Kesteven reach NLD Shield Final with win over Melbourne

Kesteven fielded a strong line up for the vital match against Melbourne. The match doubled up as a crucial league fixture and semi-final of the Notts Lincs and Derbys Shield.

Kesteven kicked off and were soon on the attack putting the visiting pack under pressure. They conceded the first penalty after just three minutes but Martyn Parker’s kick was just wide. Play continued in the Melbourne half with Kesteven keeping the ball but not able to make the breakthrough. After 15 minutes a loose pass in midfield was intercepted by Melbourne centre. He did not have the legs to finish the move but the support was there to carry it on and finish with a score wide out. The conversion was good and Melbourne had the lead.

Kesteven returned to play mostly in the Melbourne half and were rewarded when Will Cann slotted a comfortable penalty after 25 minutes.
From the restart Melbourne were able to gain some territory. They had a penalty which was missed but they were able to force the home side into desperate defence. After conceding a couple of quick penalties close to the line Rob Cann was sent to the sin bin. Melbourne used their numerical advantage by taking a scrum instead of a kick and their scrum half sneaked over for a try which was converted to open up a 14 – 3 lead at the interval.

Kesteven made a couple of changes with Galloway replacing Draper and Turner replacing Odams.

Straight after the break K’s lost Mark Sayle with a bad ankle injury, bringing Tom Webster into the action. Melbourne put a penalty into the corner and soon added their third try, also converted to extend their lead to 21 – 3. Will Young was yellow carded for a bit of off the ball action but this caused Kesteven to raise their game. Kesteven seized their chance and suddenly they found some space for their quick men. Whitaker was on hand to take a pass from Parker to race behind the posts for the opening try which Galloway converted.

Draper returned to the field in place of Parker and Odams came on for Hayward. The strong running of Danny Turner was causing problems and he was victim of a high tackle, which saw the Melbourne player sent to the sin bin. This time K’s saw their chance and Will Young and Aaron Whitaker scored two quick fire tries both converted by Galloway to take the lead.

With their tails up now Kesteven went for the killer punch. Goodrich made a fine break up the middle and Galloway was up in support to score the final try which earned the all important bonus point. Galloway converted to bring up the final score of 31 – 21. The Melbourne sin bin had cost them 21 points.

This was a fine comeback showing true Kesteven never say die spirit. Tony Woolerton led the side from the front and was a worthy Man of the Match. Will Pert had a storming match and Danny Turner, returning from injury, played a big part in raising the pace of the game in the second half, causing the visitors defence all sorts of problems. In the backs Whitaker was again outstanding and he was well surported by Young and Will Cann, with Galloway adding some spark when he came on. Credit also to coach Mark Sayle who skilfully used the interchanges to freshen up key positions when called for.

Kesteven now go to Melton Mowbray next week in search of a win to keep their hopes alive of avoiding relegation then they have the NLD Shield Final against Newark at Matlock on 26th April (1.30pm KO)

Team: A Whitaker; W Young, J Goodrich, W Cann, K Taylor; M Parker, A Draper; S Odams, D Hayward, J Cowley, W Pert, R Sheardown, R Cann, T Woolerton, M Sayle. Replacements D Turner, T Webster, C Galloway.