Nottingham Moderns vs. Kesteven (21/04/2018)

Kesteven rounded off the season with the short trip to Nottingham to play Moderns in the final league match of the season. Moderns needed a win to have any hope of avoiding relegation while Kesteven were looking to secure third place.

Dan Turner returned to action and quickly stamped his class on the game. He opened the scoring after 3 minutes. There seemed to be nothing on when he picked up from the base of a scrum 40 metres out but he was able to set off on a mazy run which ended with a try under the posts. This was followed a few minutes later with another great try this time by Cox who benefited from a fine pass from Purvis and the wing showed a clean pair of heels to run clear and score. Price converted both and with a 14 point lead they were set fair.

Moderns however knew that their season depended on a win and the gathered themselves and narrowed the gap with their first try. They got more control of the game and after a further 15 minutes they equalised with a second try after concerted play forced Kesteven into desperate defence which saw Jack Palin sent to the sin bin.

Kesteven had the next score in this match when Dan Turner added his second try after another strong run, Price again converted. K’s were reduced to 13 as Will Cann received a yellow card for killing the ball but the visitors kept control and half time came with Kesteven leading by 21 – 14.

The first score in the second half was going to be important and it fell to Moderns. The home team were keen to move the ball in open play and they were able to open up the Kesteven defence. They added tries in the 9th and 14th minute of the half to take a 28 – 21 lead much to their delight, but once again strong play by Turner saw him run in his hat trick try with a fantastic run from half way. Price’s 4th conversion tied the score at 28 all with 20 minutes left.

The game continued to produce some great rugby and Moderns got their final score with 6 minutes left but still Kesteven fought hard. The pack were at their strongest and Gavin Purvis came very close to securing the draw but he was judged to have been held up over the line. The match ended with Moderns celebrating their win but results elsewhere meant that they were still relegated.

Kesteven suffered some injuries as Tweddle, Webster, Turner and Brewis left the field. Bennett, Hanson and Vincent came on to good effect.

It was a disappointing end to the season but Kesteven were stil happy to secure 4th place in the league.

Team was: T Price, J Palin, W Cann, J Stokes, H Cox, W Brewis, A Draper, W Pert, R Sheardown, G Purvis, D Tweddle, J Cowley, T Webster, R Armstrong, D Turner.

Replacements: O Hanson, L Vincent, J Bennett.