This page contains all match reports for the season 2001/2002.
Kendal v Plas Coch 16th March
The final game of the league programme turned out to be one of the most exciting of the season. Playing at home against the top placed team, Kendal needed at least one point from the encounter to gain automatic promotion. Plas Coch had already secured the divisional title but honour was at stake as they sought revenge for the defeat Kendal inflicted on them earlier in the season.
It was end to end stuff, nip and tuck all the way. Steve Barclay opened the scoring for Kendal after 20 minutes with a typically crisp strike from open play. Matt Bostock made a fine save to keep Kendal ahead going in to the interval.
Plas Coch equalised from a well executed penalty corner just 10 minutes in to the second half and kept up the pressure to go 2-1 up soon after. Kendal rallied themselves and took the initiative again and despite some excellent defending from the visitors, Phil Conlin scored to level the match. It began to look as if the spoils would be shared but just 5 minutes from the end Plas Coch gained a free hit deep in the Kendal half, took it quickly and although Bostock parried the first shot he was powerless to prevent the rebound being pushed home.
Final score Kendal 2 Plas Coch 3
Elsewhere in the league, Rhyl were comfortably winning their last game and as a consequence finished in second place, above Kendal on goal difference. Nevertheless, this has been Kendal's most successful season ever. League restructuring is likely to mean that they will still gain promotion, to Division 5 North. Success has not been limited to the league and before the game Kendal were presented with the Cumbria County Cup by the C.H.A. Vice President, Ian Telford. So despite the day's defeat the kendal celebrations lasted well in to the night.
Rhyl and District v Kendal 2nd March
Kendal's unbeaten run finally came to an end at Rhyl last Saturday. With both teams chasing both promotion and the divisional title this was always going to be a hard game. The standard of hockey was high in an open game as each tried to gain the upper hand. A well executed penalty corner in the 18th minute gave Rhyl the lead. The shot was hard and perfectly placed just inside the post. Kendal pressed hard for an equaliser and played some excellent hockey but the home side defended well and there were few clear cut chances. In the Kendal goal Matt Bostock pulled off an incredible combination save to keep his side alive. Three shots, all looking certain to hit the net, were dismissed with disdain by Bostock. Half time came with no further goals.
As time went on Rhyl reinforced their defence and allowed Kendal to come at them. The Kendal players worked hard, led by the inspirational Jon Elleray who played as if his life depended on the result. Still there was no way through and then well in to the second half a swift break gave Rhyl a second goal. It was a bitter blow for Kendal but they renews their efforts and finally it paid off. Adam Young, playing out wide on the left, made a perfect cross which beat everyone except the alert Steve Perruzza. Knowing that they needed at least a draw, Kendal threw everyone forward and increased the pressure. Unfortunately the excitement of the situation got the better of them and Rhyl gained a free hit for a player retaliating against a tackle. The hit was taken quickly and found the lone Rhyl forward unmarked in the Kendal 25. Even the mighty Bostock could not stop a third and final goal.
Rhyl 3 Kendal 1
The result knocks Kendal off the top spot in the division and with only two games left they now need at least four points to be sure of promotion. This Saturday the game is away at Cheetham Hill. Players should meet at 11.00
Kendal v Winnington Park 23rd February
Despite conceding an early goal Kendal took all three points from this encounter. The home team were out on the field and warming up well before the visitors arrived. With such thorough preparation Kendal started the game with confidence and Winnington Park were immediately on the defensive. The early pressure was not converted in to goals and in an unexpected turn of events Winnington Park created a breakaway and scored a well worked opening goal. Kendal brushed aside this temporary setback and went back on the offensive. Within a few minutes Ewan Galloway scored the equalising goal. Before half time Phil Conlin and Paul Evans added to the Kendal tally.
The weather turned to almost blizzard conditions and remained poor for the remainder of the game. Both teams stuck admirably to their task and despite being under almost constant pressure the Winnington defence showed great composure and their 'keeper provided an excellent display. Nevertheless it was inevitable that the home supporters should have more goals to cheer. The fourth goal was spectacular, Phil Conlin dribbled the ball some 40 yards before passing with pinpoint accuracy to Paul Evans whose crisp first time shot hit the backboard. The final goal was created by Galloway making a well timed tackle in the 25 yard area and then held off two defenders to send his pass to James Booth who turned and shot with a speed and accuracy that surprised everyone.
Final score Kendal 5 Winnington Park 1
The result keeps Kendal at the top of their division although Plas Coch kept the pressure on by winning their match 5-0. The two teams are now on the same number of points, with the same goal difference and Kendal remain top by virtue of having scored one more goal than Plas Coch. The two will meet in the final game of the season at the Queen Katherine ground in two weeks time. This Saturday Kendal have a difficult away game at Rhyll.
Triton 2nds v Kendal (Feb 9th 2002)
The winning run for Kendal men finally came to an end last week as they could only manage a draw away from home at Triton.
A squad of just eleven players made the long trip down to Alsager Leisure Centre for a 3.00pm start to the game. Despite having some key players missing and needing to reshuffle the squad, confidence was high after the previous week's good home win. Kendal started well and put the Triton defence under pressure early in the game but failed to get a clear shot on goal. After an uncharacteristic error in midfeild, Triton managed a swift break and despite Matt Bostock's best effort, opened the scoring. A goal against Kendal in open play has been a rare event this season and Triton made the most of the celebrations. Kendal showed real character and returned to their task with greater determination. It took less then 10 minutes for the reply. Rob Bradshaw had a fine shot saved by the 'keeper leaving Gordon Dwane, playing out of position, to calmly flick the ball in to the open net.
Half time came with the scores level reflecting a fairly evenly matched game.
The second half was pretty much end to end stuff but with neither team creating clear cut chances. Towards the end Kendal seemed to be getting the better of it but failed to convert the pressure in to goals and the game finished with the honours even.
Final score Triton 1 Kendal 1
The men in green have no game this week but return to league duty with a home game against Winnington Park on February 23rd.
Kendal v Liverpool University (Feb 2nd 2002)
It took Kendal just 38 seconds to open the scoring against Liverpool University. In the away fixture earlier this season the University side won 4-2 so the men in green had a score to settle. Liverpool had the push back but their first pass was intercepted by the tenacious Mike Hoyle. The ball passed from Hoyle to Dwane to Bradshaw and finally to Ewan Galloway who cracked the ball in to the net with his first touch of the game. Liverpool never recovered from this early blow and were under pressure throughout the first half. Kendal were back to something like their best form and created numerous chances in front of goal. Fortunately for Liverpool, Steve Perruzza's recent bout of flu seemed to have affected his accuracy in front of goal. Nevertheless he did strike once and that goal together with one from Adam Young and another from Phil Conlin left the visitors 4-0 down at half time.
With the result no longer in doubt Kendal relaxed a little in the second half making good use of substitutes. Matt Bostock was rarely troubled and dealt with a couple of shots in his usual calm and competent manner. The home side added to their tally through Steve Barclay and finally Ewan Galloway completed the win by scoring in the last minute.
Final score Kendal 6 Liverpool University 0
To enhance Kendal's weekend further, Rhyl took all three points in their encounter with Plas Coch, leaving Kendal 5 points clear at the top of the table. On a roll of seven wins now Jon Elleray's squad will be hoping to make the most of the remaining five fixtures. This coming Saturday they are away at Triton, the strat time is 3.00pm. Players should meet on Parkside Road for 12.30.
Sale v Kendal (January 26th 2002)
After a week with no fixture Kendal regrouped to play old freinds Sale. This was a match between the division leaders and the team holding last place. For much of the game it was difficult to tell which club was playing which part. Kendal had hoped for a bit of a goal fest to reinforce their impressive goal difference so far this season. Sale played a standard of hockey which belied their lowly league position, whilst Kendal seemed to have lost the sharpness which has characterised their recent performances.
Half time came with no score on the board and Kendal looking increasingly troubled. Instead of patiently playing the ball around and holding possession, they played what could best be described as "panic hockey". Only Adam Young, Phil Conlin and Mike Hoyle managed to keep their heads and play with any sort of composure. Eventually, with 8 players attacking the Sale goal, the home side managed to breakout and mount a frightening counter attack. Sweeping up the field the attack resulted in a superb shot which looked certain to hit the top corner of the Kendal goal. Fortunately Matt "The Cat" Bostock was on hand to make a magnificent save with his left hand. He made it look easy. It was a crucial moment for the men in green.
However, with Plas Coch only 2 points behind and having a game in hand, a draw was not enough. Kendal left it until literally the last minute of the game to play their "Get out of Jail free" card. When Phil Conlin was brought down in the Sale goalmouth the umpire awarded a penalty corner. Rob Bradshaw injected the ball, it was stopped cleanly and Kendal's most consistent goal scorer, Steve Barclay, hit a crisp shot low in to the corner. The cheer from the Kendal squad was as hearty as any we have heard this season.
Final score Sale 0 Kendal 1
In truth it was a very disappointing performance and Kendal will need to play much better this week, when they play their first home game of 2002, against Liverpool University. The visitors are one of only two teams to have defeated Kendal this season. It should be a tough encounter. The start time is 2.30pm. Kendal players should meet at The Queen Katherine School for 1.30pm.
Manchester Indians v Kendal (January 12th 2002)
Kendal began the New Year in the same form as they finished the old, with a comfortable away win at Manchester.
Such was the enthusiasm of Kendal players to get back in the groove after the Christmas break that everyone wanted to play and a strong squad of 15 made the journey to the city. The squad arrived early, well before the home team, in order to carry out their thorough match preparation.
Manchester, having suffered a heavy defeat at the Queen Katherine ground earlier in the season, fielded an experienced and skilful team. But they were under pressure immediately. It took 15 minutes pressure before Steve Barclay opened the scoring to complete one of Kendal's penalty corner sey pieces. The Indians were having difficulty getting out of their own half and their main striker, Rob Riley saw little of the ball. However, they were not prepared to lie down and stuck to their task, eventually gaining a penalty corner themselves just before half time. The corner was well taken and a fine scoop shot to the top left corner provided the equaliser.
Despite having dominated the first half play, Kendal were disappointed with the scoreline and skipper Jon Elleray had some harsh words to say in the interval. It took only 25 seconds for Kendal to regain the lead with one of the most bizarre goals of the season. Rob Bradshaw hit a long speculative pass into the Indians goal area, the pass appeared to be going harmlessly out and the 'keeper left it, only to see the ball hit the post and roll across the goal towards Adam Young. With the keeper stranded, and Young in control of the ball, the last defender made a desperate effort to defend the goal but to no avail.
Kendal looked more and more confident as the game progressed, in particular James Booth caused Manchester all sorts of problems. Steve Perruzza and Ewan Galloway were a constant threat to the Indians. Eventually it was Kendal's own "Cool Hand Luke", Steve Barclay who once again provided the decisive goal, shooting low and hard from a penalty corner.
Final score Manchester Indians 1 Kendal 3. It was a comfortable victory, if less emphatic than Kendal would have liked. With a string of 5 wins in a row, they remain top of Division 6. The next league game is away at Sale on January 26th.
Kendal v Blackburn December 15th
Kendal provided a fitting end to their 2001 league programme. It was a home game against Blackburn (one of the very few teams to have found the Kendal net this season) and Steve Barclay was the star of the show, scoring three times in the first ten minutes. His Christmas hat trick was followed by goals from Rob Bradshaw (2), Adam Young, Phil Conlin and Steve Perruzza. Meanwhile at the opposite end Mike Hoyle stood in as 'keeper and confirmed his ability to play effectively in any position. He was rarely troubled but nevertheless did what was necessary to keep a clean sheet.
gary Garside took on the goalkeeping role for the second half as Hoyle moved in to the attack to set up two of the goals. Garside carried on where Hoyle had left off and Blackburn there was "no room in the D." The three wise men, Jon Elleray, John Airey and Steve Southworth were ably assisted by James Booth and Blackburn had to find "another way home".
Final score Kendal 8 Blackburn 0
And so it came to pass that Kendal finished the first half of the season residing comfortably on top of the division with 30 points, 55 goals scored and only 9 conceded. Meanwhile, in another part of the country, rivals Plas Coch could only draw with Cheetham Hill, a Christmas present to the "men in green" from the "men on the hill."
Merry Christmas to all from Kendal Mens Hockey Club.
Kendal v Cheetham Hill December 8th
Kendal did it the hard way at home last week. After the fine performance to win at Plas Coch the previous week they started the game against Cheetham Hill in confident form. The visitors were down to ten men almost immediately when midfielder Mike Scargill fell and twisted his knee badly. Kendal played the ball around and for ten minutes were in complete control. Over confidence led to them pushing too many players forward and suddenly a fast Cheetham Hill break left Matt Bostock no chance aganist two attackers. Learning nothing from the mistake Kendal went a further goal behind a few minutes later in exactly the same way. The second goal proved to be the much needed wake up call and gradually the men in green settled back to play their game. Two swift moves down the right wing led to first Ewan Galloway and then Steve Barclay each finding the net so that half tome came with the teams on level terms.
Skipper Jon Elleray had some harsh words to say at the interval. Ian Telford came on to bring some calm and stability to the defence. The visitors did not score again, Kendal were still a shadow of what they have been this season but still managed to score thrice more through Phil Conlin, Ewan Galloway and again Steve Barclay. In the end they looked comfortable winners and retain top spot in the division, albeit by the narrowest of margins.
This Saturday, the final league match before Christmas, is a home game against Blackburn. It is a game that Kendal need to win comfortably.
Plas Coch v Kendal December 1st
The Men in Green are now The Men at the Top!
There was a welcome in the hills of Wales for Kendal last week as the "men in green" met the "men in black". Their hosts Plas Coch were sitting at the top of the division, three points clear, having played eight and won eight.
Kendal were at the ground an hour before the start and there is little doubt that their pre match warm up gave them a significant psycholgical advantage. They quickly took control of the game and Plas Coch were immediately on the back foot. A touch of magic from Steve Barclay left the Plas Coch 'keeper with no chance and gave Kendal the lead with only ten minutes gone. The goal added to Kendal's confidence and they settled in to their task. Plas Coch defended well but always looked shaky. On the break they seemed unable to make any real progress beyond the half way line as Jon Elleray, John Airey and Steve Southworth provided an impenetrable defence. Kendal created a series of good chances but the home 'keeper was quick off his line and was not to be beaten again.
Plas Coch came out stronger for the second half and wave after wave of black shirts broke on the shoreline of the Kendal defence. Matt Bostock had one of his busier afternoons but stood firm. It was good to see Kendal defend with such composure and determination under real pressure. Alan Bell would have wept with joy.
Plas Coch are known for their efficiency with penalty corners but the Kendal defence, particularly skipper Jon Elleray, were so fast off the line that the men in black rarely managed so much as a shot on goal. In fact it was Kendal were still the more effective attacking team, Steve Barclay hitting the back of the net a second time only for the umpire to disallow. As time ticked away Plas Coch became increasingly desperate and threw everyone forward. Still they could find no way through. Finally time ran out for Kendal to claim all three points and to go top of the league table on a superior goal difference. They have produced some wonderful performances this season, but this was one of their finest hours. It was lush, it was fine, it was neat, it was sublime. Put that to music and let the big dog bark! All this and without Steve Perruzza!
Final score Plas Coch 0 Kendal 1
Kendal home supporters have two chances to catch the men in action before Christmas, this Saturday at home to Cheetham Hill and the following Saturday when the visitors will be Blackburn. The greens will hope to win both games and thus stay top of the table over Christmas.
Kendal v Liverpool Hope November 25th
Re-dressing the balance
Kendal Men moved back to second place in the league last Sunday with a 2-0 home win against Liverpool Hope University. Having lost the away fixture with the same team the previous week, Kendal were keen to redress the balance and to maintain their record of winning every home game.
With a fully fit squad, including the return of striker Ewan Galloway, confidence was high. The first half was a tense affair with Kendal creating a series of chances only to shoot wide or to see the 'keeper save. Liverpool played as if they had come for a draw and defended well. Half time came with no score.
Constant pressure finally told when a pass from Ewan Galloway on the right found Kendal players queueing up in the Liverpool D. Rob Bradshaw was first to the ball and with a clever drop of his shoulder sent the 'keeper the wrong way and scored.
With Duncan Rhodes playing his best game so far this season and dominating the left side, Kendal now controlled all areas. The second goal came courtesy of Steve Perruzza who left his marker for dead, drew the 'keeper and then slipped the ball to Phil Conlin. In the goalmouth scramble between Conlin and the last defender, Conlin's tenacity and determination won the contest.
In the previous meeting Liverpool had scored four goals, all from penalty corners. In this game Kendal only conceded one penalty corner and the visitors did not seem to have any other plan for scoring.
Final score Kendal 2 Liverpool Hope University 0
Next Saturday Kendal have an international game, travelling to Wales to meet league leaders Plas Coch who are just three points above the men in green. Players should meet at Parkside Road for 10:15. Please note there will be no training on Wednesday 5th December.
Liverpool Hope University v Kendal November 17th
Kendal's second visit to Liverpool this season proved just as fruitless as the first. Travelling with a full squad and still lifted by the ten goal spree of the previous week, they had hoped to add a further three points to the scoreboard. However, once again the simple travel instructions seemed to be too much for some. For most of us the sentence "Go to the end of the M62 and turn left" leaves little scope for ambiguity. The notion that one car might actually turn right seems so unlikely. And yet.... We shall not dwell further on that except to say that ot left the men in green with no time to complete their usual match warm/preparation. It may have made a difference.
Within seconds of the start the students were in the Kendal area and were awarded a penalty corner. Their crisp and well executed routine led to the first goal. It seemed only minutes later that they repeated the performance just in case anyone missed it the first time. Only ten minutes gone and Kendal were already two goals down.
Kendal refused to buckle under and worked hard to stem the tide, gradually taking more of the possession and mounting a series of counter attacks. Goalkeepers at both ends made good saves, Matt Bostock to keep Kendal in the game and the Liverpool 'keeper to maintain their advantage. Then just before halftime Kendal were cruelly denied a penalty flick, the ball was cleared to the far end and Liverpool gained another penalty corner. Again they converted and Kendal went in to the interval three goals down.
Down but not downhearted and after encouraging words from skipper Jon Elleray, Kendal started the second half in much better form. The two Kendal wingers, Mike Hoyle and Adam Young, began to cause Liverpool all sorts of problems whilst Rob Bradshaw and Phil Conlin took control of the midfeild. Eventually Kendal pressure paid off as Steve Perruzza cleverly deflected a cross from Mike Hoyle into the net. With 15 minutes left Kendal finally made a penalty corner count with a simple flick shot from Gordon Dwane. It looked as though a point might be saved after all but in the closing seconds Liverpool Hope gained another penalty corner and converted again. Before closing this report I feel I have to say something about the umpiring. It had taken a good deal of effort to find out anything about this fixture. Eventually on the Thursday night (7 days after the Liverpool Fix sec shouldhave contacted us) I did manage to speak to someone. It being so close to the game I agreed for them to provide both umpires given that we would provide both in the return fixture. I will not do that again. With respect to the two ladies who held the whistles, I could not in all conscience refer to them as umpires. It did not in anyway affect the result, I believe that Liverpool would have won that game whoever was umpiring, but it did affect the game. Basically it was allowed to become pretty unpleasant. These ladies really had no idea what they were doing. Roll on the Level 1 for all games rule.
Final score Liverpool Hope 4 Kendal 2
This weekend Kendal play the return fixture against Liverpool Hope at The Quuen Katherine ground on SUNDAY. The start time is 2.30pm, players should meet at
1.30pm
Manchester Indians Home- November 10th
The words "closely fought contest" are now ringing in my ears. What was I thinking when I typed them last week? Perhaps I had been looking too closely at the league table which showed Kendal in second position and the Indians third, only 1 win behind us. A top of the table clash then?
Ok, before we go any further let us say clearly that the Indians did suggest before the game that they were missing some midfield players and were not by any means at full strength. In fairness to Kendal I might add that they were without midfielder and goalscorer Steve Barclay and still without striker Ewan Galloway, both through injury.
For the first 10 minutes it looked pretty even with neither side particularly dominant. Then Steve Peruzza struck. Once he had started, he couldn't stop. Being merciful to the Indians I will keep this short. Perruzza scored 6 (six) times, Dwane scored 4, for the last 60 minutes of the game Kendal played the sort of hockey that attracts all the best sporting adjectives. It was lush, it was top drawer, it was champagne hockey. Every Kendal player seemed to be playing so far above the expected standard. The small but select crowd were treated, again, to a marvellous spectacle. The Indians did not play badly, they were simply not allowed to keep the ball. Without the guile and experience of players like Rob Riley and Chris Johnson, and with Guesty effectively marked out of the game by yours truly (I played a blinder), they were completely at a loss.
Final score Kendal 10 (ten) Manchester Indians 0
A good time was had by all at The Castle Inn afterwards, at least without Riley the Indian squad managed to get several sandwiches each. It was particularly pleasing to see many of the visitors still enjoying the hospitality and the social late in to the afternoon. We look forward to the return trip to Manchester in the New Year.
This Saturday the fixture list shows Kendal away to Liverpool Hope University, although at the time of writing (only 4 days before the match) we have still not had details about a start time. Often the way with students.
Stop Press! Thursday night, finally managed to contact Liverpool Hope- the meet is at parkside road for 11.45, game starts at 2.00pm.
Blackburn 2 away- November 3rd
Things were beginning to look bad for Kendal Men. A defeat last week at Liverpool University was followed by a last minute let down resulting in only 10 players travelling to Blackburn. The early start meant that Jon Elleray was unable to travel with the squad. When Blackburn went 1-0 up as Matt Bostock conceded his first league goal of the season, the storm clouds seemed to be gathering. Could this be the end of a beautiful season?
No. Through the clouds came little ray of sunshine Steve Perruzza who sliced through the Blackburn defence like a carefully guided cruise missile and slotted home the equalizer. Where would Kendal be without this most valuable team player and prolific goal scorer? Half time came with the scores equal. Stand in skipper Duncan Rhodes, he of the slimline figure, spoke calmly and wisely to his men during the interval and they emerged for the second half with renewed confidence.
Shortly after half time Jon Elleray arrived to complete the squad just as Perruzza put Kendal in front and from then it was all one way. Steve Barclay, another player with an eye for the goal, kept up his record of scoring in every league game this season, first with a straightforward penalty flick and then with a superb strike to finish off a penalty corner.
In the end it was a fairly comprehensive victory.
This coming week Kendal are at home to old freinds Manchester Indians. The Indians have been having a pretty good season themselves so it could be a closely fought contest.
Rhyll at home on Oct 27th and Liverpool University away on Oct 28th.
A weekend of mixed fortunes for Kendal. Saturday's home game against Rhyll had been anticipated as a real test of the squad. Kendal settled quickly in to the game and had Rhyll on the back foot from the start. The visitors defended well and it was well in to the first half before Gordon Dwane broke the deadlock with a crisply struck drive from a penalty corner. Rhyll regrouped and again played a solid defensive game with only occasional attempts at breakaway attacks. At these times the Rhyll front men looked extremely quick although Kendal's defence never allowed the home goal to come under threat. Kendal began to settle in to the creative passing game which has been the key feature of their season so far and a second goal came when a lovely move down the right was cleanly finished off by Phil Conlin.
In the second half Kendal really turned on the style. The third goal was a sublime move which started deep in their own half. The ball was moved quickly through midfield, out to the right and then a defence splitting pass to the top of the Rhyll circle where Steve Barclay took a first time shot to beat the keeper. This was hockey as good as it gets. The final goal came from Steve Perruza to round off a very pleasing home win.
Final score Kendal 4 Rhyll 0
The story was not so good the following day at Liverpool University. With away travel arrangements once again complicated, kendal arrived late and unable to make their usual preparations. University teams usually display exceptional levels of fitness and this was the case here. A well organised home side took control of the game and although Steve Barclay and Rob Bradshaw both found the net for Kendal, the students mustered 4 goals and Kendal suffered their first defeat since March.
Final score Liverpool University 4 Kendal 2.
This Saturday Kendal are away to Blackburn. Players should meet at Parkside Road at 10.45 for an 11.00 departure.
Winnington Park Away October 20th
Kendal returned to league duties last Saturday with a long away trip to Winnington Park at Northwich. The "usual suspects" travelled South, picking up Chris Libell on the way. Chris was playing in his first game of the season, standing in for the injured Ewan Galloway. (Ewan sustained a bad injury in training last Thursday and is unlikely to take to the field again until after Christmas.) With Steve Southworth travelling direct from Blackpool, Matt Bostock needing collecting from Windermere and Chris to be picked up from Manchester, the travel arrangements were, to say the least, complex. Nevertheless, such is the current enthusiasm in the green squad that all arrived punctually and safely.
As for the hockey, Matt Bostock kept a clean sheet again and between them Steve Peruzza, Phil Conlin and Steve Barclay scored 5 goals. Special mention goes to Mike Hoyle who played one of his best games on the wing and set up three of the Kendal goals. Final score Winnington Park 0 Kendal 5
Pru also managed to display some of the gamesmanship for which he is famous and which may have slightly upset the hosts. In the closing stages of the game Winnington Park had a young player yellow carded for dissent which added to their misery. Unfortunately this may have led to some confusion over the hospitality responsibilities as when the Kendal squad, having completed their ablutions, exited the changing rooms there was no Winnington Park player to be seen. This left Kendal, having travelled some 90 miles, with the problem of trying to find both the match card and the post match sustenance. Some sound detective work eventually tracked down the appropriate location where the tray of sandwiches was in the care of 4 the Winnington Park squad. The rest of the hosts had already left. To someone who was not there this seems a rather sad and unnecessary end to an afternoons amateur hockey and to be frank, not at all what we are used to. But perhaps it was all just misunderstanding.
Two days later I notice that the match score is still not displayed on the league web site.
This coming Saturday Kendal will welcome Rhyll to the Queen Katherine ground. The results which Rhyll have gained so far suggest that this will be the biggest test so far for Jon Elleray's men. So far this season the record for Kendal shows
Played 3 Won 3 Goals for 17 Goals against 0
That last column should even satisfy Alan Bell!
On Sunday Kendal travel South again, this time to play the rearranged fixture from last week against Liverpool University.
Triton Home October 6th
Kendal faced strong opposition in the form of visitors Triton last Saturday. The men in green started well and kept up the pressure throughout the first half but could not find a way past the Triton 'keeper. Steve Peruzza, Ewan Galloway, Steve Barclay, Rob Bradshaw and even defender Gordon Dwane forced good saves. Triton defended well but could not break effectively out of their own half.
Well in to the second half, a promising Kendal attack was illegally stopped in the circle and the umpire awarded a penalty stroke. The stroke was cooly despatched by Steve barclay to finally break the deadlock. Kendal continued to pressurize and the Triton 'keeper continued to impress with one of the best goalkeeping displays seen for some time at the Queen Katherine ground. At the other end Kendal 'keeper Matt Bostock was only troubled twice throughout the
game.
Final score Kendal 1 Triton 0
Kendal had maintained their excellent early season form. This Saturday there is no league game but a training game at home will take place with Windermere. The start time is 2.30pm.
The following weekend could be the most difficult of the season with two away games, Winnington Park and Liverpool University.
Sale Home September 29th
It has been a remarkable start to the season for the men in green. 14 goals scored and only 1 conceded in the course of 3 games. The first league game took place last Saturday with a fixture that Sale had requested be brought forward. I believe their Hon Fix Sec's reasoning was that they would be able to bring a "stronger" squad. Those with memories that go back as far as Sale's last trip to Kendal will understand that. As it turned out Sale were let down by two players on Saturday and ended up travelling with a squad of only 9 men, although at least this time they brought a goalkeeper.
Kendal fielded the same squad which was so successful in the Cumbria Cup, with the addition of striker Steve Barclay. Playing against a "short" team is often difficult simply because the only real tactic open to them is to defend in numbers and effect some kind of damage limitation. Kendal played patient possession hockey and waited for the goals to come. By half time the score was Kendal 3 Sale 0. In the second half Kendal added a further 8 goals. For the sake of reporting accuracy the scorers were- Steve Barclay (2), Rob Bradshaw (3), Phil Conlin (3), Steve Peruzza (2) and Ewam Galloway (1). Once again the bigger picture was not really about the scoreline but about the way Kendal played the hockey. They played with a composure, patience and confidence that suggests the team may be on the verge of a very special season.
This coming Saturday is another home game, against Triton. The game will start at 1.00, earlier than usual so that players can afterwards enjoy the England-Greece game.
News 24th September
The Cumbria County Cup competition held at Kirby Stephen last weekend was contested as a round robin with only three clubs following the withdrawal of Carlisle and Glaxo. In the first game Kendal took on the hosts. Although Kendal looked in control throughout the first half they squandered a series of chances and were unable to open the scoring. It was well in to the second half before a cross from Gordon Dwane was deflected goalwards by Steve Peruza and a luckless Kirby defender completed the balls path in to the goal. Kirby pressed for an equaliser but Kendal stood firm.
In their second and final match Kendal met the Cup holders, West Cumbria, a team who we understand had not lost since November 2000. The game started at a furious pace and within what seemed only seconds, West Cumbria scored a well worked goal. That was the signal for Kendal to turn on one of their finest ever displays of hockey. The equaliser came quickly from Rob Bradshaw and then the men in green seemed almost to go on the rampage. Few watching (or playing) could believe their eyes as Kendal completely dominated the rest of the game. Goals from Steve Peruzza (3), Ewan Galloway (2) and another from Rob Bradshaw made for a final scoreline of West Cumbria 1 Kendal 6 (six). However it was not so much the scoreline as the fluent and controlled way Kendal played which was so impressive. There were still some shaky moments in defence, Gordon Dwane was finding his feet as sweeper but should develop in to a valuable member of the squad, but going forward Kendal were quite simply awesome.
Kendal believe this is the first time in their history that they begin their league programme as Cumbria Cup holders. The first league game is this Saturday 29th Sept at home to Sale, a fixture which has been brought forward from the original fixture list. Players should meet at Queen Katherine pitch at 2.00pm
News August 28th
The Summer included a trip to Heywood for a glorious hot weekend of display hockey, organised for us by the incomparable Imran. I really will get around to putting a few pictures up shortly. Rob, you still owe me the 25 pounds I generously loaned you for the B and B. Heywood made a return visit and we had an afternoon of indoor hockey at Kendal Leisure Centre. Thanks to all those who turned out for that, especially to Alex Birtles and the guys from Kirkby Stephen. After the hockey we moved on, inevitably, to The Castle Inn to sample the usual excellent hospitality there. Sadly we later made the mistake of going out for an Indian meal and experienced without doubt the slowest service I have ever come across. It was embarassing. I am a really nice guy so I will not name the guilty restaurant here, but it will be a long time before they see my business again.
Apart from the jaunts with Heywood there have also been a couple of mixed games with Glaxo, much enjoyed by those who took part. Last weekend there was the opportunity to enjoy some freindly stuff with Mick Christopher's touring Pallatics from the North East, at Ulverston.
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