Kesteven vs. Birstall (17/02/2018)

Kesteven welcomed Birstall from Leicester for their first visit to Woodnook. The early rain gave way to a fine afternoon. The home side made a number of changes with Lines coming in at scrum half while Turner moved in to centre. Pirie and Vincent came into the back row.

The first half was a close fought affair. Galloway was looking lively and kept Birstall pinned back with some good kicks. He also was quick to spot the gap and shot through to score at the posts. He added the conversion and Kesteven looked good for their lead. Birst. all kept in the game and soon drew level with a simple try. Their number 8 broke away from a scrum in mid field to level the score. Kesteven were unlucky with injuries as Galloway left the field with a hand injury. Cann came on as replacement, then shortly after Cann retired with an injury as well. Tweddle came on leading to a reshuffle which saw Cowley move out to centre. Kesteven were getting on top and Turner went off on a great run but was pulled back for an obstruction. Just on half time though there was a piece of magic from the backs. Slick handling from Turner and quick passing from Price saw Harry Cox set free on the wing. The youngster is growing in confidence and ran round his opposite number to score at the posts. It was the last act of the half and Price’s conversion took the half time score to 14 – 7.

The second half started well as Kesteven raised their game. They won good ball and Turner through a huge pass out to Cox who again ran in the try. Price again converted and the bonus point try followed shortly after. Kesteven won a scrum on the 22 and Lines worked the blind side and found Turner in the clear to score. The visitors visibly tired and Kesteven were able to see the game out. They added two more tries first from Pirie from close range them a thrilling run from Price who broke clear on the left and used Cox as a decoy to run in for the try.

Kesteven rang the changes as Stedman was replaced by Brown and Vincent who had put in a power of work was replaced by Cann. There were some excellent performances like Cowley in the unusual position in the backs plus Pert had some rumbustious runs with the ball. Cox was man of the match for his two great tries.

Team was: T Price, J Palin, D Turner, W Brewis, H Cox, C Galloway, K Lines, S Stedman, R Sheardown, G Purvis, W Pert, J Cowley, L Vincent, R Armstrong, C Pirie.
Replacements: D Tweddle, A Brown, R Cann