Keswick U15s got their Cumbria County Cup campaign off to a winning start on Sunday morning with a thrilling 19-31 victory away to Kirby Lonsdale in near-perfect playing conditions.
The home side started strongly, scoring two early converted tries to build a 14-0 lead. Keswick's forwards responded brilliantly, working tirelessly their way up the field before new signing Bobby powered over for his first try for the club. Jacob Palmer added the conversion to narrow the gap to 14-7.
Kirby Lonsdale extended their advantage before half-time with a well-worked try finished in the corner, leaving Keswick trailing 19-7 at the break.
A rousing half-time message from captain Noah Gruner and vice-captain Angus Quincey inspired an immediate response. After an unfortunate dropped restart, Hugh Quincey showed great character to bounce back and crash over for Keswick's second try, reducing the deficit to 19-12.
With Stan Bardsley, playing out of position at scrum-half, combining superbly with Palmer at fly-half, Keswick began to play with growing confidence. Outstanding defence from Robert Maguranyanga and George Johnson kept Kirby Lonsdale scoreless throughout the second half, while fellow new signing Marco Walsh impressed in both attack and defence to earn the Back of the Match award.
The pressure eventually told when Gruner scored one of his trademark pick-and-go tries, converted by Bardsley, to level the scores at 19-19. Forward of the Match Bobby then crossed for his second try of the game to give Keswick the lead for the first time at 19-24
One of the standout moments of the match followed shortly afterwards. Returning from injury and wearing the number two shirt for the first time, Jimmy Wilson announced himself in style. Collecting the ball around halfway, he charged through the Kirby Lonsdale defence on a barnstorming run that only came to an end inches short of the try line. It was a tremendous effort and a reminder of what he brings to the side. Everyone at Keswick will be looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch in the weeks ahead.
A tense finish followed, but excellent line speed from the Keswick backs continued to force errors from the home side. Awarded a penalty deep in their own half with just minutes remaining, Keswick seized their opportunity. Taking a pass from Bardsley, Gruner burst through the defensive line and raced in beneath the posts to score the decisive try and seal a memorable 19-31 victory.
Special mention should also go to Alfred Grave, who controlled the game well from scrum-half in the first half and executed the team's game plan superbly. Utility player Harry Benson also put in the hard yards throughout the match, contributing wherever he was needed. In the set piece, Charlie Sams excelled when jumping in the line-out for the first time, while James Cartmel's accurate throwing provided a solid platform and helped Keswick secure crucial possession throughout the game.

Forward of the Match: Bobby
Back of the Match: Marco