Spalding vs. Kesteven (07/01/2017)

This mid season clash between two teams at the wrong end of the table was set to be a close affair with the reverse fixture only separating the teams by one point. Kesteven in the end came away with a strong victory that leaves them looking up the table rather than worrying about what is below them.

Kesteven started the stronger of the two teams putting some good phases together, strong runs from the forward pack led to Spalding conceding penalty on the 6th minute that Galloway stroked over. Sadly Leo Vincent was to suffer a nasty leg break on the 8th minute after a very promising start. We wish the young whipper snapper well and hope that he heals quickly.

Spalding were however, highly motivated for this fixture and came back at Kesteven strongly, some good ball carrying and incisive running from the outside backs put K’s on the back foot. Eventually the pressure told with the openside winger finding space on the other side of the field with a nice loop move to beat the defence and score under the posts. This was converted to make the score 7-3 to Spalding.

This initial shock rocked Kesteven only momentarily as they then started building pressure back on Spalding. The home team’s handling error led to a kick and chase with winger Hughes winning the race to the ball to dab down for the first Kesteven try on the 36th minute. Galloway converted to make the half time score 7-10 to Kesteven.

The second half would see Kesteven find a 3rd and 4th gear with Spalding just hanging onto the game, errors by Kesteven at the last moment cost them more tries . K’s did score two good scores from a build up of pressure, centre Tom Miles cut a great line back on inside shoulders and flanker Butler crossed after showing good power from 15m out. Galloway converted both to make the final score 7-24 to Kesteven. K’s will feel slightly let down that they didn’t convert more chances but all the same it was a great performance against a local opposition.

Kesteven now focus on Lincoln in the next round of the cup.

Kesteven Team: Cowley, Sheardown, Purvis, Vincent, Pirie, Stokes, Butler, Turner, Draper, Galloway, Windsor, Dingley, Miles, Hughes, Whittaker, Pert, Armstrong, Goodrich.