Kesteven fall to Belgrave

Kesteven's 1st XV arrived at league-toppers Belgrave RFC to a further weekend of rain and gales but footing was good and play commenced.

The prior weekends win had taken its toll on Kesteven with a number of injuries and unavailability's making selection difficult. Will Cann retained the 10 spot with brother Robb Cann gaining a starting Scrum Half position and Pete Dolan started at hooker. Club Chairman Dave Epton took up residence on the K's bench and despite injury, Tom Webster and Gavin Purvis joined the side.

Further adjustments were made to the starting line up shortly before kick off with Graham Smith starting at 2nd row, Martin Carew regaining the number 8 shirt and Dan Turner setting up shop in the centres.

The referee, Wayne Spencer of Hinckley, signalled the start of the game and Kesteven kicked off. The match was always going to be a very physical affair and the windy conditions made for difficult play. After 10 minutes, Graham Smith left the field with an injured shoulder and Gavin Purvis came on at Prop with James Cowley moving to 2nd row. Much of the game was played within Kesteven's half of the field but K's defence held up very well in the first half. Belgrave managed to open their account after 20 minutes with a pick and go from the back of a ruck. The Belgrave prop bumped into one of his team mates and fell over the line with the conversion successful too.

Kesteven continued to defend extremely well but the physicality was taking its toll. Will Cann left the field with an injury resulting in another reshuffle with Kieran Taylor joining the game on the wing and Dan Turner moving to Fly Half. Belgrave continued their strong attack and a clever inside pass saw their centre cross the Kesteven line for their 2nd try.

Both sides were warned about several instances of suspected foul play and it was 2nd team captain Pete Dolan that picked up the resulting yellow card just before half time with the resulting penalty adding a further 3 points to Belgrave. The half time score was 15-0 to Belgrave a testament to Kesteven's strong defence and with all still to play for.

Early in the 2nd half, while Kesteven were still down to 14 men, Belgrave found themselves rucking and mauling very close to the Kesteven line. Their flanker was able to roll the ball forward and over the line for Belgrave's 3rd try. Captain Tom Webster was next to leave the field with a recurring injury and Chairman Dave Epton took to the field.

With 15 minutes to go, wing Alex Ingram was forced to leave the field after a barely legal tackle and with the K's bench now used up (and those remaining on it - all injured), Kesteven had to continue the game with 14 men.

The match continued in much the same vein with Belgrave finding holes in the tiring 14 man Kesteven defence and totted up a total of 5 trys in the 2nd half. Kesteven did have some opportunities to make ground and move forward but Belgrave were able to snuff out the attacks. The game finished at 44-0 to the home side.

Elsewhere in the league, Notts Casuals drew at Oakham, increasing the gap between K's and themselves to 7 points. Casuals also have a game in hand leaving Kesteven with a significant challenge to find their way out of the relegation zone.

Kesteven have a match free weekend next weekend giving them chance to recover and regroup in preparation for 8th placed Dronfield's visit to Woodnook on the 1st March.

Team: Scott Odams, Peter Dolan, James Cowley, Graham Smith (Gavin Purvis 10), Will Pert, Tom Webster (Dave Epton 55), Tony Woolerton, Martin Carew, Rob Cann, Will Cann (Kieran Taylor 25), Phil Jordan, Daniel Turner, James Goodrich, Alex Ingram (65), Aaron Whitaker

Coaches: Mark Sayle & Mally Turner
Statistician: Nicola Turner