Keyworth 2s unable to contain strong Ilkeston side

Keyworth 2s, with a bare 15 players and a number of people playing out of position, did their best to compete against Ilkeston 3s, but struggled up front and failed to win the battle at the breakdown. Debutant Liam Harrison came into a baptism of fire in the front row, where skipper Starr tried his hand at hooker but they were clearly bested by an experienced Ilkeston trio and shortly after Ilkeston had scored their first try after 18 minutes, Keyworth conceded the scrummage and this area became uncontested for the remainder of the game.
It was not a great deal better at the lineouts, with Keyworth trying a couple of different throwers-in. Neither could find their jumpers with any kind of regularity in what were difficult conditions. Conversely, the visitors were much more proficient and as a consequence, Keyworth lived off scraps from first phase play.
The brightest star in the firmament for the home team was the play of wing Aaron Browning, who tackled everything in a green shirt and when he had ball in hand, ran hard and straight, beating defenders on every occasion. He was unlucky not to score after a particularly strong run and in trying to place the ball over the line, through the tackle, he just lost the ball forward.
The half-time score saw Ilkeston, having score 3 tries, turn round 17 – 0 up. Keyworth then hoped to use the conditions to their advantage by playing from deep in opposition territory. However, their plans were in tatters right from the kick-off when the young Ilkeston centre, fielding the kick on his 22, set off on a run that cut the Keyworth defence to shreds and only a great cover tackle from Lee Broadhead prevented the try. Ilkeston, though, were not to be denied and they recycled the ball quickly and crossed in the corner.
Keyworth rallied and pressurised the visitors line after Simon Richards had kicked them into position. On 45 minutes, they finally got their reward when Mark Scott bullied his way over from close range with several defenders hanging on to him as he got the ball onto the line. The home team couldn’t unfortunately build on this moment and put the visitors under pressure. The only further score came from Ilkeston near the end to give them a 27 – 5 victory.
Keyworth did well with limited possession, but never got sufficient players to the breakdown to compete with the opposition back-row who were all strong runners. Keyworth’s forwards need to get themselves fitter and faster if they are to maintain their challenge for Pennant honours.
Points of note include John Scott putting in a lot of tackles for a front 5 player. Some strong runs from Adam Waldron and the versatile Phil Dennett in the centre, always looking for work. Perhaps the weirdest thing in the game was that both teams fielded a father and son combination with both fathers having the same Christian name, Simon and both sons being named Jack. Remember it well, it’ll almost certainly be a quiz question in years to come!