Kesteven Ladies’ Back To Form!

Having narrowly lost a hard fought game against Matlock the previous week, Kesteven Ladies were keen to put in a good performance against Belper Ladies. Kesteven were bolstered by the return of back rowers Tamzin Keenlyside and Captain Tabitha Hall.

Belper turned up with a much improved team from the previous encounter in November (Kesteven won 0-35) and were both tougher in contact and better drilled in defence. This led to a close first half in which both teams finished with 5 points, Jessica Taylor going over for the home team with a classic forwards try – driving through the Belper pack to cross the line. Belper responded with a forwards try of their own with their number 8, Hannah Knapgate going over from a 5 metre penalty.

The second half started in much the same way as the first ended with some big tackles and ferocious rucking from both teams however, the consistent pressure from Kesteven eventually resulted in Tabitha Hall scoring from another penalty five metres out.

Kesteven’s scrum was also a real weapon throughout the match with a number of wins against the head adding more pressure on the opposition.

As full time approached, more space opened up and Scrum Half Kerri Arlando and Centre Hannah Dolby both made good use of it with quick feet and pace to gain significant yards. This eventually led to Jessica Taylor going over for her second try of the day.

Both teams gave away a number of penalties and with 12 minutes to go Belper lost a player to the sin bin for consistent high tackles.

Kesteven’s defence proved impenetrable in the second half with Fullback Tilly Hall making some key tackles at vital moments to stop Belper’s advances.

The match ended 15-5 with all conversions missed.