.

Otley were conceding too many penalties but Nick Brook was stealing a number of throw-ins at the line. Saracens were penalised at the maul for coming in from the side and the penalty stretched the lead.

Kendal, who had adapted better to the sticky conditions, looked dangerous in the next move but were brought back for a forward pass.

Towards half-time Otley built up pressure and when Kendal obstructed following a chip ahead, James Henry made it 3-6.

On the re-start Saracens built up a head of steam and following pressure on the line Matthew Wright drove over for James Henry to convert. Kendal hit back and were held up when they tried to drive over but eventually Otley cleared their line to take play deep into the home half.

Pressure was built and they got the chance to move the ball and Ryan Duckett joined the line to cut through and race over under the posts, James Henry adding the conversion.

To their credit Kendal hit back strongly and their pack, who had revelled in the conditions, eventually drove over for a converted try.

Saracens finished on top and when Kendal were penalised James Henry sealed it with a good kick from well out.

Otley Tongans 15

Skipton 17

WHEN Orrell cancelled Tongans arranged a pool fixture with Skipton firsts, who are having a good season in Yorkshire Two and reached the semi-finals of the RFU Vase.

Tongans got off to a good start and when the pack drove over Nick Girling claimed the try.

Skipton soon showed why they had had such a successful season and they combined well to score a good try which was converted.

It was end to end now and the Tongans' pack made ground before releasing and quick handling across the backs saw Tim Westlake-Bryant power over.

Just before half-time Skipton built pressure on the Tongans' line before driving over to make it 10-12.

On the re-start both sides fought hard to gain the upperhand but defences were generally on the top. Otley had problems when Craig Jackson and Tom Grubb had to leave the field with injuries and Adrian Keeler had to move into the back row with Gareth Guyers on the wing.

Skipton took full advantage to stretch the lead with a try but Tongans were not done and they took play deep into the Skipton 22 where scrum-half Steve Kershaw made a strong run to score.

The lack of a recognised kicker was a problem throughout and again the conversion was missed.

The Otley pack had the edge in the scrum but when their prop was yellow-carded for dropping the scrum in the closing minutes.

The referee ruled non-contested scrums so Tongans lost their advantage and Skipton held out for a narrow win.