Kesteven vs. Sleaford (13/01/2018)

Kesteven welcomed near neighbours Sleaford for the first home game of the New Year. They had plenty of motivation after the defeat at Sileby last week and were keen to reverse the defeat at Sleaford in September.

Kesteven started the match playing into a stiff breeze and their forwards showed up well and took the game to Sleaford. They opened up playing some good open rugby and took the lead with a fine try. Galloway who was looking particularly sharp and made a strong run up the middle and spotted space out on the right Jack Palin was alert to the situation and was up in a flash to pick up the ball to score. The wind made goal kicking difficult and the conversion by Galloway was missed. Shortly afterwards Sleaford took the lead for the first time with a fine try by their strong running centre. The conversion was good and Sleaford were ahead by 2 points.

Kesteven were still playing fast open rugby and now it was Draper to open the game up to set up a try which was very similar to the first. This time Draper made a clean break and when he chipped over the full back Palin repeated his part by again scooping up the ball to score. The home team were dominating possession at this point but found it hard to breach the defence. It took a bit of Galloway magic to open them up. He made a quick dart through and chipped over the defence. He gathered his own kick and in a single movement found Tom Price on his elbow to take the pass and run in for a delightful try. The conversion again failed and just before the break Sleaford closed the gap again with a simple try scored after the visitors wee able to pass the ball out to the left wing for a try in the corner. This made the half time score 15 – 12 to Kesteven which perhaps flattered the visitors.

The second half started with Sleaford showing that they were equally determined to win and were soon back in the lead. They quickly won the ball and worked well to get into the home 22. A couple of quick rucks and they ran the ball quickly out to the right to score a try which gave them a 17 – 15 lead. Dingley came on to replace the injured Price and now was the time for Kesteven to show their mettle and it was Man of the Match Palin who lit up the afternoon. The forwards won the ball 40 metres out in midfield. Draper and Galloway combined to set Betts up and the centre found Palin on the wing. The youngster set off and turned his opposite number inside out to run clear to the line for his hat trick try.

Kesteven had the lead back and this time they were not about to lose it. Betts gave way to Cox having given a strong performance and Brown came on for Hanson. Palin looked to have added a fourth try but he knocked on in the act of scoring then Draper had a fine run to the line but was stopped just short. The try was only delayed as the forwards took charge and Cowley forced his way through for Turner to score and it was Turner who had the last word when he intercepted a pass in the Sleaford 22 to stroll over. Galloway converted the final two tries to complete a fine win by 34 – 17.

This a fine determined win – a real confidence booster. Purvis led the side very well and was well supported by Cowley, Hanson and Turner in the pack, Galloway was outstanding in the backs with Draper not far behind but the star performer was Palin who lit up the afternoon with his hat trick.

Team was: T Price, B Hall, B Betts, D Halliday, J Palin, C Galloway, A Draper, W Pert, R Sheardown, G Purvis, J Cowley, O Hanson, T Webster, R Armstrong, D Turner.

Replacements: H Cox, A Brown, J Dingley.