Kesteven Crush Melton Mowbray in Thrilling League Campaign Opener

Fine autumnal sun greeted Kesteven and Melton Mowbray as they renewed their rivalry after some years. Kesteven were celebrating the opening to the clubhouse and were resplendent in their new kit, sponsored by QV Foods of Spalding, a fine way to open the new league season as a promoted club.

There was a fresh look about the home team with Will Bradley and Will Cann in the centre and Chris Galloway at stand off.

The early exchanges were fairly even as both sides got to grips with the game. Kesteven showed their intent to play the game at pace and from the first penalty awarded in front of the posts Chris Galloway tapped and ran. Melton had not retreated and from the next award Galloway kicked the first points. This settled the home team and they were able to press Melton back into their own 22. One loose clearing kick was gathered by Whittaker 40 metres out. The young full back skipped and danced through the onrushing defence to score a fine individual try. Galloway converted to open up a 10 point lead.

The visitors now had their best spell of the game as they spent some time in the Kesteven half. Their heavy forwards were able to rumble on but the Kesteven defence was sound. They conceded a penalty which Melton looked to have converted but the referee disallowed the goal for an infringement by the kicker. This was to prove crucial as moments later Will Bradley wrapped up a Melton player in a classic smother tackle and robbed him of the ball to break clear and score. The conversion failed but K's had a 15 point cushion.

The remainder of the half saw Kesteven increase control and maintained their fine high tempo rugby. Turner was next to score with a fine try after good lead up work by Cann before Galloway added the bonus point try with a great clean break.. Bradley was the creator of the next try with a fine break up the touch line. He slipped the ball inside to the supporting Whittaker who once again manufactured space out of nothing to power his way over for the try. Galloway continued his success with the boot to bring the half time score to 36 - 0.

The second half saw Kesteven make some changes with Cowley coming on for Pert and Odams for Purvis. They got off to a great start. Melton tried to clear their lines but the kick was fielded by Cowley who just about avoided a knock on. Bradley picked up the loose ball and scored his second try with ease. Turner then got his second in support of a break by Galloway. The pace of the game dropped in the second half but the Kesteven dominance continued. Melton could not break out of their own half but they did defend well. Kesteven finished the game when Turner broke clear on half way and outpaced a tired Melton defence to complete his hat trick. Galloway continued his near perfect goal kicking performance by converting all three second half tries to take the final score to 57 - 0.

This was an impressive start to Midlands League 2 for Ketseven and sees Kesteven sitting proudly at the top of the league table after 1 match.

It is difficult to single out individuals but Bradley looked impressive as he settles back into the team after his long lay off. Whittaker is a joy to watch while Galloway orchestrated the game very well from the number 10 position and claimed Man Of the Match. In the pack Sheardown had a fine match while Turner remains the player who demonstrates much of what is good about Kesteven with his strong direct running.

Next week Kesteven travel to Nottingham Casuals and will be keen to maintain their momentum.

Team: R. Sheardown, D. Hayward, G. Purvis, W. Pert, M. Carew, T. Webster, D. Turner, T. Woolerton, O. Wood, K. Taylor, C. Galloway, W Bradley, W Cann, J. Hughes, A. Whittaker;
Replacements: S. Odams, H. Martin, J. Cowley.

Report by: Bill Berridge

This report in The Grantham Journal