A SUPER-charged derby lived up to full expectations and gave the largest crowd of the season at Mint Bridge a thrilling game to savour with a nail-biting climax.

Hoppers hit full stride from the opening minutes and before Kendal knew where they were they were trailing to a try scored by centre Michael Lough after his surging 60-metre run up the left touchline.

Adam Pate, back for Kendal after his annual holiday, kicked a 12th-minute penalty - his opening attempt at goal five minutes earlier had rebounded off the right-hand upright - the opportunity coming from Luke Ladell's incisive run off his wing.

Hoppers, whose backs showed they had pace to burn for most of the game, scored their second try four minutes later. Full back Oliver Viney received the ball from a quick throw-in inside his own half and proceeded on an arching run to touch down close to the opposite touchline.

Quick hands and pace saw the Hoppers backs out stretch the Kendal defence in the 23rd minute, Viney again finishing off the move. Stand-off Paul Bailey was successful with all three conversion attempts as they led 21-3 Pate added three points to the Kendal score with his penalty kick at goal after Hoppers had been penalised at a ruck.

Kendal, whose forwards had started to build a solid platform up front and restrict Hoppers' possession, scored their side's first try when flanker Keith Robinson was driven over from a tap penalty.

Pate missed the conversion but Kendal turned round at half-time trailing by only 10 points.

A third Pate penalty three minutes after the break brought Kendal within a score and when replacement full back Chris Park - James Hadwin had limped off injured at half-time - finished off a superb passage off play with a try, converted by Pate, the scores were level at 21-21.

Kendal who by now well and truly had the upper hand in the forwards, with their lineout working especially well, took the lead through a fourth Pate penalty in the 53rd minute.

Preston snatched the lead back when Viney again outpaced the defence to complete his hat-trick, but Bailey was wide of the mark with his conversion attempt.

Kendal powered straight back downfield and earned themselves a penalty with the accurate boot of Pate ensuring the pressure was turned into points.

Kendal's third try followed five minutes later. Centre Paul Dodds, showing excellent pace, burst through an opening in the Hoppers midfield defence, linked with the supporting Park, who passed to Ladell for him to race in for the score, converted by Pate.

Hoppers set up the nail-biting finish when winger Jamie Greenlees sped in at the corner for an unconverted try, which made the scores 34-31 with seven minutes remaining.

Cool thinking and excellent control of possession in the final minutes secured a well-earned victory for Kendal.