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Sat 26 Mar 2011
2nd XVNottingham Casuals 3
Tries: J Holland, A Sheen, A Guest, L BroadheadConversions: T Holmes, S Starr
24
13
Keyworth Seconds get bonus point win against Casuals
Simon Starr27 Mar 2011 - 15:02
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In the end it was fairly comfortable, as the 24 – 13 scoreline suggests, but for large parts of the game, it was anything but.
With a squad of 25 players available and all wanting game time, the biggest headache for Keyworth was managing the expectations and organisation of this many players. There having been times in the season when getting half that number available would have been an achievement, this isn’t to be complained about.
The other very pleasing element was that 9 of the squad were last season playing in the U17 team, with a further 2 players being a product of the club’s junior section. The first XV on the next pitch could also boast 2 of last year’s U17s and 2 more junior section graduates.
Keyworth 2s started strongly against a very robust Casuals side. Against a larger pack, the Keyworth 8 dominated the early scrummage exchanges. The front 5 included debutant Neil Shanks, playing his first game for 6 years and two cousins, Adam and Ashley Waldron in the powerhouse, the latter playing against his Dad, the Casuals No. 8. However, it was Casuals who were more effective in the loose and their rucking in numbers and strength at the maul, frustrated the home side on many occasions.
With Keyworth unable to create any continuity and constantly incurring the wrath of the referee, it was Casuals who were first to break the deadlock afrter 15 minutes with a well struck penalty by their scrum-half. The game continued to be dominated by infringements and errors on both sides, who to be fair, did try to play rugby whenever in possession. It was the dancing feet of Jason Holland who put the Widmerpool warriors into the lead on the stroke of half-time as he charged over from about 10m out, to maintain a very impressive scoring record. Tom Holmes drop-kicked the conversion to give Keyworth a 7 – 3 half-time lead.
In the second half it was Casuals who started the stronger side as they moved the ball wide to their hard-running centre pairing. These two caused Keyworth a number of problems in defence and only some last ditch tackling kept them at bay. However, on 48 minutes the home line was breached by the impressive and elusive running of their outside centre, who crossed for a converted try.
This stung Keyworth into action and it wasn’t long before Adam Sheen blasted his way over from short range after some good build-up play. They followed this up with another try through speedy winger, Jack Whelbourne who got his skates on to cross the whitewash and make the score 17 – 10. With regular substitutions taking place on both teams, the continuity was difficult to maintain and it was Casuals who struck next with a short range penalty to bring them within 4 points.
Fortunately, this Keyworth side were not to be denied and they redoubled their efforts and on 71 minutes after a period of prolonged pressure and battering attempts at the visitors line, Lee Broadhead forced his way over and skipper Starr added the extra points for the final action on the scoreboard.
Casuals were unfortunate to suffer 2 yellow cards during the course of the game, although their brave 14 men played so well, the contest was an even one during these periods. So Keyworth are able to maintain their position of second in the league and with 2 matches to go, they can only hope that East Retford do the decent thing and find a way to slip up in their last couple of games and gift us the title. Slim hope!
Special note must go to Phil Dennett, playing in the backs at inside centre and late on at outside half, who worked hard all game and was a willing ball-carrier on numerous occasions. Alex McDonald made a great return, back from University, at scrum-half and Aaron Browning continued to run hard and straight and take a lot of stopping. Sam Tilaks, Tom Muncey and Tom Holmes all carried well and put some good runs in. Luke Jones made his debut and is one to watch for the future, as is Liam Harrison, who shows great commitment to the team.
Tom Bradshaw and Keith Scott worked hard on their return to the team. John Scott and Jack Starr won valuable lineout possession and Mark Scott had some good carries. Overall, a disjointed game, but it’s the mark of a good side if you can win, with a bonus point, when you are not playing at your best. There is a great spirit in this side and they work really hard for each other. They have been a credit to the club badge throughout the season.
The other very pleasing element was that 9 of the squad were last season playing in the U17 team, with a further 2 players being a product of the club’s junior section. The first XV on the next pitch could also boast 2 of last year’s U17s and 2 more junior section graduates.
Keyworth 2s started strongly against a very robust Casuals side. Against a larger pack, the Keyworth 8 dominated the early scrummage exchanges. The front 5 included debutant Neil Shanks, playing his first game for 6 years and two cousins, Adam and Ashley Waldron in the powerhouse, the latter playing against his Dad, the Casuals No. 8. However, it was Casuals who were more effective in the loose and their rucking in numbers and strength at the maul, frustrated the home side on many occasions.
With Keyworth unable to create any continuity and constantly incurring the wrath of the referee, it was Casuals who were first to break the deadlock afrter 15 minutes with a well struck penalty by their scrum-half. The game continued to be dominated by infringements and errors on both sides, who to be fair, did try to play rugby whenever in possession. It was the dancing feet of Jason Holland who put the Widmerpool warriors into the lead on the stroke of half-time as he charged over from about 10m out, to maintain a very impressive scoring record. Tom Holmes drop-kicked the conversion to give Keyworth a 7 – 3 half-time lead.
In the second half it was Casuals who started the stronger side as they moved the ball wide to their hard-running centre pairing. These two caused Keyworth a number of problems in defence and only some last ditch tackling kept them at bay. However, on 48 minutes the home line was breached by the impressive and elusive running of their outside centre, who crossed for a converted try.
This stung Keyworth into action and it wasn’t long before Adam Sheen blasted his way over from short range after some good build-up play. They followed this up with another try through speedy winger, Jack Whelbourne who got his skates on to cross the whitewash and make the score 17 – 10. With regular substitutions taking place on both teams, the continuity was difficult to maintain and it was Casuals who struck next with a short range penalty to bring them within 4 points.
Fortunately, this Keyworth side were not to be denied and they redoubled their efforts and on 71 minutes after a period of prolonged pressure and battering attempts at the visitors line, Lee Broadhead forced his way over and skipper Starr added the extra points for the final action on the scoreboard.
Casuals were unfortunate to suffer 2 yellow cards during the course of the game, although their brave 14 men played so well, the contest was an even one during these periods. So Keyworth are able to maintain their position of second in the league and with 2 matches to go, they can only hope that East Retford do the decent thing and find a way to slip up in their last couple of games and gift us the title. Slim hope!
Special note must go to Phil Dennett, playing in the backs at inside centre and late on at outside half, who worked hard all game and was a willing ball-carrier on numerous occasions. Alex McDonald made a great return, back from University, at scrum-half and Aaron Browning continued to run hard and straight and take a lot of stopping. Sam Tilaks, Tom Muncey and Tom Holmes all carried well and put some good runs in. Luke Jones made his debut and is one to watch for the future, as is Liam Harrison, who shows great commitment to the team.
Tom Bradshaw and Keith Scott worked hard on their return to the team. John Scott and Jack Starr won valuable lineout possession and Mark Scott had some good carries. Overall, a disjointed game, but it’s the mark of a good side if you can win, with a bonus point, when you are not playing at your best. There is a great spirit in this side and they work really hard for each other. They have been a credit to the club badge throughout the season.
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