Saturday 8th December Sleaford A 57 - Kesteven 2nd 12

Saturday saw the chance for Kesteven's Dog Pack to pit themselves against some strong opposition in the form of a Sleaford A xv. Although the composition of the home side was mixed it was clear that some strong players from the former Sleaford 1stxv were included and were to prove a true test to the side.

The game began poorly from a Kesteven point of view as the usual starting vigour seemed to be lost somewhere and Sleaford quickly scored 3 quick tries following unusually flimsy tackling and strong hard running coupled with great off loading from the home side.
This was obviously a style of play the second string were not used to playing against and they had to adapt quickly to the faster paced game. This they managed to do to a point and clawed themselves back into the game with the straight running of Jinks and Dent to the fore. Eventually Sleaford began to stray off side and with the quick tap king on the field Mark Dent dived over the line for the away sides first try. This was well converted by Joe Berry.
It was Sleaford who responded best to this score and they were again on the attack. The loss of influential Jinks was going to prove difficult to overcome as he departed with an unfortunate leg injury caused by one of his own team mates. This time however, the Kesteven defence was in better form repelling attacks. Eventually a freak 22 drop out ended in confusion as Sleaford strolled over the line when the ball did not appear to have crossed the 22 metre line. This was cancelled out minutes later as a certain try was sent begging as the Sleaford attacker lost the ball in the act of scoring.

At half time Kesteven were well in the game at 19-7 and were determined to show how far they had come this season. Following a quick score from Sleaford at the beginning of the secodn half it was all Black Army as the backs through rampaging Templeton looked to cut loose. Eventually Templeton found some space for Charles who looked to sprint in from 30 metres until stopped via a high tackle. The resulting penalty was quickly tapped by Harry martin who managed to squeeze in at the corner with a fantastic rugby league style finish. The wide difficult conversion was only narrowly missed by Berry without the aid of a kicking tea.
This was to be as good as it got for the visitors as Sleaford showed their fitness and stature and managed to score a number of classy tries to flatter the scoreline, and eventually run out deserved victors.

This was always going to be a difficult game against some players who have played at Midlands 2 level. What it does show is that the 2nd xv are able to give anyone a game and should always be confident that they can get something from a fixture and it was a good test before taking on table toppers West Bridgeford next week. We must thank Sleaford for a great game and wish them all the best as they look to rebuild their 1stxv for next season.

Team:
Paton, Login, Dolan P, King, Hanson, Dez, Dolan R, Jinks, Dent, Martin, Charles, Templeton, Price A, Cunningham, Berry Subs: Blackley, ANother