Kesteven vs. Rolls Royce (15/09/2018)

Kesteven got their first win of the season under the belt against Rolls Royce. Tries from Aaron Whittaker and Harry Cox, as well as a penalty from Dan Halliday sealed the win for the home side. K’s were in need of the right result after last weeks disappointing outing away to Nottingham Moderns. Gavin Purvis captained the side.

K’s immediately looked to enforce their game plan, with numerous forward plays to work their way up field. Their hard work payed dividends, as good hands from the halfbacks and centres allowed Aaron Whittaker to use his pace to beat covering defenders on the outside, dotting down in the corner. Will Cann’s conversion effort faded just wide, but from here, the men in black looked to push on

For the majority of the game, both sides struggled to find sustainable momentum. Unforced errors crept into the game, and possession changed hands frequently. Territory was shared, however both sides couldn’t quite capitalise on field position at the pivotal time. Both sides encountered injuries, with Whittaker going off with a swollen ankle, elsewhere Cann and Will Pert experienced a dead leg and blood issues respectively, however both returned to the action later. K’s went into half time five points to the good.

The second half restarted and the familiar pattern of the game returned. It took till midway through the second half for Kesteven to further their advantage. Dan Halliday struck a penalty from around the 10m line in midfield to take the hosts into an eight point lead. From here, K’s recognised Rolls Royce’s tight defensive structure. A smart kick in behind from the returning Cann put the Rolls Royce set piece under pressure. A smart line out steal from Rob Sheardown placed K’s in midfield. A few phases later, having recognised the overlap, K’s shifted the ball out to Harry Cox, who beat two defenders to cross over for Kesteven’s second score of the day. Halliday’s shot at the posts drifted away.

The minutes turned to seconds, and scrum-half Ben Adlesee, kicked the ball out into touch to claim Kesteven’s first win of the season in front of a rapturous home crowd. K’s played with effective attacking structure and brute physicality. But their resolute defence was testament to the victory, and in the end, this was the difference between the two outfits. The man of the match was Number Eight, Charlie Pirie.

The win sees Kesteven move up to 8th from 11th in the table, and they return to action on the 29th September, away to Sleaford.

Well played, lads