A run of three successive home games could hardly have started better for Kendal as they beat Altrincham Kersal 33-7.
The win put Kendal second in the table, five points clear of Manchester from the same number of games.
Altrincham Kersal actually took the lead by scoring their only points of the game with a converted try in the 12th minute.
Kendal had been penalised for illegally stopping a line-out drive and when they tried again from the ensuing kick to touch they drove over.
Kendal had won the September clash at Altrincham 25-22 and early on it looked as though Kersal were capable of gaining revenge.
They had the hosts pinned back for long spells and Kendal needed the defensive work-rate of Steven Nelson and Matt Houghton to inspire collective solidarity.
When they finally did break out, to put together their first serious attack inside the Altrincham 22, Kendal were rewarded with an unconverted try.
Ben Dixon’s break down the left had support from Lewis Kincart, and although he was stopped just short, good backing-up from Danny Barker saw him take the pass and score.
Chances for both sides before the break
There were chances for both sides before the break. An Altrincham interception in their own 22 looked likely to bring a score but Dixon did well to get back and force a kick ahead which went dead.
Kendal’s opportunity followed a line-out drive which resulted in Dan Reid charging for the line. Although he was held short, they still had the chance to move the ball wide but a wayward final pass to Kris Bratton was forward.
Six minutes into the second half Altrincham had a man sent to the bin and immediately Kendal turned it to their advantage.
A line-out was taken by Reece Tomlinson and with the Kendal pack in full cry against depleted opposition, he was driven over for the try which Chris Park converted.
The sin-binning proved a double whammy for the visitors for three minutes later Kendal did it again. Although it was Liam Hayton who took the line-out ball this time, another well-orchestrated drive got over the line with Tomlinson again claiming the touchdown. Park converted and at 19-7 the game had a different feel to it.
But it took until the 70th minute for Kendal to secure the sought-after bonus point try.
A quick penalty from Kincart sent Barker on his way and after a powerful run, he fed replacement Joe Fiddler to finish off. Park converted.
Time was running out when Kendal scored a fifth try to seal a comfortable win after their earlier travails.
Nelson capped a fine individual performance by striding through powerfully from 30 yards to score a fine try, again converted by Park.
