NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

SEDGLEY PARK...31 KENDAL...12 WINTER came early to Whitefield and the Sedgley faithful were thankful for the shelter of the club's fine new stand.

Four second half tries provided further warmth and this result will ensure all future opponents know they are in for a tough game against the league newcomers.

Sedgley were playing up the slope, with the wind and driving rain partially in the visitors' favour. The start was lively enough as Kendal scrum-half Casey Mee produced a kick for the corner which chasing wing Jason Balmer almost reached. Moments later, Sedgley were indebted to centre Carlos Hassan for a try-saving tackle.

Sedgley were soon on the attack themselves thanks to a half break by scrum-half Dave McCormack, supported by flanker, Kern Yates. Then it was left wing, Paul Morris, who impressed with a strong run, earning a penalty which Rob Moon converted to give the home side an early lead.

The rest of the half belonged to Kendal. Playing their familiar brand of powerful basic rugby, with good ball retention and no little skill, they had Sedgley on the back foot continually.

Penalties were inevitably conceded and with the visitors number 10 Mike Scott striking the ball well, the points began to mount. Four times the Kendal man was on target, while two attempts by Moon were blown off course, so the Cumbrians led 12-3 at half-time and the whistle was greeted with relief by Sedgley.

Park had defended well but now they needed to show some attacking prowess. Early signs were not encouraging. There were too many mistakes, as when Hassan broke clean through only for his scoring pass to be put down by Mike Wilcock.

After 14 minutes, the first try finally came. A line-out catch and drive served to suck in the Kendal defenders. Then the ball was released to Moon, playing stand-off in the absence of the injured Colin Stephens, and the New Zealander powered over near the posts, a try which he converted.

Five minutes later, Sedgley had a major stroke of luck when a knock-on went unseen. Moon carried on playing while all around stood like statues and once again he added the conversion.

Hooker Paul Keyes then took a scrum against the head, the Sedgley pack drove magnificently and the Kendal defence suddenly opened up for Tim Fourie to score -- reward for an afternoon of outstanding defence by the big South African.

Once again Moon converted. Sedgley had scored 21 points in 10 minutes to lead 24-12 with 16 minutes left. A disheartened looking Kendal made little impression and the final try was scored by the home side.

Good use of the narrow side sent Wilcock streaking down the touchline, beating his man brilliantly on the outside. Yates was in support and the Sedgley open-side scored between the posts to give Moon another easy kick.

SEDGLEY PARK: Peacock, Wilcock, Hassan, Scales, Morris, Moon, McCormack, Alcock, (Latham), Keyes, (Treco), Johnson, Arnold, Rees, Senior, (Grainey), Yates, Fourie.

NEXT game is on Saturday in Nottingham.