Kesteven vs. Belper (02/03/2019)

In the best performance of the season, Kesteven 1st XV kick-started the Freddie Tuilagi era with a thumping bonus point win over 3rd-placed Belper. A hat-trick of tries from fullback Aaron Whittaker inspired the Black Army to victory, as well as scores from Dan Turner, centre James Goodrich and Tom Miles consolidated the impressive triumph. Gavin Purvis continued as captain of the side.

In typical blustery conditions at Woodnook, K’s looked to use the tailwind in their favour early on. A piercing break from James Goodrich set the tone for the home side and as Kesteven worked the ball well through the hands, Goodrich was found out wide and dived over into the corner. Winger Ben Whinney’s first shot at goal was wide.

Belper came back after a couple of mistakes in the K’s half gave the away side possession. The Derbyshire outfit at times came within close proximity of the line, but Kesteven dug deep and despite losing fly-half Will Cann to an early yellow card, the black door remained firmly shut. A period of just over 20 minutes passed, and Belper only had a penalty to show for their efforts, testament to the spirit and forceful nature of the home defence.

Returning to the opposition 22, Kesteven furthered their advantage. Quick ball after some brutal forward carries gave Aaron Whittaker space to round the defending fullback to dot down on the left hand side. Whinney converted for a 9-point lead. Belper ventured back into the K’s half, but yet more pertinacious defence stemmed all attack from the side in pink, as half time wrapped up proceedings of the opening period.

Just moments after the restart, Adam Draper picked out Dan Turner. The number 8 ran a devastating line through the pink defence to score Kesteven’s third. The conversion faded just wide. K’s lost flanker Richard Armstrong to a painful leg injury and Belper crossed back into the home 22. A poor decision from the fly-half was made, looking to knock the ball in behind. Picked up by the elusive Whittaker, the fullback ran home with ease. Whinney’s attempt at the extra two was off target, but K’s had now secured the bonus-point.

Belper did manage to grab a score of their own. The fly-half converted his own try after spotting a gap in the black defence to race under the posts. With the introduction of Olie Hanson, Leo Vincent and Sam Stedman who returned from a lengthy shoulder injury, the away side picked up a yellow card just afterwards and K’s ran in 2 further scores. The first of which came courtesy of winger Tom Miles who breezed past his opposite man after patient forward build up play and the latter was scored through Whittaker. A sharp, well-timed pass from Will Cann found the prolific try-scorer who crossed for his third of the day. Whinney struck the conversion, which would be the last major play of the game in a truly monumental victory for the Black Army. Kesteven 34, Belper 10.

Kesteven 1st XV

1. Robert Sheardown
2. Rob Cann
3. Gavin Purvis (c)
4. Will Pert
5. Cameron Goodrich
6. Tom Webster
7. Richard Armstrong
8. Dan Turner

9. Adam John Edward
10. William Cann
11. Ben Whinney
12. Ben Betts
13. James Goodrich
14. Tom Miles
15. Aaron Whittaker

16. Sam Stedman
17. Olie Hanson
18. Leo Vincent