Determination drives 23 – 17 win at Dronfield

Due to injuries, unavailability and late cry offs, Keyworth’s small squad were not able to field a combative front row and the scrummages had to be uncontested. On a narrow pitch with a considerable slope, Keyworth failed to get to grips with the dimensions or use the slope to their advantage in the first half. Frequently trying to run the ball from deep, instead of putting boot to ball, turning the opposition and putting them under pressure, the visitors made repeated handling errors and piled the pressure back on themselves.

The first score went to Keyworth on 5 minutes when the Dronfield midfield crept offside and Sam Tilaks coolly slotted the penalty from 30m out. The next 20 minutes was spent mostly in the Keyworth 22 as Dronfield pressed hard to get on the scoreboard. Their first try came on 24 minutes when they eventually crossed after defensive lapses created the gaps for them to exploit. Dronfield added the extra points for a 7 – 3 lead. This was extended to 10 – 3 a short while later when the home side added a penalty after Keyworth had infringed at the breakdown.

Keyworth did then start to realise that they were up against opposition that were not going to make life easy for them. They redoubled their efforts and their reward came in the form of a Lee Broadhead try off the back of a 5m scrum, converted by Sam Tilaks who also added his second penalty of the half for the away side to take a 13 – 10 lead into the break.

First score of the second half went to Keyworth and it was a cracker! Full back Aaron Browning gathered a Dronfield clearance kick in his 22 and immediately set off on a storming run, brushing aside defenders, before being tackled on the home side’s 10m line, he shipped a super, short pass to Jason Holland, in close support who outstripped the defence to score under the sticks. Sam Tilaks kicked the extra two points and Keyworth had opened up a 10 point lead.

From then on, it was almost all Dronfield as the home side pressed relentlessly and Keith Scott’s troops couldn’t seem to enter a breakdown without infringing in some way or other. Some resolute defence kept Dronfield at bay with Luke Benson and Man of the Match, Doug Martin at the forefront, tackling for all they were worth. However, the Black & Amber wall eventually cracked when a neat kick from Dronfield’s out-half to the wing fell between two Keyworth defenders and the home full back gathered to cross the line. With the ensuing conversion, the lead was down to just 3 points.

The next passage of play featured more rearguard action from Keyworth, who were constantly failing to satisfy the official’s requirements. With 10 minutes to go, Keyworth managed to break out of their 22 and hack the ball upfield, when the Dronfield defence declined to release the ball at the tackle, the referee had no choice but to award a penalty 25 m out and Sam Tilaks did the honours for a 13 point haul, a nice birthday present for the following day.

The last 9 minutes or so were heroic from a Keyworth perspective and how they survived the onslaught is a testament to the spirit and doggedness of this side. With veteran Starry putting in some massive try-saving hits, the Keyworth line held firm until the last play of the game when Dronfield made a fantastic last effort to snatch victory. Jack Starr, playing out of position at outside centre, managed to get his hands under the ball as the Dronfield centre slid towards the line and aided by the fierce tackling James Maddock, they were able to prevent the score under the posts which would have given victory to the home side. The referee awarded Keyworth a penalty for a double movement and that was all she wrote ……..

A tremendous, well earnt, hard fought victory for Scott’s Saracens, whose rightful reward will be first opportunity to play in next week’s fixture against the Harlequins Santas XV, as part of their now famous Christmas Tour. Players are reminded to check the Club website and the Facebook page for details of the match arrangements.

Some great performances from Keyworth players in this ninth victory of the season. Aaron Browning again ran well from out of defence and also put in a couple of decent kicks to add some variety to his play. Tom Martin had a couple of storming runs on the wing and played a full game despite getting a nasty cut on his eyelid just before half-time. Mark King carried well and tackled bravely, as always in midfield and Jason Holland took his try tally to an impressive 7 in 7.

In the pack, Luke Benson’s return to action was a welcome sight and he continually put the opposition backs and back row under pressure. Liam Harrison enjoyed a decent amount of game time as he continues to learn the game and the evergreen Darryl Jones worked tirelessly. Recent father, Lee Broadhead carried well from No 8, putting in some great defensive work and young Doug Martin had his best game to date with some excellent close quarter tackling and a couple of runs with ball in hand. The ever present James Maddock and skipper Keith Scott were an example to all with their commitment and work rate.

Credit must also go to the Dronfield team who fought for victory all the way and were perfectly gracious in defeat. Keyworth players are reminded that training this week will be in the Strength & Conditioning suite at NTU on Tuesday at 6.45pm.