Under 16s Match Report Sunday 21st November

Kesteven u16s match report Sunday 21st November
Sleaford 0 – 56 Kesteven

Kesteven under 16s travelled to Sleaford still smarting from their recent home defeat by Sleaford determined to take revenge; which was in the end, far sweeter than anyone dared to predict.

Recent injuries meant a small yet strong squad of just 17 made the journey eastwards on a cool, damp morning with moderate easterly wind.

Ks kicked off and for the first few minutes the game seemed even as both teams settled in. A period of extended Ks possession was followed by the same for Sleaford, fullback Ciro Johnston then broke the deadlock with a well-timed interception on the Ks 10-metre line, running in under the posts for K’s first try which was then converted by fly-half Matt Cumming.

Buoyed by this, Ks began to build the pressure and a few minutes later, following a big gain in territory from a break by No 8 Cam Gabriel and lock Charlie Avison resulted in a ruck on the Sleaford 22. Although the ball was turned over, Sleaford’s clearance kick was charged down by Ks hooker Sam Molesworth, the ball was quickly recovered and moved out to right wing Kieran Taylor who ran in Ks’ second try, unconverted.

Ks quickly regained possession from the restart and worked their way into the home sides 22. There then followed a series of pick and go moves, to which Sleaford seemingly had no answer, before Avison finally crashing through a host of Sleaford defenders to place the ball over the try line at arm’s length, bringing the score to 0 – 17.

Shortly afterwards Sleaford were denied their only scoring chance of the game when their fast winger, seemingly through to score, was forced to put a foot on the touchline whilst avoiding the last tackler.

Ks were not to be put off their stride and a kick ahead from a scrum on the Sleaford 22 was gathered expertly by Taylor, passing inside to centre Joe Berry for Ks’ fourth try under the posts, who ably converted his own try, bringing the score to 0 – 24. A scrum on the Sleaford 22 was called as the last play of the first half, Ks once again set up a phase of varied forwards and backs play culminating in their fifth try from winger Will Lewis, although this went unconverted.

Half time score: Sleaford 0 – Kesteven 29.

The second half continued in similar vein with three tries coming in quick succession; the first from Berry (unconverted), and the next two from Taylor, the first converted by Berry, bringing the score to 0 – 46.

Sleaford to their credit, knowing the game was long lost, fought on with determination and there was a considerable period early in the second half in which they held possession and made some deep incursions into Ks territory, with Ks getting a little careless and conceding a number of penalties; but never did they come really close to scoring.

Mishearing the score from the referee, Ks aimed to reach the 50 mark and end the game with a drop goal. This came from Cam Hudson at centre, but of course failed to end the game leaving the score at 0 – 49.

It thus fell to Joe Berry to deliver the coup de grace shortly afterwards with his third try. Hudson added the icing with the conversion and the final whistle blew three minutes before time.

Final score: Sleaford 0 Kesteven 56.

Although all but one try was scored by the backs today, the platform for the win came from superb play from Ks’ pack. Vastly improved rucking provided the team with an almost constant supply of good ball and the backs were happy to oblige. Mention as always to flankers Oli Shipston-Sharman and Myles Bell for unsung but essential tackling and ball gathering.

A very satisfying win after a few difficult games, this gives Ks encouragement as they approach the NLD cup in January.

Kesteven Squad: George Sisson, Sam Molesworth, Liam Barnard, Charlie Avison, Kyle Fischer, Oli Shipston-Sharman, Myles Bell, Cameron Gabriel, Matt Cocks, Matt Cumming, William Lewis, Joe Berry, Cameron Hudson, Kieran Taylor (capt), Ciro Johnston, Evan Rees, Sam Briggs.