First Defeat For Keswick

On Saturday when Keswick had both a 1st XV and 2nd XV to field they found themselves short of experienced players, with at least 5 first team first choice unavailable. In the end they were able to provide only 16 for the 1st XV match at home against Aldwinians and exactly 15 for the 2nd XV game away at Wigton.
Despite rain through the morning, the conditions were excellent for running rugby and Keswick made the most of the first 10 minutes, putting a well supported Aldwinians under pressure but unable to convert that pressure into points. Unfortunately Mckenzie was injured during those first minutes and unable to continue. Despite this Keswick’s pack drove well and linked with the backs for some good running moves. After an unsuccessful penalty kick at goal Keswick opted to kick for position and despite losing their own line out on the opposition 5 metre line regained possession for forwards and backs to combine to put Vaillant in for a try converted by Muir, 7-0 after 13 minutes.
Aldwinians responded immediately putting pressure on the Keswick line and were unlucky not score a try from the restart, though they soon got onto the scoreboard with a penalty after 20 minutes, 7-3. Clearly missing the regular players, Keswick struggled to win their own ball at the line-out and were under severe pressure in the scrum, allowing Aldwinians possession and pressure they shouldn’t have had. They began to kick for position and to run their subsequent possession, and despite some excellent defence ran in for a converted try under the posts to lead 7-10 after 30 minutes. Keswick responded well, forcing errors to win a penalty converted by Muir on the stroke of half-time to draw level at 10-10.
The second half began with some scrappy play by both sides and clean possession from the break-down for Keswick was hampered by some loose application of the offside law. Aldwinians gave away a number of penalties eventually resulting in a successful goal kick by Muir for a 13-10 lead 7 minutes into the half. More scrappy play ensued during which Keswick won a scrum against the head and missed another penalty kick at goal. Half-way through the second half yet another penalty against Aldwinians caused the referee to use a yellow card for a high tackle, more for repeated infringing than for the tackle itself.
After a couple of penalties in the Keswick 22, Aldwinians opted for a scrum and were able to run the ball in for another converted try to lead 13-17. This was soon followed by another penalty to put them further ahead, 13-20. Another scrum gave Aldwinians a further scoring chance, which they took to extend their lead to 13-27. To Keswick’s credit they did not give up and a good run
up the right saw Weir cross for a try (18-27) which again Keswick were unable to convert, so missing out on a losing bonus point.
Keswick suffered from the absence of a number of first choice players and although those who stood in played well it was clear they are not yet ready for opposition of Aldwinians quality. Missing a potential 10 points through missed penalties and conversions also cost Keswick dear. Full strength should be resumed for the next match, away at Burnley next Saturday, where it is hoped that Keswick can get back to winning ways.
Meanwhile, the 2nd XV ran out worthy winners, 15-10 away at Wigton.