Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC give Ambleside tough day at the office

Ambleside Centurions Fall 8–39 to Kirkby Lonsdale in Hard-Fought Home Clash
It proved to be a “tough day at the office” for the Ambleside Centurions as they hosted one of the “biggest rugby clubs in the north” at Galava Park last Saturday. Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC travelled to Ambleside on November 29 and returned home with a 39-8 victory.
The visitors arrived with a young, energetic squad and showed quality throughout the contest. Running in six tries, they impressed with sharp attacking play, including several strong finishes from Will Baines, while Stu Storey led their offence with control and confidence.
Ambleside, however, produced moments of their own. Greg Tebbutt capitalised on an opportunity to score a well-earned try, and Cameron Penn added three points with a superbly struck 35-metre penalty from a difficult angle.
Despite competitive spells from the Centurions, a burst of fresh legs from Kirkby Lonsdale late in the game proved crucial. Three quick tries in the closing stages put the match firmly out of reach and ensured a convincing win for the visitors.
Director of Rugby at Ambleside, Andrew Brown, said it was still a memorable afternoon for the sport.
“All in all, it was a brilliant day for rugby at Ambleside Rugby Club,” he said. “A big thank you to Kirkby Lonsdale for the game and to the Ambleside boys for putting on a show.”
The result keeps Ambleside Centurions in the top half of the league table, sitting seventh an achievement Brown noted “no one in the county would have predicted at the start of the season.”
Across the field, several Centurions were highlighted for standout performances, including Archie Carr, Tadgh Butler and Tom Allday, all of whom were praised for their “outstanding shifts.” Coach Matty Kaye commended his players for matching the physicality of their opponents and enjoying strong phases of play throughout.
Kirkby Lonsdale described the clash as a “cracking” day of rugby, despite challenging weather conditions that threatened to hinder the spectacle.
Next week, the Centurions will travel to Millom for what is expected to be a warm west-coast welcome, while Kirkby Lonsdale prepare to host Workington.