18 Junior Falcons turned out to play on what was a beautiful blue-sky day in Keswick. Egremont arrived depleted due to illness, so we decided to play 13 a side. Due to having the flexibility of a friendly match, it was decided to play 4 x 12-minute quarters, allowing for coaching and discussion.

After a tough, physical match with Egremont two weeks ago, there was some apprehension amongst the Keswick team pre-kick off, yet it didn’t show. Egremont’s physicality meant that 2-3 players were absorbed into each tackle, but Keswick worked quickly to roll away after tackles and get up to be ready to go again. Everyone on the team pulled their weight, and as a result the tackles that Keswick made were powerful.

As Keswick was missing their captain and their forwards captain, Maisie stepped in filling the gap brilliantly and, as always, led her backs by example. Grace B was also everywhere on the pitch and brought her energy into play. Congratulations to Lucy for her first match with the Falcons!

There was a lot of flexibility, perseverance, resilience and strength shown on the pitch by players. Special mentions for Amelia, who took another knock to her recovering facial injury after the last match with Egremont but carried on tackling with enthusiasm, and Georgia, who took a few knocks but kept on going.

Keswick took advantage of breaks in play, using the time to get a drink and make plans for the next play, which meant that they knew what they were doing when they got onto the pitch.

To improve Keswick can be faster into rucks and on the loose balls. Also, there was a couple of times where Egremont pressurised well and Keswick ended up panic passing, so the last few passes didn’t come. Keswick will do better next time if they are quicker with the ball, if it sticks to hands (a few dropped today), we get it out wide and if we draw in the last defender.

Overall, the play was much neater and better played than the last time Keswick faced Egremont, and the final score line was 5-36 respectively.

Player of the Match was Amelia Fisher.