What is the purpose of pre-season friendly matches?
To restore the fitness and physicality of players after the summer; to have a look at newcomers and see how they fit into the team; and in the case of our visit to Kendal, to renew old friendships and a first chance to inspect their wonderful new facilities. To a large extent all of these objectives were achieved, although not without cost in terms of injuries which will certainly keep some key players out of Thursday’s fixture with Leeds Tykes.
There was the usual decent turnout of Wharfedale fans, with a special mention to Brian Farthing, whose regular attendance at matches requires more effort than is reasonable. The welcome we received from Kendal could hardly have been warmer, renewing acquaintances going back many years.
The match itself was split into thirds, which always seems to diminish the significance of the outcome, with imbalances all over the pitch created by the frequent introduction of replacements. For the record, however, Wharfedale’s four tries came first from Jack Cherry at close quarters, then two from the hugely impressive Joe Fawcett weaving at speed through traffic, then from Henry Ellison after good work by Simon Borrill. Kendal certainly gave a good account of themselves, having taken the lead from close-quarters pressure, then by a robust forward’s progress through some average tackles, and finally by finishing a good move wide on the right.
Among Wharfedale’s new boys, all eyes were on debutant fly-half Archie Haddon, who will have been satisfied with his start. But the question everyone was asking is will our side for the first league match at Tynedale on 6th September include Joe Fawcett (groin), Jack Cherry (hamstring) and Oli Riddiough (ankle)?
