Kesteven 24 - Ashfield 18
Kesteven set about getting thier season on track after a few disappointments as they faced Ashfield.
It was a grey day as the home side kicked off and soon they were settling in with the pack quickly getting on top. It seemed that the young team were trying to play the game at 100 miles an hour instead of taking their time.
Ashfield had a struggle to get into the game but they did take the lead when K's were penalised for holding on in the tackle. Ashield kicked the goal to take a 3 - 0 lead.
Kesteven responded with agood break whihc saw Jordan go over in the corner but he was pulled back for a forward pass. He was not to be denied as a few minures later he came off his wing at just the right angle to beat the defence and go over at the posts for a fine try which Dan Turner coverted to give the home team a 7 - 3 lead at the break.
The second half started with Ashfield's kick off failing to go 10 metres. From the scrum Olly Wood broke left, ,fed Dan Turner who sent Grant Ward racing down the wing for the youngster to goin for the try.
K's switched off for a minute and allowed Ashfield to gain a foothold in the home half. The visitors took advantage and forced their way over for a try which was converted to narrow the gap to 2 points. Ashfield gained confidence from this and came into the game more puttingthe home defence under pressure. The young hoem defence did npt panic and kept the visitors out. One such clearnce saw Dingley at full back eschew the clearing kick and feed the ball inside. Dan Trner got the ball under his own posts and broke out to near half way. He kicked ahead for Grant Ward to chase and the wing shwed great presence as he checked to gather the ball. As he did so he was caught but he kept his wits about him and looked inside for support and there was Dan Turner coming up at pace to take the pass and complete the move he started. He added the conversion to take Kesteven into a 19 - 10 lead. K's were playing with much more freedom now and added a bonus point try when Ward again got the ball in space to score. This was his final act as he was injured in scoring. He was replaced by Windsor, and Paton and Pert came on to replace Shields and Miles.
To their credit Ashfield never gave up and added a second try with 5 mminutes left. The conversion failed giving Kesteven just enough of a cushion. Ashfield were awarded a penalty in the last minute and mindful of the bonus point on offer kicked the goal to finish the match at Kesteven 24 Ashfield 18.
In truth this was an untidy match whihc had four great Ketseven tries to brighten the afternoon.
The young team took time to settle but all the youngsters played their part. Dan Turner as always was a huge influence being at the heart of most of the good play. His try was a fine example of that. Elsewhere Ward took his tries well. Dingley settled into his favourite full back position while Phil Jordan showed great enthusiasm as always and took his try well. Nathan Turner tackeld and supported well on his first team debut. Jason Lamb at fly half used his experience well while Olly Wood, also making his first team debut settled to a fine game.
In the pack the new second row pairing of Cowley and Miles brought some strength to the scrum while the front row of Odams Hayward and Shield kept on top. It was good to see Peabody back to his foraging best while Brown and Woolerton put in some big hits
Team was
J Dingley, G Ward, N Turner, D Turner, P Jordan; J Lamb, O Wood; P Shields, D Hayward, S Odams, T Miles J Cowley, A Peabody, T Woolerton, A Brown Reps W Pert, M Paton, R Windsor
