After a short break from rugby, the Kendal Colts embarked on a new challenge following their promotion to League B and it started with a 38-19 win at Fylde.
Last season’s successful League C campaign set the foundation for this step up, providing valuable experience as several players prepare to transition to senior rugby in 2026/27.
Despite a number of key absentees for the opening game – Kurt Cousins (knee), Matt Capstick (knee), Iestyn Morgan (illness), Tommy Scanlan (academy duty), Roan Saunders (neck), and Alex Smith (chest) – the squad welcomed new signing Ben Perie at scrum-half.
Fylde entered the game with a solid record in League B, having won three of their six preliminary fixtures, including a notable victory over the table-toppers.
On what may have been the last sunny day of the year, Kendal started strongly, dominating possession early on.
An unfortunate knee injury to John Swallow forced an early change, but the disruption was minimal. Despite Fylde’s size advantage up front, Kendal’s forwards were outstanding — often the unsung heroes of the day.
They not only matched Fylde’s physicality but consistently made metres with ball in hand, setting a solid platform for the backs to launch attacks. Their work at the breakdown was relentless, and their defensive resilience during a ten-minute spell on their own line was pivotal in swinging momentum back to Kendal.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute from a well-executed set play. Luke Cuthbertson released Liam Barr, who was hauled down short but showed great awareness to offload to Caleb Airey for the opening try which was unconverted,
Kendal capitalised on Fylde’s indiscipline soon after. On 33 minutes, Ethan Davies powered over following excellent forward work, with Cuthbertson adding the extras for a 12-0 half-time lead.
The first half wasn’t without cost, as Alex Kelso left the field with concussion, handing Perie his debut.
Tactical changes saw Dylan Reed move to fly-half, Cuthbertson to inside centre, and Davies into the back row.
Kendal continued to dominate set pieces, with Davies excelling at line-outs and the front row providing stability in the scrum. This forward dominance gave the backs time and space to showcase their creativity — and they did so in style.
The first chance came from a sweeping move that nearly put Olly Park in at the corner after slick handling from Cuthbertson and Barr.
Soon after, Kendal extended their lead: following a missed penalty attempt, pressure forced a turnover, and Barr crossed for his first try. Jake Bowman converted.
Barr then stole the show. First, he finished a sweeping move after an interception and long pass from Cuthbertson. Moments later, he pounced on a loose ball to complete his hat-trick, with Bowman converting.
These tries were the product of excellent inter-play between forwards and backs — structured phases up front creating space for the backs to exploit with pace and vision.
With the game seemingly secure, Kendal’s intensity dipped, allowing Fylde to score three late tries. Kendal responded through Isa Muschamp, who powered over under the posts, Bowman converting.
This was a strong start to life in League B, showcasing Kendal’s ability to adapt and execute structured plays under pressure.
The forward pack’s contribution cannot be overstated — their dominance in the set piece, tireless work at the breakdown, and defensive grit laid the foundation for success.
Meanwhile, the backs displayed excellent creativity and composure, with Barr’s finishing and Cuthbertson’s vision proving decisive.
However, lapses in concentration during the closing stages allowed Fylde back into the game. Maintaining intensity for the full 80 minutes will be a key focus moving forward.
Fylde selected two joint winners of Kendal’s man of the match a they could not separate them – Liam Barr for his pace and hat-trick heroics and Luke Cuthbertson for creativity, strong running, and leadership in the second half.
