Kendal moved up a place in Regional 1 North West after a hard-fought 26-18 home win over the bottom side Sandbach.
It’s fair to say that Sandbach didn’t expect to be in that position at the start of the season and even fairer to say that they are unlikely to be there at the end.
They gave a good account of themselves at Mint Bridge, scoring three close range tries in total after enjoying a narrow 8-7 advantage at half-time.
Their opening score came in the eighth minute when they forced a try in the corner but that sparked a Kendal response although they didn’t help themselves by producing too much slow ball.
However they managed to take the lead after 15 minutes when the ball was moved much swifter from left to right and Dan Shorrock was able to go over in the corner. Aaron Stephens landed the kick with the help of a deflection off a post.
The home side continued ton thrive in attack but were unable to add to their lead and right at the end of the half paid the price when Sandback went back in front with a penalty.
Early in the second-half Sandbach increased their lead when they kicked a penalty to touch and then the pack managed to get to the line and score from the line-out.
It was a second try from Shorrock, this time an opportunist one that put Kendal back in front after 52 minutes.
Trying to be too clever in possession Sandbach dropped the ball and Shorrock picked-up to race clear and score for Stephens to convert.
As time wore on there were only 15 minutes left when Kendal scored the tries which were to confirm victory.
The game was to be won in a two minutes spell with 15 minutes to go.
Winger Ben Dixon put in a kick and chase and although it seemed to be between him and a Sandbach defender Shorrock appeared from nowhere to beat them both and get the touchdown and his hat-trick.
From the re-start kick Greg Wrathall found a gap and made ground before finding Matt Houghton in support near halfway. He, in turn, had Shorrock offering help but Houghton surged on and after breaking a poor tackle continued on his surge to the posts.
Stephens conversion put Kendal 13 points clear but some indiscipline from Kendal allowed Sandbach into it again with an unconverted try but that was as close as they got.
