Kesteven 2XV 18 - Derby Vets 17
Kesteven 2nds came into this game on the back of two defeats against their strongest rivals from Derby,
Kesteven faced the wind in the first half and were soon under pressure from their experienced opponents. The Derby pack were on top and they took the lead with a converted try, scored down the blind side. The Kesteven reaction was good as they tried to move the ball in the backs. They were successful and a very lively Jordan Hughes broke away from a maul on half way to sprint in for a try. Matt Harland's conversion just dropped short but K's were back in the game.
Derby came back quickly and capitalised on defensive errors to add two simple tries. Both conversions struck the post and stayed out, a fact which was to be crucial in the final outcome. Kesteven had been having a difficult time of it but just before the break they got a penalty 30 metres out. Skipper Oakes saw that Derby were not ready and took it quickly. He found Tweddle in space and the big prop delivered a subtle pass to Andy Price on the wing for a good try to make the score 10 - 17 to Derby at the break.
K's had the benefit of the wind in the second half but early on struggled to get enough ball to enable Oakes to implement his game plan of getting the ball in deep into the Derby half. Derby missed a penalty and a drop goal attempt before eventually fitness told and a foothold on the Derby 22 gave Matt Harlad the chance to add a penalty. This gave the home side heart and they were able to pin the visitors back. Pressure told and 10 minutes from time the forwards won good ball over on the right touchline. A long pass from Oakes missed everybody but was picked up by Cooper who put in a neat inside pass to Matt Harland who scored the try to give Kesteven a single point lead. There was just enough time for Harland to have one more shot a goal from a penalty. The kick failed but it ate up valuable time and Kesteven finished on the offensive to record a fine win.
Simon Oakes deserves huge credit for pulling his side round to win this game. He controlled the game well from fly half and was well served by Jordan Hughes at scrum half. Keiron Gallacher in the centre ran straight with great purpose and Price and Harland took their tries very well.
In the pack young Sayle again dominated the front of the line out winning all his own ball and quite a few of the oppositoin throws as well. Tweddle had a storming game with Kmieciak not far behind and Midgely gave his usual forthright performance. Pete Dolan came with a leg injury being replaced by Matt Clarke who was called ovver from the 3rd team match on the next pitch.
Team was M Harland; R Cooper, K Gallacher, T Burton, A Price; S Oakes, J Hughes; D Tweddle, P Dolan, P Shields, J Kmieciak, P Mount, M Sayle, R Midgely, N Hardy-Gillings, Sub M Clarke
