3.00pm SATURDAY at Mint Bridge +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It seems much longer than just three weeks since the last home game against Birkenhead Park – What is it going to feel like over the long Summer break, with just four games to come ? The good news is three are at Mint Bridge

This is undoubtedly the toughest, against a Stockport team with a Played 21 Won 21 (plus one walk over) record, with 16 try scoring bonus points, 771 points for and just 219 against, sitting 23 league points above the rest. Only Altrincham Kersal (at Stockport) and Waterloo (at home) have got a losing bonus point, and no one has got a try scoring bonus point.

A few weeks ago with us in second and going well, it looked as if we could mount a challenge, but then a few injuries and dents to the winning run, and it looks an even tougher task.

We dropped to third place last week, with Manchester picking up another big win against Birkenhead Park, whilst Waterloo and Penrith have closed to within six points of us. They play each other this weekend, so a low scoring draw would be helpful, and on the final day of the season they play Manchester and Stockport, so do not have easiest run-ins.

Traditionally Kendal teams lift their game when playing the better teams at Mint Bridge, so hopefully this team can do the same, as anything from this game (even a bit of pride after the mauling at Manchester) will be a bonus.

TEAM : No Lewis Kincart or Danny Barker, but a stronger team than for the big loss at Manchester a fortnight ago.

Matt Houghton, who dropped out late at Manchester is back, whilst Glen Weightman who missed his first game through injury since his debut in 2014 also returns.

Up front Dan Reid and Ben Leacock who were unavailable for Manchester come in for Hugh Davies and Liam Hayton (Liam is on the bench so should make appearance 402). Dan Lowther who was also unavailable for Manchester plays in the centre, with Mark Carruthers moving to the bench, as does Dane Blenkharn. Jordan Johnson keeps his place at scrum half.

WEATHER : Must be the end of the season, sun forecast all day, less than 5% change of rain and 16 degrees

EARLY REPORT : will be later this week as I am not on the train, but something should be up around 6.00, and as it is a home game, there is normally a regular score update.

SECOND TEAM : Also at Mint Bridge against a Stockport second team who are also doing well. Looks a strong team, with a number who have played for the First XV this season.