Saturday’s much anticipated home league match against Aspatria, at which an entry fee was charged with proceeds going to the Amy’s Care Charity, did not disappoint. With the Charity and game also sponsored by Baines Wilson this first versus second clash would answer the questions left by the away game, which had ended in a 10-10 draw. An intermittent cross-pitch wind and occasional rain, added to the cold conditions, did not deter the players or the large number of supporters, including the Football Club and the 2nd XV, whose game at Littleborough was called off, who turned out to watch, filling the stand completely.

Aspatria kicked off and quickly attacked the Keswick line with an unsuccessful chip through. An exchange of penalties followed as both teams looked for an early advantage. Handling proved challenging as players seemed prone to knocking forward, which was to Keswick’s advantage as they pushed the Aspatria scrum back in the set pieces. The first opportunity to put points on the board came Keswick’s way but the penalty kick went wide and Aspatria cleared upfield to win penalties of their own. Their first penalty kick at goal, on 10 minutes, was converted by Jack Clegg for a 0-3 lead.

Keswick opted to kick for the corner from penalties, running the ball from the line-outs but unable to get past a well-marshalled Aspatria defence. The game became end to end and the next scoring opportunity came Aspatria’s way as from a penalty for offside on the 22 they extended their lead to 0-6 on 19 minutes through Clegg . Handling errors by Keswick gifted possession to an opposition that made the most of their opportunities by kicking for position and attacking from line-outs and penalties. Ten minutes later some off the ball action saw a player from each side yellow carded as Aspatria proved to be the first half’s better team both in attack and defence. This paid dividends when they ran the ball infield from a line-out in the Keswick 22 for a neat inside pass at the breakdown to allow their tight head prop Graham Andrews to charge over from 7 metres to score a try, converted by Clegg for 0-13 on 36 minutes.

Keswick responded immediately and at each penalty they opted for a scrum, at most of which they won another penalty as the Aspatria pack were unable to cope with the Keswick dominance. Something had to give and as the fourth successive scrum broke up the referee awarded Keswick a penalty try for a 7-13 half time score.

Early pressure by Keswick in the second half was relieved when they gave away a penalty but Aspatria soon reciprocated and Keswick attacked from the line-out on the 5 metre line. Another penalty was taken quickly by Jamie Mackenzie but he was brought down just short and it was Aaron Thompson who drove over the last metre to score a try, converted by Brian Storey to give Keswick the lead 14-13 on 7 minutes. Under severe pressure in the scrums Aspatria replaced a second forward on 15 minutes with the result that scrums had to go uncontested.

On 18 minutes Keswick extended their lead by driving round the fringes of the rucks and mauls for Mike Tait to score an unconverted try in the right hand corner. Aspatria used kicks and penalties to pin Keswick back into their own 22 in an effort to retake the lead, but despite being under great pressure the defence held and each time Keswick were able to drive forward to make progress towards the Aspatria half. On 30 minutes Storey converted his second penalty attempt to extend the lead to 22-13 as both sides continued to attack at every opportunity. Eventually Aspatria gained a penalty which they converted to reduce the gap to 22-16 and guarantee them a losing bonus point with 4 minutes left.

As the clock ran down penalties went to both sides but neither was able to score again and the match ended in a well deserved, 3 tries to 1, win for Keswick, their first against Aspatria since 1971. Amy’s Care also benefitted and thanks must go to those supporters, staff and committee members who worked hard in the kitchen and elsewhere to make the day successful. The total gate receipts, raffle, sponsorship and donations from Keswick School staff, Lee Watson, Jonny Brown and Baines Wilson, amounting to over £2000, which will be donated to Amy’s Care.

There is now a league break until the New Year when the final 3 games of the first part of the league will be played. Keswick will meet Wigton away on Saturday 5 January before playing St Benedicts at home and Whitehaven away. Now 9 points clear at the top, Keswick are the team to beat and each match will be well contested. The 2nd XV will resume against Leigh at home on 12 January.

Before that however, the annual holiday fixtures will see Keswick away at Penrith on Boxing Day and the return fixture at Keswick on New Year’s Day. These are always great occasions and a good opportunity to get out of the house and watch some good sport.