Blaydon Red Kites 38 - Keswick Falcons 15

Keswick Falcons travelled to Blaydon RFC to play their Red Kites side on a fair weather day, a polar opposite to the previous first ever match against Penrith.
Keswick’s second match began with some positive first up tackles against a hard running Blaydon squad, although there were a couple of mishaps with getting the line set quick enough which allowed Blaydon to sneak around the edges for the first try of the game under the sticks. Keswick responded with a quick line speed defence and applied enough pressure to force errors in their favour which allowed number 10 Lilly Hodgson to make a quick break from some well planned play for a well deserved try.
The game continued with some great back and forth play with Blaydon scoring the next try but countered with another line break by Lilly inside Keswick’s 22 beating several defenders sprinting to the outside of the pitch and finishing in the far corner.
Great forward play was stand out from players Zelia Clash, Lucy King, Leanne Grave and Ellie Winter, who showed great technique for securing and protecting the ball as well as making some strong runs to gain valuable yards into the Blaydon half.
Molly Coldham played out of position today in the inside centre producing some solid carries with the ball up through the middle of the pitch and rarely letting anyone past her whilst defending.
The match drew to half time which gave Keswick a moment to catch their breath and provided a well earned water break along with words of the second half game plan from the coach.
The game resumed in Keswick’s favour with the continued quick line speed and strong tackles being made across the width of the pitch.
Keswick pinned Blaydon in their half for quite some time with a well placed kick from Lilly which paid off as she completed Keswick’s 15 points for the game with a hat trick.
Captain Leanne Grave further spotted gaps in Blaydon defence and made vital yards for Keswick keeping Blaydon inside their 22 for a number of minutes. Further to this loose ruck ball was spotted, securing a penalty for Keswick from Blaydon holding onto the ball.
About a quarter way into the second half Blaydon showed great strength with some of their tall runners in the centre proving challenging for Keswick but still being managed to be brought down.
Keswick discipline was superb however beaten by tired legs and match fitness, a predicable outcome when playing with no available substitutes. This ended with the majority of the points scored by Blaydon in the remaining 15 minutes of the second half. Nonetheless a positive result for the falcons for their second ever game and a performance to be very proud of finishing in true Keswick fashion.