Keyworth 2s edge home in tight one against strong Long Eaton side.

In what was meant to be an away match at Long Eaton, but was switched to Widmerpool due to pitch problems, it was the Derbyshire side who came roaring out of the blocks. Basic errors put Keyworth 2s on the back foot and forced them to defend in their own 22, almost right from the start. It was also clear that the huge visiting pack were going to make life difficult for the Keyworth eight all afternoon long.
After only 5 minutes, Long Eaton, bolstered by a number of 1st Xv players, were on the scoreboard, with a bullocking try from close range. Conversion added, the home side were facing an uphill battle. They managed to hold out for a further 20 minutes or more before the visitors added a second score after good driving work from the pack created space in midfield. With Long Eaton’s superiority at the scrummage evident, Keyworth were having to defend almost constantly and only brilliant tackling from the likes of Aaron Browning and Jack Starr kept them from adding to their tally.
Three minutes before half-time came a turning point in the match. A Long Eaton midfield move broke down and Tom Holmes was able to hack the ball upfield, with Holmes, Sam Tilaks and Alex Tsang giving chase it was Tsangy who managed to get to the ball first and touch it down to bring the home side right back into the game at a crucial time. It was also at this point that the Long Eaton playmaker at No. 10 was forced to leave the field through injury, another significant moment.
At 12 – 5 down, Keyworth turned round with renewed spirit, knowing that with the slope in their favour and the bit of wind, that they should be able to turn the game in their favour. The home side immediately went on the offensive and began to mount pressure on the visitor’s line. Too many errors and indiscipline meant that it was fifteen minutes into the half before they could draw level. The try was ultimately scored by Lee Broadhead, crossing for his 8th try of the season, after he was driven over by Simon Starr, following good work from Aaron Browning. Sam Tilaks slotted the conversion to bring the scores level.
With the game in the balance, both sides had chances to win, but it was Keyworth who were looking the more likely, with a couple of great breaks from Adam Waldron and the lively Alex McDonald. With Simon Starr and Neil Shanks managing to turn over the opposition ball on an increasing number of occasions, it was starting to frustrate the visitors and after a further midfield break and ball chase it was young Sam Tilaks who won the race to the touchdown to secure the lead for Keyworth on 68 minutes. He duly added the extra points and Keyworth then faced a determined effort from the visitors from Derbyshire, who did everything in their power to save the game.
However, Keyworth were not prepared to relinquish the points and fought them for every inch and after a resolute defensive effort they were delighted to hear the referee’s final whistle. It was a great team effort , by a side that has worked well throughout the season and fully deserve their promotion winning position.
Special mention must go to the front row players this week who stood up against a superior force but didn’t back down. Neil Shanks anchored the scrum, Mark Scott did really well when drafted into service on the loose-head side and Adam Sheen did well at both hooker and loose-head as Keyworth struggled to find the right balance early on. The return of Steve Thornhill for his first appearance of the season, was great to see and it certainly benefitted the bar takings afterwards.
There was also a return for Darryl Jones and a cameo from Liam Harrison, who is still learning the game, but does well when he gets the ball in his hands. Young Ashley Waldron also worked tirelessly in the engine room and got around the field well.
So, with one league match left to play, a double-header away at Ashfield next week and promotion already secured, it’s been a cracking effort, epitomised by the strong spirit shown by Starry’s Super Seconds. The blend of youth and experience has worked superbly and augurs well for the future of the club.