Cockermouth 7 Keswick 19

A wet and windy day saw Keswick’s first re-match of the season at Strawberry How, Cockermouth. The home fixture had been a close 2-point win for Keswick against a strong Cockermouth team, the only one to have beaten Aspatria this season. Rain and an increasing wind down the pitch did not help any plans for open, running rugby but it was clear that both teams were determined to attack when possible.

Keswick kicked off and were soon awarded a penalty for a high tackle which was kicked to touch. Winning the line-out the ball was run but knocked forward for the first scrum of the game to Cockermouth. Although pushed back they managed to retain possession only to knock forward themselves. Keswick’s early scrum dominance helped them maintain possession and with their line-out going well too they were able to use the wind to keep most of the play in the Cockermouth half of the pitch. This paid early dividends when a maul tied in the Cockermouth pack creating space for Jamie Mckenzie to cross for a try on 9 minutes, converted by Andy Muir for 0-7.

Both sides found ball handling a challenge with a number of promising moves ending in a knock forward. Keswick spent some time camped close to the Cockermouth try line but were met by a well drilled defence that always seemed able to prevent the final metre from being made. Opting to take a scrum from a penalty 5 metres out Keswick did manage to maul across the try line and claim a try but the referee was unsighted and went back for a penalty from an earlier advantage.

For much of the rest of the half Keswick attacks were dented by Cockermouth who kicked to clear when they got possession but with the wind against them were unable to make much distance. When they did decide to run the ball they often made good progress but found the Keswick defence in good form too, gaining only temporary respite. After a period of sustained possession Keswick were able to drive for the corner with Christian Sellars scoring an unconverted try for 0-12 on 34 minutes. Despite more pressure from Keswick they were unable to convert position and pressure to points and the half ended with no further score.

With the wind strengthening in the second half Cockermouth kicked deep, regained possession and were able to dodge a couple of attempted tackles for Conor Bannard to score under the posts, converted off the upright by Ed Gate for 7-12 after less than one minute of the second half. Galvanised by this Keswick attacked from the restart, and from a line-out put together a good attack through the backs but were thwarted when Muir was tackled into touch 2 metres out.

Despite playing into the wind Keswick were able to keep much of the play in the Cockermouth half whose forays to the Keswick 22 generally came from clearing kicks. Cockermouth were able to gain some dominance in the scrums after Keswick lost 2 of the front row to injury but were unable to capitalise as they would have liked, both sides finding handling a challenge. On 20 minutes Cockermouth were reduced to 14 men with a yellow card for a high tackle. Keswick took advantage of the man advantage and from a good line-out win by Carrick Wharmby the ball was run left in the 22 for Mckenzie to score his second try on 30 minutes, this converted by Brian Storey for 7-19.

Cockermouth responded well, camping on the Keswick try line and meeting the same stout defence that they themselves had put up in similar circumstances. When they lost possession Keswick tried to run the ball rather than kick into the wind, making some progress. A scrum dropped by Cockermouth gave Keswick the chance to clear back upfield from the penalty and subsequent line-out. One attack took Keswick forward some 65 metres before the ball was knocked forward as the clock ran down. However, difficult conditions and good defence by both sides proved the decisive factors and the game ended at 7-19, keeping Keswick on top of Cumbria League One.

The Second XV had travelled to top of the table Bolton in the County Courier Services League for what was going to be a challenging match against a team with a near perfect record. Despite conceding 34 points they managed to score 15 of their own, a good result in the circumstances.

Next Saturday sees both sides having a break with the next First XV game being on Saturday 17 November at home against Upper Eden, with a 2.15 pm kick off. Despite being near the bottom of the table they have had some good wins and put in some excellent performances so an entertaining afternoon is anticipated.