Kesteven take a sound victory over Leicestershire opponents

Early afternoon at Woodnook saw all four seasons with wind, sun, snow and rain all present during the warm up. Eventually the weather settled on a murky grey but dry day. Kesteven’s team had a more settled look about it with some usual faces returning to the fold.

The home team came out of the blocks early with early pressure leading to penalties being conceded. This early possession saw Kesteven get their first try on the board after only three minutes from scrum half Adelsee, diving over from close range. Whittaker Converted to make the score 7-0. In open play Kesteven kicked ahead to be chased hard by Whittaker and Wood. The ball bobbled up into Wood’s path allowing him to dot down. On the 18th minute Kesteven carved out a cast iron chance through the slick passing of Wood, the ball found its way to Goodrich to set Whittaker free. The pass did not go to hand but Whittaker got his chance later on and burned away the defence to go over on the 23rd minute. The black Army’s strong attacking shape was leading to opportunities for all fifteen players across the pitch.

From a strong lineout position the impressive tighthead Purvis found space to dot down on the full stretch. This was converted to make the score 28-0 on the 28th minute. Kesteven had a very dangerous back three with Whittaker, Jordan and Cartwright all offering pacey attacks. One of these came to fruition when Whittaker set Rupert Jordan free, the winger still had a lot of work to do, but he finished strongly showing the pace to make the afternoon’s Champagne moment. With the score at 35-0 Aylstone kicked into gear. The Leicestershire team sent a straightforward attack between the centres. Aysltone drew the Fullback and set their winger in for a consolation score. Shortly before half time a great Kesteven attack led to Wood virtually handing the ball to Goodrich to score. The half time score was 42-5 to Kesteven.

The second half saw the introduction of Webster and Odams on for Payne and Osbourne. The second half was a more stodgy affair than the first with the away team attempting to slow the ball down at all opportunities. The black army scored again on the 53rd minute when a strong series of forward’s drives saw Goodrich get his second try. The away team then suffered two yellow cards as their repeated attempts to stem the tide saw them turn to illegal measures.

Aylestone’s only relief came when a series of knock ons led to Aylestone scooping up the ball to score. Kesteven scored two more tried before the end from Payne and Sayle to lead to a final score of 57-10. Woolerton picked up man of the match.

Team was A Whittaker; R Jordan; B Jepson, J Goodrich, A Cartwright; O Wood, B Addlesee; A Osbourne, R Sheardown, G Purvis, W Pert, J Cowley, J Payne, T Woolerton, M Sayle, Replacements T Webster, S Odams, M Parker,