Keyworth topple the table toppers!

On a day perfectly set for rugby, Keyworth hosted league leaders, the undefeated, Boston RFC.

The intent of Keyworth was shown immediately as the home side turned out an impressive squad of 20 as opposed to the 15 they had travelled with in the return fixture. Keyworth’s front eight arguably the strongest it has been in many a year. The game started quickly and with increased vigour from both sides, however Boston’s ill discipline when pressured by Keyworth enabled the ever calm Simon Richards to slot the home side into a 3-0 lead. With morale high and a good bank of home support, Keys pushed and pushed until Boston broke again, same call same result. 6-0. Boston fought back eventually with a penalty of their own after a piece of rare indiscipline at the break down from the home side, who’s discipline during this game was exemplary. Other than one scrummage, Keyworth won and turned over every set piece they entered, the lineout ran smoother than a Brazilian’s nether regions and this flowing play allowed the front 8 to really hurt Boston.

With the score at 6-3, long standing number 8, and the most famous ginger in club history picked up from a ruck and crossed the white wash, obviously the extras were added by a Richards that hadn’t misplaced the ball all afternoon from hand or tee. 13-3. Johnson later added another try under the posts after finding a gap larger than that between Jamie Birch’s ears and Richards obliged in taking the opportunity to put his side 20-3 ahead. The game looked done and dusted from the sidelines and the home support, now enjoying the sunshine brimmed with confidence.

Although someone must have reminded Boston they were undefeated at this point as the comeback shown gave the real idea of why they topped the league, scoring two quick converted tries due to slack defending and in fairness, very good running rugby, left the scores at 20-17 with the clock ticking down. Enter lineout specialist, FA cup lookalike and all round good guy Nick Martin, sporting a new pair of ballet shoes, the open side intercepted to cover 60m heavily pursued by an angry farmer who thought he was a sack of carrots down. Try scored, game over, surely?

Boston immediately replied on the penultimate play of the game to leave it at 27-24 with one play left and the ball in Keyworth’s hand. After being told the ball could not go straight into touch from the restart otherwise the play would be allowed. Simon Richards over kicked the ball, luckily the Boston winger decided he wanted to touch the ball at least once and palmed it into touch. Final Score 27-24 to Keyworth. The undefeated once again crumble at the hands of a home side unbeaten on hallowed turf for the entire season. Special mentions must go to the entire front row, J. Whelbourne who under heavy pressure stepped up at full back to cover his injured captain as well as a fantastic birthday performance from the resident pig, Phil Parnham. Promotion firmly in sight.