Keswick A XV 32 v Whitehaven 2nds 6

Keswick A XV had their first league match at Davidson Park on Saturday 23 September. After the narrow loss the previous week the reformed team strengthened by the return of players old and new; it was nice to see some “blasts from the past” (young and old) together with some who had been turning out for the 1st XV earlier in the season.

The game was able to go ahead with Allan Lambert stepping in as Club Referee, a function he managed proficiently despite the damaged fetlock.

The match was played at a brisk pace with both teams each having their periods of ascendancy, and whilst Keswick emerged victors by 6 tries to none that does not reflect on the excellent performance of the Whitehaven team; they were only kept “try less” after an excellent break down the wing from the Whitehaven 10m line only for the fly half to be taken into touch by an excellent covering tackle from Slack.

The game started with Whitehaven controlling the game with close running round the sides of the ruck and maul, only to be held back by efficient line defence from the Keswick team. In fact Keswick’s first try came against the run of play when Bland was put away to score a magnificent try in the corner; the conversion failed. Whitehaven immediately came back driving forward and on being awarded a penalty took the points. The game went to and fro with Keswick getting the next score late in the half when, uncharacteristically for Keswick, the 5m scrum was driven to the line, and whilst Partington was stopped short from the drive Ray was on hand to dive over; again the try was unconverted. As with the earlier score Whitehaven again drove back down the pitch and took the 3 points from the penalty awarded following some consistent and efficient pressure on the Keswick defence. There the half ended with Keswick 10-6 in the lead and it looked as it was going to be long hard afternoon.

Keswick in fact took a stranglehold on the game and the efficiency in the scrum paid further benefits. Tries came from Partington and Ray, again, following 5m scrums, whilst Bland produced another strong run to score and Davis, who had an excellent game at loose-head, also got himself on the scoresheet. Thompson added a single conversion to complete the scoring.

The game was a great advert for the game, played hard and fairly by both teams, who are to be commended for the spectacle they provided.

The Keswick A XV go away again this weekend to Wigton and if they can maintain their enthusiasm will have a very happy and hopefully successful season.