Kendal Reach Cumbria Cup Semi Final After Defeating Keswick
Cumbria Cup holders Kendal produced a strong finish to defeat Keswick 36-17 at Davidson Park and secure their place in the semi finals.
The match was a repeat of last season’s Cumbria Cup final, when Kendal also overcame Keswick to claim the trophy. The latest meeting again proved competitive, with the holders eventually pulling away after a difficult opening period.
Keswick made the stronger start and showed plenty of determination against the reigning champions. The home side led 12-10 at half time, giving themselves a realistic opportunity of producing a cup upset.
The hosts continued their positive start after the interval and extended their advantage just three minutes into the second half. Their try was not converted, but it gave Keswick further encouragement and increased the pressure on Kendal.
Kendal responded as the match entered its decisive stages, gradually taking greater control of the contest. Their ability to maintain pressure late in the game proved important as the visitors found additional opportunities to attack.
The holders scored three tries during the final quarter as they turned the game firmly in their favour. Two of those scores came from Ben Dixon during the final four minutes, helping Kendal establish a winning margin that did not fully reflect how closely Keswick had competed.
Keswick’s performance nevertheless demonstrated how much of a challenge they presented to the cup holders. Their first half display kept Kendal under pressure and ensured the contest remained closely balanced well into the second period.
The result sends Kendal into the Cumbria Cup semi finals as they continue their defence of the competition they won last season. Their experience and stronger finish ultimately proved decisive against a determined Keswick side.
Elsewhere in the competition, Hawcoat Park also progressed after defeating Kirkby Lonsdale 22-14. The home side benefited from tries by Will Coles, Tom Roberts and Chris Burns.
Coles added a penalty and a conversion during the Hawcoat Park victory, while Dan Lightfoot kicked the first conversion before leaving the match through injury. Kirkby Lonsdale were described as a young and well coached side despite falling short.
The Shield competition also produced several closely contested matches. Workington defeated Keswick’s second team 36-29 in an entertaining encounter, with the Zebras scoring six tries.
David Wordsworth crossed twice for Workington, while Ivan Petersen, James Beck, Tom Smith and Josh Partridge also scored. Cade Bales added three conversions to help secure the victory.
Whitehaven edged Egremont 23-19 in a hard fought Copeland derby, while Millom recorded a narrow 13-10 victory away at Creighton. The latter contest remained close throughout, with Creighton coming close to scoring a decisive late try.
Creighton believed they had secured victory with the final play but were unable to ground the ball over the line. The narrow outcome reflected an even contest in which both sides were affected by poor decisions and handling errors.
Carlisle also recorded a convincing Shield victory, defeating Furness 45-15. Furness are returning to competitive rugby this season, while Carlisle built their winning score through six different try scorers and four goals from Lewis Tingey.
The latest results have added further interest to the Cumbria Cup and Shield competitions as clubs continue their respective campaigns. For Kendal, the focus now turns towards the semi finals as the holders move another step closer to defending their county title.
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