Fleet get washed out!

With players crying off late in the day Fleet had to literally shuffle the pack and fielded a strong looking side. During the first 5 minutes both teams were attempting to carry the ball and create chances but the conditions appeared to be winning out, however from a scrum deep in Fleet territory Kendal broke through to score a try. Tackling was the order of the day with some solid hits from the forwards, the scrummage was an even contest as was the lineout. Again, good work from Kendal bagged them another try to make it 10-3. Not wanting the game to slip away Fleet mounted waves of attacks straight up the middle courtesy of the home forwards, a small reward of a penalty was dispatched by Jackson to make it 10-3. This seemed to spur Kendal on as they made further hard yards down into the Fleet half, and from a resulting lineout they caught, set and drove over the line to score another try and conversion making it 17-3 at half time.

After words of encouragement from Manager Jefferson the green and golds upped the tempo and built on the positives from the first half and took the game to Kendal. Storm clouds were building and when the hailstorm hit Fleet struck with a well worked move by the forwards, No.8 Fitzgerald throwing an outrageous dummy to trundle over from 10 yards, Jackson nudging the extras, 17-10. This 'purple patch' continued as the home backs and forwards of Fleet battered the Cumbrian boys through constant picking and driving, the referee awarding a penalty which again Jackson claimed, 17-13. Was this to be the comeback that Fleet sort? The storm had by now passed as did the green and gold pressure, Kendal decided to demonstrate why they are flying high in the league by crafting 3 more tries and conversions to make it a final score of 38-13.

Overall, Fleet did not disgrace themselves as the score line may suggest, they tackled well and battled hard until the end- not much reward for a lot of effort. In terms of a man of the match the manager thought that full back Lomax was cool under the high ball, fellow nautical boy Phillips tackled well at centre, fly half Robinson kicked and distributed the ball well. The forwards all contributed and showed passion, prop Foden, second row Holme and No.8 Fitzgerald the picks of the pack. On balance it was vice- captain Holme who marginally receives the honours for his all round contribution in particular his work around the ruck and maul areas.

Next week Fleet are back on the road again when they travel to Douglas valley to take on basement club Wigan.

Report by Dan Jefferson