THE CUMBRIA men's hockey derby between Kendal and Carlisle at Queen Katherine School on Saturday ended in a 3-1 revenge victory for the visiting team.

Kendal had beaten them by the same scoreline in the North West Men's League earlier this season, but Carlisle were on top form, having won their last four games including a hard-fought victory over Division 5 North leaders Didsbury.

Regular 'keeper Matt Bostock returned for Kendal but they were without skipper Jon Elleray.

It was end-to-end from the start and Carlisle had the first chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty flick, but Bostock saved well.

Kendal's Jon Airey and James Booth did sterling work in defence, as Carlisle's highly-organised midfield pegged back their rivals effectively.

When a cross found a Carlisle forward in space at the far post, Bostock kept his side in the game again, diving to his left to save.

Kendal rallied well, led by stand-in captain Rob Bradshaw who chased down every ball.

Adam Young was tireless in midfield and Kendal began to create chances, including several penalty corners, but were unable to convert them into goals.

Instead Carlisle took a 1-0 lead with a strike just before half time.

The second half started eventfully as Kendal fought back. Steve Perruzza forced an equaliser and the excitement grew as both teams battled for supremacy.

Carlisle regained the advantage ten minutes later after Kendal failed to clear the ball from a penalty corner. Bradshaw and Young spurred Kendal on to greater efforts, but they were unable to reproduce the slick hockey which has characterised home games this season.

Nevertheless, Carlisle could not relax until five minutes from the end when Bostock made a spectacular reaction save and a Carlisle forward pounced on the loose ball to tap in to seal a

3-1 victory.

KIRKBY Stephen Ladies held unbeaten North League leaders Deeside Ramblers to a terrific 1-1 draw.

Kirkby broke up Deeside's slick passing game with neat interceptions and stand-in keeper Mel Haygarth made a series of good saves.

Deeside broke the deadlock with a close-range shot after forcing several penalty corners, but Kirkby equalised before half time when Mel Earl found Jen Cannon, who dribbed through hthe defence and crossed for Ruth Stickings to score.

Kirkby attacked confidently in the second half without much lluck and were steadfast in defence to secure a well-earned point.

Kendal Ladies' pre-match worries about coping with high-flying Cumbria League opponents Netherhall were nullified by a 2-0 victory.

In a fast-paced match, Kirsty Ormerod crossed for Louise Whiteley to put Kendla ahead.

High-class hockey continued in the second half and Kendal's defence held firm before Whiteley scored a second to clinch a deserved 2-0 win.

Ex-Windermere hockey player Nicola Hackney bagged hat-trick playing for Penrith against her former club as part of a 5-0 trouncing.

Windermere knew their fate by half time as they were four goals down against their strong, positive opponents.

Even so, Windermere created chances in the second half, but the Penrith keeper was equal to therm and Hackney scored again to round off the scoring.

February 13, 2003 12:01