Keswick’s Charity Match against Bishop Auckland on Saturday in support of the Tiny Lives Matter and Teenage Cancer Trust charities was played in front of a good crowd and in hot and humid conditions in bright sunshine. There was a contrast in that Bishop Auckland fielded an older pack with younger backs and Keswick opened for a generally younger team overall. Potentially a case of old age and guile against youth and inexperience.

Before the game Josh Dare, representing Tiny Lives Matter and James Addyman, representing Teenage Cancer Trust, were presented with their shirts, sponsored by Saddleback Slate. Kicking off with the sun behind them, Keswick made it to the Bishop Auckland 22 where a scrum to the visitors gave their heavier pack the opportunity to push Keswick back before making a good run and kicking through. A kicked return and a penalty saw Keswick’s first attacking line-out in the opposition 22 but Bishop Auckland were able to opt for a scrum for a not straight put-in and again pushed Keswick back. Despite that, Keswick regained possession and crossed the try line but there was no try as the ball had been knocked forward.

A good run on the left and a kick through by Keswick ended with another knock forward. Keswick then attacked on the right before losing possession for Bishop Auckland to kick deep. An attacking run by Danny Price ended in touch 15 metres out on the left and from the line-out Keswick drove forward for Joe Quail to score, converted by Paul Ireland on 15 minutes. Bishop Auckland responded immediately, winning a corner on the Keswick right and driving over themselves for an unconverted try on 18 minutes for 7-5. More pressure from the restart and good running by the Bishop Auckland backs saw them evade some slack tackling to score a converted try on 22 minutes to go ahead 7-12.

Some good attacking runs by the Keswick backs ended as the ball carrier was stripped of possession in the tackle by some experienced players, the first tackler stopping the player and the second in going for the ball. Chris Potter was able to evade the opposition on the left and run round to touch down to the left of the posts, an unconverted try taking the score to 15-12, Keswick having converted a penalty in the interim. Another attack from open play, the backs getting into their stride, ended with a penalty try awarded for a high tackle just short of the line, 22-12 on 35 minutes. As the half ran out another good attack on the left and a sleight of hand pass to Grant Thompson saw him score another unconverted try for a half time score of 27-12.

The second half began evenly, both sides running the ball and using the boot to gain field position, but neither making convincing progress towards the opposition try line. The Keswick pack improved their scrummaging, winning the ball more easily in the scrum and providing good ball for the backs who made good use of it. Good attacks on both wings were met by sound defence by the visitors, Liam Ridley coming close to scoring but brought down just short. Second half deadlock was broken on 20 minutes after Bishop Auckland stopped another attack on the line but were unable to prevent the recycled ball being passed right for another try, Stephen Moss the scorer, converted by Ireland for 34-12.

Bishop Auckland’s luck ran out at the restart as their receiving player knocked the ball forward, for it to be caught by Stephen Moss who ran to the 22 before passing it to Ridley who scored his first try, unconverted, for 39-12. Keswick’s confidence grew and they kept more possession and attacked more as the second half ran on. However, on 25 minutes Bishop Auckland’s pack regained the upper hand, driving Keswick back twice, winning a penalty first time, resetting the scrum and gaining a penalty try the second time, for 39-19. In a case of deja vu the restart saw the Bishop Auckland receiver kick the ball to Moss who this time was able to run in himself and score, the try converted by Lewis Bell for 46-19. From the restart Moss again was the receiver, the ball this time passed to Ireland, who passed to Louis Cornforth who ran in from 20 metres to score under the posts, converted by Bell for 53-19 on 35 minutes. The next attack, on the right, ended with an injury and a decision to blow the final whistle on a final score of 53-19.

Thanks to Bishop Auckland for making the day successful and playing in such a sporting manner. The appreciative crowd enjoyed the game and it was a good pre-season run out for the players. The entry fee and proceeds from the raffle will be going to the 2 charities the match was played for.

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees Keswick at home in the Cumbria Cup against Cockermouth. The teams met twice in the league last season, Keswick coming out on top in both games, but they also met in the Cup semi-final in April, when Cockermouth ran out winners, 8-23. They will be looking to repeat that success this season so good support for Keswick will be welcome.