Kesteven vs. Mansfield (14/04/2018)

The much delayed reunion of Old Players were on hand to cheer on Kesteven in the final home league game of the season as Mansfield arrived for the return fixture both fighting out third place in the league.

Woodnook was bathed in fine spring sunshine as the teams took to the field to an enthusiastic welcome by the Under 11's who provided the 'Guard of Honour'.

It was clear early on that this was going to be a tight match between two evenly matched sides. Not much quarter was given by either side and early chances were few and far between. Mansfield opened the scoring with a penalty after 15 minutes but the Kesteven response was quick and effective. They were able to get the ball into the Mansfield 22, the pack drove to the line but were repelled. Eventually they were able to create some clear space and James Cowley romped over with some relish to give the home side the lead.

In the remainder of the half Kesteven added a second try by Purvis after more good work by the forwards while Mansfield added a second penalty. There as a long injury stoppage as James Cowley received treatment for a hand injury which saw him leave the field to have the injury bandaged, Andy Brown came on as replacement. Tom Miles was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. Half time came with K's holding a narrow 10 - 6 lead.

The second half started in dramatic fashion as a high tackle led to some retaliation which resulted in a player from each side in the sin bin. K's were struggling to break through the tight Mansfield defence but after 15 minutes they got the ball away and Harry Cox enjoyed the space and ran round his opposite number to race behind the posts to score. Price added the conversion to open up an 11 point gap. Mansfield kept up the pressure and quickly added two unconverted tries to cut the home lead go one point. They added a penalty to take the lead as Charlie Pirie left the field with a head knock.

Once again K's responded and it was skipper Purvis who was bundled over the line with 15 minutes left. The aftermath of this melee saw Mansfield have one player sent off. The visitors however saw some resilience and they were able to win a final penalty which they converted to take a one point lead into the final five minutes. The game ended with Kesteven trying desperately for the winning score. Purvis was inches from his hat trick try and final move saw the Kesteven pack over the line but unable to ground the ball. The 4 tries and loss by less than 7 points at least earned 2 bonus points to take to the final match at Notts Moderns next Saturday.

Team was: T Price, J Palin, O Hughes, T Miles, H Cox, W Brewis, A Draper, S Stedman, R Sheardown, G Purvis, W Pert, J Cowley, R Cann, R Armstrong, C Pirie.

Replacements: A Brown, B Hall, R Windsor.