Keyworth 2s score 11 tries in phenomenal 63 – 13 win against Long Eaton 2s

Once again, a dominant scrum laid a strong platform, supported by a better lineout performance meaning that the three-quarters had a plentiful supply of possession, which they used to good effect, linking with the forwards at the appropriate time.

The first try was only 5 minutes in coming when Lee Broadhead barged his way over from close range. Jack Starr added a second five minutes later when he finished under the posts, running it in from 25m out after being fed by Zander Wiles. Next to cross was youngster, Connor Sealy, who was named Man of the Match, on the back of an outstanding first half performance with some great elusive running.

On 20 minutes, the Long Eaton scrum half slotted an impressive 30m penalty to get the visitors on the scoresheet and for the next 15 minutes, with Keyworth infringing and making many mistakes, it was pretty even-stevens. The seconds then added their fourth try through Pollard who showed good pace to cross out wide and right on half-time, the Cookster crossed after good approach work by the forwards.

The 31 – 3 half time scoreline really did reflect Keyworth’s superiority in almost every phase of play, although the last 10 minutes of the first half had contained elements of players seeking individual glory rather than putting the man in the better position away.

Lee Broadhead grabbed his second just 5 minutes into the second half before Long Eaton fired right back with a try of their own through their lively scrum half who dived through a pile of bodies to score on the line. The mercurial Jason Holland then scored under the posts after Keyworth had run a penalty from within the Long Eaton 22. Simon Starr, who had been denied earlier by the referee, was then driven over from 15m after a lineout.

Starr then caught the restart, fed Holland who beat a couple of defenders before feeding Starr still in support on his inside. The bald, blind, bloated back-rower then cut a diagonal line that drew the visitors defence wide before slipping a sublime, behind his back pass to Holland who then beat two men to score the try of the game and one of the best seen at Widmerpool in many a year.

Mark King kicked the conversion to add to the 3 earlier ones from Sam Tilaks, who had an excellent all-round game and is improving each week. The next try was also a beauty. Long Eaton won a scrum on half-way, their scrum half picked up and went blind, chipping over the Keyworth defender, he then gathered the ball which bounced just inside the touchline before racing away to the try line.

However, it was Keyworth who had the last word with a further two tries. Lee Broadhead grabbed his hat-trick after poaching a defensive lineout and sweeping away defenders before Alex Tsang got his reward for a solid performance with the final try. A special mention must go to young Doug Martin had a cracking game and really took a step up, which augurs well for the future.

Full credit must go to the Long Eaton guys who never gave up and were competitive throughout. The game was played in a fantastic spirit which then carried on into the clubhouse after the game, where beer and bonhomie flowed in equal measure. A great sing-song, a game of Heads & Tails and plenty of banter brought back memories for the veterans of how rugby clubs used to be and was a real eye-opener for many of the younger Keyworth contingent.