KENDAL...12pts

SEDGLEY PARK...23pts

A FIFTH win on the trot on a very heavy pitch came after an absorbing game in which Sedgley's organisation and disciplined play negated all Kendal's efforts.

There were no weak links in this XV, but many stars and the will to play for each other, back up and support overwhelmed a very good Kendal side.

It was bound to be a forward battle in the conditions, although three of the four tries were scored by backs.

There was much kicking for touch and position throughout and in this contest Colin Stephens stood out as a master tactician.

Time and time again, Stephens cleared the defence and tormented the Kendal forwards, driving them back whenever they threatened to camp in Sedgley's half.

In this kicking contest he was ably assisted by Dave McCormack and, on one occasion, by Tim Fourie.

As the forwards strove for superiority, it was prop Huw Thomas and second row Paul Arnold who first opened up the Kendal defence, but after making 50 yards to the line, the slippery ball was spilled.

After 17 minutes Sedgley's dominance brought its reward when, from a scrum, Fourie and Stephens shipped the ball to Mike Wilcock at speed who, when confronted by the Kendal full back, passed to Carlos Hassan. He beat two more desperate tackles to score. Stephens converted and 17 minutes later added a penalty to make it 10-0 at half-time.

Against the wind in the second half it was Sedgeley's turn to put in some great tackles to preserve their line, but in the 48th minute from a driving maul after a line-out Bowman narrowed the gap with a try which Scott couldn't convert.

Stephens then added another penalty to make it 13-5, but Kendal continued to pressure Park.

Next came a breakaway from Kendal's line by full back Healy who made over 50 yards and passed to centre Malherbe who ran the rest for a try under the posts which Scott did convert to make it 13-12 with Kendal in the ascendancy.

Stephens landed a third penalty and Sedgley's dogged defence turned to attack, especially when McCormack intercepted on his own 22 and made 40 yards with a choice of two wingers to pass to as he approached Healy.

He chose Wilcock on the inside and he beat two other defenders to score under the posts for Stephens to add the conversion.

The game ended with Park on top and thoroughly deserving to come away with the points after a fine team performance and a five-star show from goalkicker Stephens who landed five goals from five attempts.

SEDGLEY PARK: Wilcock, Bullough, Hassan, Scales, Morris, Stephens, McCormack, Lathom (Roberts, 55 mins), Treco (Keys 55 mins), Thomas, Arnold, Rees, Senior (Grainey 70 mins), Yates, Fourie.

Tomorrow Rosslyn Park travel to Park Lane for what could be another difficult fixture.