A solid 10 minute start by both teams, where Ambleside kept Windermere in their own half for majority of the 10 minutes, this deadlock was broken when Windermere set the tone relatively early after a great defensive set from Ambleside. Windermere had grafted their way up the pitch and over the line. Conversion, missed (5-0).
Not long after this, Ambleside came straight back at the home team (Windermere), missing a couple of opportunities, but then utilised a penalty tap and go with a try in the right hand corner (5-5). It wasn't looking like a conversion strong game, as this wide try was also a missed conversion.
Both teams continually worked, making for an evenly matched game, whilst Ambleside had a couple of errors along the way, they kept their heads high and focused on their next task - something that I've really seen improve with this young squad over the past 12 months!
Windermere seemed to be getting away with a lot of tackles without releasing/rolling away, clearly an attempt to slow the game down slightly given the away team momentum at times. Initially these weren't called by the ref, about 30 minutes into the game the ref saw the issue and disciplined accordingly.
Following this after Windermere had made good ground they were let off with a not at all straight line out. Nevertheless, Amblesides powerful defensive sets kept windermere at bay. Today, there was some huge hits from Ambleside, showing dominance and determination on a whole new level for this team. Windermere took it all on the chin and kept running back at their determined opposition, giving the crowd something really worth watching.
Whilst in the first half Ambleside didn't benefit from some of the penalties which probably aught to be given, they regained control as and when they could.
Whilst at this point Ambleside weren't too successful at getting around or through Windermere, they attempted a cheeky kick through, unfortunately this wasn't a success, but a move worth trying. The presence in Windermeres defence was picking up as the game progressed towards half-time.
half-time 5-5.
Starting the second half, Matty Kaye coming on at 9, after a solid performance from the previous 9. There was a number of scrums in the middle of the park as both teams battled it out, yet the game was still fluent and a pleasure to watch /(photograph).
Off the back of a wonderful run from Gregg Tebbert, Ambleside made a lot of ground up the side of the pitch, then Matty Kaye powered over the line with a penalty tap and go from around 3yards out (5-10).
Windermere come back strong, with a scrum now 5 yards out, attempted a drive over scrum, failing. Then repeat, solid and strong, yet, failing again, much to the relief of the Ambleside fans. Windermeres forwards really put their all into these attempts, whilst not successful they had pushed Ambleside back in the scrums a number of times.
Once again, Ambleside used the drive Windermere gave them in the scrums to drive them to success, Matty Kaye, reliably in for a try off the back of a yard making carry from Rohan the other speedy winger for Ambleside (5-15). Matty, also got the conversion over this time, making for a (5-17) lead to Ambleside.
As tension started the build there was a larl bit of pushing and shoving with both teams, but nothing got out of hand.
After being in the thick of it, Lewis McHale came off around 10minutes from the end of the game with a bloody head and nose after a bit of a bump, in true Clare style I checked he was ok - haha! To the best of my knowledge, there was no major injuries during the game, nevertheless, I assume the lads will be sore tomorrow given the velocity of the 80 minutes.
To the bitter end - Windermere dug deep and managed to secure another try, only 5 minutes from the final whistle, a tramping run from about 10 yard out caught Ambleside off guard and crashed the ball over (10-17). Given another wide try, another conversion missed.
At this point my concerns was Ambleside were getting complacent from what looked to be a firm win - there were many ongoing discussion on the sidelines as to what time is remaining. They just had to hold their own and not do anything stupid for the last 3-4 minutes.
There game finally came to a close at a number of plays where Windermere were heavily defending their own try line - Ambleside really leaving a mark as to what they came here to do - WIN!
As the game came to a close, both competitive sides hadn't much left the give; in true sportsmanship style shook hands and enjoyed socialising afterwards.
With a relatively even game and both teams fighting to the end, there was an abundance of loud visitors cheering for both these Cumbria Derby teams and the bar was full. I was thankful for Guinness on draught and the Windermere club was very welcoming.

The final score was Windermere 10-17 Ambleside

(18th January 2025)

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