KENDAL RUFC have been promoted to the national league after a strong performance against local rivals Kirkby Lonsdale.

The two teams went into the winner-takes-all encounter at Mint Bridge separated by just two points, and it was Kendal lifting the trophy at the end after a 24-3 victory.

A try from Danny Baker and four penalties from Glenn Weightman put the hosts in a strong position heading toward the end of the match.

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A red card for Kirkby Lonsdale and a late converted try settled proceedings.

Kirkby started the game well and had the territorial advantage before a Weightman kick had the Hornets deep in the Kirkby half.

The ball was worked to Danny Barker who jinked his way through the challenges to go over to the left of the posts.

Ryan Terry responded with a penalty for the visitors but that would be their only score of the match.

Then Weightman took centre stage for Kendal. Having missed a conversion and three earlier penalties, he regained his focus and kicked the Hornets into an unassailable lead.

With Kirkby down to 14 men Kendal pinned their title rivals in front of their own try line, after a series of scrums, they added a killer second try with just minutes to play.

It was then celebration time as the referee signalled full time. Kendal celebrated promotion on the pitch while Kirkby will have to pick themselves up for a play off against Morley.