Mansfield vs. Kesteven (30/03/2019)

Kesteven recorded a hard-fought victory away to Nottinghamshire-side Mansfield in summer-like conditions. Changes were made in the pack, as Tom Miles came in for Cameron Goodrich and Leo Vincent moved to the back row covering Dan Turner. There were also two changes in the backs, with both Ben Betts and Cam Bibby returning to the starting XV. Tries courtesy of Tom Miles, Ben Whinney, Aaron Whittaker and Olie Hanson edged K’s over the line, a fifth consecutive victory in as many games. Gavin Purvis once again ran out as captain.

In physical opening exchanges, it was Mansfield who drew first blood. The evidently heavier pack pinned K’s back in their half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty just two minutes in. After jostling for possession, Kesteven replied through Miles. The flanker ran a superb line to burst through the gaping Mansfield line to cross over on the right hand side. Scrum-half Whinney kicked his first conversion.

Mistakes from both sides were evident, but the away side returned to the home twenty-two through centre James Goodrich. His carry gave a promising platform for K’s to attack, and after feeding Adam Draper who got past a couple of defenders, Whinney was found by his halfback partner to dot down. His conversion effort was wide, but K’s now opened up an eleven-point lead.

However, Mansfield hit back, firstly through a penalty and then a dubious five-point score, as it appeared that prop Rob Sheardown had held the ball up following a maul from close range. The Mansfield fly-half’s conversion was well struck and took the home side back in front.

As the first half came to a close, the lead changed hands once more. From a set-play, fullback Whittaker beat the inside man with pace to burn, diving over on the left. Whinney added the extras, and moved the contest into a six-point game in Kesteven’s favour as the half time whistle drew the first period to a close.

The contest restarted but not in the way K’s had hoped. A yellow card was awarded to tighthead Purvis for a marginal seatbelt tackle and this was the start of a considerable period of Mansfield momentum. The hosts quickly added a penalty and a try from a forward carry that swung the contest back in their favour. With the gap down to two points, the game grew increasingly tense.

Two missed penalties from either side further added to the tautness of the match as skipper Purvis returned, but it was K’s who would have the final say. After regaining the ball deep inside the Mansfield half from a twenty-two drop out, Whinney found lock Olie Hanson who bulldozed his way over to tip the balance of the scoreline back in favour of the visitors. Although Whinney missed the conversion. K’s held on and after Leo Vincent stole the Mansfield lineout, the ball was booted out into touch to the sound of the final whistle. Mansfield 21, Kesteven 24.

Kesteven return to action next weekend away to unbeaten league-leaders Nottingham Casuals.

Kesteven 1st XV

1. Robert Sheardown
2. Xanti Tito Xipu
3. Gavin Purvis (c)
4. Will Pert
5. Olie Hanson
6. Tom Miles
7. Leo Vincent
8. Tom Webster

9. Ben Whinney
10. Adam John Edward
11. Henry Parker
12. Ben Betts
13. James Goodrich
14. Cameron Bibby
15. Aaron Whittaker

16. Rob Windsor
17. Tom Price
18. Harry Cox