In the last of the pool-stage matches of the NLD Colts Cup, Kesteven came face to face with local rivals Sleaford. In near-perfect conditions, Kesteven started strongly, retaining possession from their own kick-off and settling into an early rhythm, working patiently through the phases. The first scrum of the game proved no obstacle and the ball moved quickly into the hands of the half backs 15 meters from the Sleaford try line. A quick switch back left and Hewson went over in the corner after only 2 minutes. The period that followed did not show Kesteven at their best and some scrappy handling, and a general lack of composure in open play, let Sleaford back into the game. However, sloppy as they were on the front foot, Kesteven were solid in defence and the door remained closed to the visitors. Sleaford’s indiscipline at the breakdown was punished hard with Mussell the next over the line to score, and Jallow looked set to follow suit with a lightning break down the left wing, only to be pulled down by a dangerously high tackle some 40 metres out. The penalty that followed put Kesteven in prime scoring territory and a tidy lineout provided full back Hall with the ball in space, straightening to touch down by the right post. 21 minutes on the clock, 19 points up, and Sleaford down to 13 players through injury: at this point the visitors conceded and with the loan of a few Kesteven players, the game continued to full time with 15-a-side and Griffiths playing his heart out for the visitors. Kesteven have had an easy ride in the Cup so far but with the quarter finals looming, there will certainly be bigger challenges ahead.

Kesteven: Sheard (vc), Simpson, James, Brahoua, Muir, Taylor, Hewson, Pilkington, Gilbert (c), Barry, Jallow, Tagg, Mussell, Owen, Hall

Replacements: Pellett, Stephenson, Holland, Griffiths, Bullement

Tries (cup): Hewson, Mussell, Hall
Conversions (cup): Barry (2)