Kesteven 2XV round up
Ketseven 2nd XV have completed a remarkable year having gone through 2009 winnig all of their 23 matches played this year scoring 872 points and conceding only 119. Highlights were the home and away wins against Derby Veterans, rivals for top spot in their particular group in the Security Plus Notts Penant league.
Skipper Simon Oakes is typically modest in the achievement - sayinghe has been particularly fortunate in having a great blend of youth and experience with youngsters Faolan Lidstone and Mark Sayle doing the running and Jason Lamb, Tony Burton Andy Pearsey and Nick Hardy- Gillings providing the experience - butthe true spirit is the way that Simon has brought the group together so that they gell and play so well for each other. It was best shown when they played Spalding 2nds recently and fell behind at half time. The team refused to accept this set back and made sure thatthey tightened their game in the second half to make sure that they took control to win the game.
The challenge now is to keep the run going and to go through the whole season unbeaten. Nobody in the club will bet against them!
KESTEVEN 2NDS 32 – 0 WORKSOP 2NDS
Kestevens second string created a piece of club history with their 32-0 victory over Worksop completing an unbeaten run for the whole of 2009.
A feat never achieved in the clubs 62-year history was never really in doubt after an opening burst of 3 tries by captain Simon Oakes, flanker Richard Midgeley and winger Matty Harland had put 17 points on the board in no time at all. The remainder of the first half continued to be very one sided with Andy Price and the outstanding Mark Sayle jnr also adding their own scores along with a Matty Harland penalty. After a couple of quiet games the team showed some real intent to throw the ball around, creating space all over the park and converting only half of the chances that were created.
With the half time score at 32-0 Andy Pearsey and captain Oakes reminded the troops of the importance to keep focused as Worksop are renowned for their resilience and abrasive approach. Although there were no further tries added the commitment and sheer doggedness of the team shone to the fore as Worksop literally threw everything they had at the mighty seconds with little or no effect. Further chances were made but with everything being done to stop Kesteven adding to their total the referee wisely made the decision to end the game with 10 minutes left on the clock.
In securing their 23rd consecutive win of the calendar year Kesteven’s impressive second string displayed the attacking flare that has brought them nearly 900 points and the defensive fortitude which has resulted in just 119 points conceded. As always in the pack Brett Login, Paul Shields, Carl Foster and Andy Pearsey excelled in the tight with Richard Midgeley and Mark Sayle jnr rampant around the park. Jason Lamb marshalled the backs impressively with Tony Burton at his abrasive best, Rob Cooper, Matt Harland, Andy Price in typical elusive form and Ian McAllister secure as a rock at full-back.
Captain Simon Oakes has been blessed with the ability to select from such a talented group of players and with 2010 to look forward the Pennant league 3 title is definitely within grasp for a second consecutive year.
Team
ARNOLD, LOGIN, SHIELDS, FOSTER, CLARKE M, MIDGELEY, SAYLE JNR, PEARSEY, OAKES, LAMB, PRICE A, BURTON, COOPER, HARLAND, MCALLISTER, PRICE W, BOWLES, BELLAMY I, PURVIS
