Kesteven vs. Buxton (17/11/2018)

Kesteven surrendered a 19-point lead to gift Buxton an away win in what was a bruising encounter at Woodnook. Despite tries from Kenneth Lines, Dan Turner, Rob Sheardown and Tom Webster, Kesteven’s second half performance was not good enough, as the side from Derbyshire took the spoils. Gavin Purvis captained the side.

It was a more than promising opening 10 minutes for K’s. The vast majority of the game was played inside the away 22 and after a series of penalties conceded by Buxton, scrum-half Kenneth Lines took a quick tap and go from just over 5 metres out to dive over unopposed. Adam Draper’s conversion effort hit the post.

Sure enough, K’s ventured back into the 22. More forward dominance up front, especially in the scrum and the loose meant back rower Dan Turner could cross the whitewash with Buxton on the back foot. The conversion from Draper was on target, and K’s opened up a 12 point lead. Buxton however grew into the game, and grabbed their first score after a smart kick in behind was chased up well by the Buxton winger who touched down. The conversion was added to leave a 5 point gap between the two sides.

K’s re-established their 12 point lead, scoring their third as Rob Sheardown powered his way over under the posts for the third try of the day. Draper’s conversion was good, and K’s looked to be on for 4 tries before halftime, but a knock on ended the K’s attack, turning out to be the last action of the half. Kesteven 19, Buxton 7.

The pattern of the second half defined the game as a game of two halves. Buxton fought their way back into the contest. K’s mainly resolute defence had weakened and this allowed the visitors to run in 3 quick tries, all of which were converted to take the score to 19-28. K’s knew the next score was vital, and after patient build up play, quick hands out wide allowed Tom Webster to dive over into the corner. Substitute Ben Whinney’s effort off the tee was wide, leaving the men in black 4 points behind.

With only 15 minutes to go, K’s fought hard to get that all important score. But after a couple of unforced errors at the crucial time, Buxton were handed back possession. Fatigued and overwhelmed, K’s defence gave way and Buxton drove over for their 5th try. The conversion went in off the post and the final whistle blew. Kesteven 24, Buxton 35.

K’s next game is away to Tupton on the 1st December.

Kesteven 1st XV

1. Sam Stedman
2. Robert Sheardown
3. Gavin Purvis
4. Will Pert
5. Cameron Goodrich
6. Tom Webster
7. Dan Turner
8. Charlie Pirie
9. Kenneth Lines
10. Adam John Edward
11. Harry Cox
12. James Goodrich
13. Tom Miles
14. Leo Vincent
15. Jack Palin

16. Xanti Tito Xipu
17. Richard Armstrong
18. Ben Whinney