Spalding vs. Kesteven (26/01/2019)

Kesteven battled hard to earn 2 losing and try bonus points in a very even contest at fellow Lincolnshire side Spalding. Tries from Dan Turner (2), Adam Draper and Aaron Whittaker merited K’s the points as well as a conversion and a penalty from fly-half Martyn Parker and 2 conversions from replacement Ben Whinney. Gavin Purvis continued as skipper.

In the early stages, it was Spalding who took the advantage, diving over for a converted score after some loose black defence, but K’s responded instantly after a sniping effort from scrum-half Draper. M. Parker’s conversion was just off target. Swiftly returning to the home 22, patient forward played allowed number 8 Dan Turner to force his way across the whitewash, with Parker this time making no mistake from in front of the sticks.

However, as injuries hindered the light K’s squad, losing captain Purvis and back rower Tom Webster to quad and shoulder injuries respectively, Spalding re-took the lead with a second converted try. K’s were lacking a diligent defensive effort and already fullback Whittaker was tasked with having to make a number of last-man tackles. But through regaining territory, Kesteven forced their way deep into the Spalding half. A penalty from Parker edged K’s back in front by a point, only for Spalding to hit back, opening up a considerable margin with two tries and a penalty, gifted by more sloppy black defence. Half time came and K’s found themselves 29-15 behind with it all to do.

With the second half underway, Kesteven were straight on to the front foot. Strong phase play from the pack opened up the space and allowed Aaron Whittaker to sprint over on right hand side for the Black Army’s 3rd. Replacement Whinney struck his first conversion of the day and K’s moved to within 7 of the hosts. Despite the growth in confidence grew and continuation of phase play, poor discipline allowed Spalding to move within close proximity of the black line, and the blindside flanker crashed his way over the line, with a well-struck conversion from the side stretching Spalding’s lead once more. Kesteven again returned to the final third. Strong carries from the forwards especially Rob Sheardown, Will Pert and Richard Armstrong drove the blacks on. This gave elusive carrier Dan Turner the platform to score his second of the contest. Ben Whinney kicked the extras and with 10 minutes to go, K’s were just 7 behind. A late James Goodrich yellow card for a high tackle did slow K’s final efforts.

The closing stages saw K’s go nail bitingly close to steal a draw but the men in maroon and blue held firm. The final whistle sounded and Kesteven came so close to completing a stunning comeback. Despite a much-improved performance, certainly in the second period, Spalding took the spoils. Spalding 36, Kesteven 29.

Kesteven 1st XV return to action at Woodnook next weekend vs 2nd placed Ashfield, 14:15 kick off.

Kesteven 1st XV

1. Robert Sheardown (vc)
2. Xanti Xipu
3. Gavin Purvis (c)
4. Will Pert
5. Olie Hanson
6. Tom Webster
7. Richard Armstrong
8. Dan Turner

9. Adam Draper
10. Martyn Parker
11. Harry Cox
12. Ben Betts
13. James Goodrich
14. Leo Vincent
15. Aaron Whittaker

16. Ben Whinney
17. Henry Parker

Coach: Tom Price