Kesteven vs. Sleaford (12/01/2019)

Kesteven suffered a bitterly disappointing 2nd consecutive loss of 2019 at the hands of bottom of the league Sleaford in the local derby. Tries from Dan Turner and Will Cann were in vain as Sleaford took the spoils at a typically windy Woodnook. Gavin Purvis captained the side.

The opening exchanges showed the game would be a tense and close affair, as Sleaford struck with an early penalty. But soon after, K’s gained good front foot ball and after consistent phase play, grabbed the first score of the day through flanker Dan Turner. Ben Whinney slotted the conversion and K’s went in front.

However the lead was short lived. Poor defence in midfield gifted Sleaford an easy converted score. The momentum of the contest shifted and the visitors were in for a second score with yet more defence from the men in black. The conversion was short, but Sleaford opened up a 8 point lead. The second half of the first period was far more promising for K’s. With more territory and a yellow card for Sleaford, K’s wanted to make the man advantage count, looking the more threatening side. At times going very close to the line, the hosts were often the architects of their own downfall with unforced errors and worse ball retention allowing Sleaford to turn the ball over, as half time was called.

The second half was a cagey affair. As time wore on, Sleaford grew in confidence and K’s at times were far short of the attacking capability needed to get over the line. Both sides however made errors and neither really took the game by the scruff of the neck. Scrums and lineouts for both sides were the order of play but it was Sleaford that grabbed the all important score. A kick in behind wasn’t dealt with by K’s and the Sleaford winger pounced on the ball to dot down for an unconverted try.

From here on in, Kesteven had to up the tempo with only 15 minutes left on the clock. Sleaford looked to slow the game down and see out the match, as errors from both sides remained. A late score from Will Cann near to the corner was only a consolation for the hosts, after strong work from the forwards to give K’s field position was capitalised on. His conversion effort was blown just wide, and was one of the final acts of the game. Kesteven 12, Sleaford 20.

Man of the Match: Will Cann.

Kesteven 1st XV

1. Robert Sheardown
2. Xanti Xipu
3. Gavin Purvis ©️
4. Will Pert
5. Olie Hanson
6. Cameron Goodrich
7. Tom Webster
8. Dan Turner

9. Ben Whinney
10. Adam Draper
11. Harry Cox
12. William Cann
13. James Goodrich
14. Henry Parker
15. Aaron Whittaker

16. Richard Armstrong
17. Martyn Parker
18. Leo Vincent