The heavy rainfall made for very difficult conditions for this important league match against Notts Casuals. The match was transferred to a reserve pitch as the 1st pitch was waterlogged.

The home team made a 9 changes as they set about regaining their winning ways.

Both teams found conditions difficult and Kesteven made the better start with their forwards forcing the visitors to concede a number of penalties, but they were unable to build any sustained pressure or to establish any attacking positions. Kesteven conceded the first try after 15 minutes.

A penalty failed to find touch and it was expertly fielded by the visitor's full back just outside hi 22 metre area. He set off on a fine run which ended with him scoring a try near the posts. The simple conversion gave them a 7 - 0 lead and this settled the visitors. Their up front defence caused Kesteven problems and they eventually got on top. They almost scored a second try when their centre rounded off a good handling move, but he lost the ball as he tried to run round behind the posts. The referee had been playing advantage and awarded a penalty on the 22. This simple kick was missed but shortly after Casuals added to their tally when they converted a much harder penalty, this time from 40 metres out. This made the half time score 10 - 0 to Casuals.

Kesteven needed a good start to the second half but soon found themselves on the defensive. Casuals kicked deep forcing Kesteven to clear hurriedly to touch. Casuals won the line out and again made good ground. A miss hit clearance found it's way to Casuals hands and again they were able to run the ball home for a second try. The conversion was missed but Kesteven faced a difficult 35 minutes to try to get something from the game.

To their credit Kesteven did come more into the game and gradually gained some momentum. Odams replaced Sheardown and Ingram replaced Harland. Their big chance came with 20 minutes to go when a Casuals defender interfered at a tap penalty and was despatched to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Kesteven forced a number of penalties and eventually worked their way over the line. The ball was moved out left and a rolling maul ended when Rob Sheardown, who had returned to the fray after Peabody was injured, touched down for the try. Galloway added the conversion with a great kick from the touchline. At 15 - 7 down with 17 minutes remaining Kesteven tried hard to close the gap but Casuals defended well. Purvis replaced Cowley near the end but Casuals held out indeed they defended so well that Kesteven were not able to gain any time in the visiting 22.

This was a disappointing match played in poor conditions. Few Kesteven players stood out but Whittaker showed an outstanding willingness to get involved, even joining in rucks and mauls to help out the forwards. Cann put in some intelligent kicks while in the pack Hayward, Sheardown Carew and Cowley had their moments.

Next week Kesteven travel to Oakham.

Team: Matt Harland; Aaron Whittaker, James Goodrich, Will Cann, Adam Draper; Chris Galloway, Olly Wood; Rob Sheardown, Doug Hayward, James Cowley, Mark Sayle (Jnr), Will Pert, Tom Webster, Andrew Peabody, Martin Carew.
Replacements: Scott Odams, Gavin Purvis, Alex Ingram

Coaches: Mark Sayle & Mally Turner
Statistician: Nikki Turner
Photographs: Louise Clark