Keyworth IIs 7 Chesterfield IIs 6

A re-arranged Security Plus Pennant League match saw Chesterfield give Keyworth a real run for their money. Not that you’d have thought that if you had watched the first five minutes. Keyworth got off to a storming start and an attack straight up the middle of the park saw the ball moved to Jason Holland who fed blindside flanker Jack Starr in support and he ran it in from 20m after only 4 minutes. Sam Tilaks added the extra points and Keyworth were off to a dream start.

However, the dream nearly turned into a nightmare as Chesterfield were in no mood to roll over and what followed was a classic close fought battle between two evenly matched sides. Keyworth had the ascendancy at the scrums (for those in the scrum, that means we were better than them!), the lineouts were pretty even and Chesterfield’s backs and kicking game were more proficient. Mind you, when compared to Keyworth’s kicking game they didn’t have much to compete against. To say it was woeful, would be kindness in the extreme.

Chesterfield pulled back 3 points on 15 minutes when Keyworth were penalised at the breakdown, not for the first or the last time. Their inability to understand where the back feet of a breakdown lay was to cost them dear on numerous occasions. In fact the first half penalty count was 10 to 1 in favour of the visitors. Keyworth were actually fortunate that the persistent technical offences did not result in a yellow card from Mr Mawhood, the official.

The game went to and fro with Keyworth squandering much of the scummage ball that they had through poor passing and decision-making. On the stroke of half time, Chesterfield scored their second penalty to close the gap to a single point.

Whilst the second half failed to deliver any further points it was a nail biting affair with Keyworth coming closest to scoring when Connor Sealy was just prevented from grounding the ball in the corner. Both sides did everything they could to score but the defence from both back rows was immense. Jack Starr led the way for Keyworth, tackling his heart out and justifiably taking the Man of the Match award for the first time.

Keyworth added a couple of new faces to their line up in the form of young lock Matthew Savage, who scrummaged well and showed up well in the loose. Even younger Ben Marston also had 10 minutes and made a strong impact at the breakdown, clearing out well. Returning University student Tom Holmes ran well in midfield and Simon Batchelor returning from injury for his first full game of the season did well in the tight. His front row compatriot James Maddock put in sterling work at the scrum and also in defence. John Scott pinched quite a bit of Chesterfield ball at the front of the line and his brother Keith kept his troops driving to the end, determined not to relinquish the lead. Luke Benson and Doug Martin also tackled well throughout, helping to keep the Keyworth line intact.

Amongst the backs, Aaron Browning had another good game. Alex Tsang ran hard in attack and learnt that his chip-kicking abilities are something that need a lot more work on. Tom Martin improved again with some strong runs and Zander Wiles defended well at close quarters.

Without a doubt, it was the spirit and commitment of this team that kept a determined Chesterfield side at bay. The biggest areas for improvement are the need to reduce the penalty count, particularly at the breakdown and not to question or second guess the referee’s decisions. On the positive side, Keyworth seconds have had a tremendous first half of the season, losing only twice in 13 games and lying 3rd in their Pennant League.

Hopefully they can carry this form into the second half of the season and continue to develop the younger players, who so far are doing a great job and enjoying playing for Scotty’s Saracens. The two week break over Xmas and New Year will give injuries a chance to clear up and for players to keep working at their fitness (have I got the right vowel there at the start??) levels. It will also provide the chance for those who haven’t yet paid their annual subscriptions to sort out their finances if they wish to be considered for selection in future.

Captain Scott and Team Manager Starry wish all players a fantastic Festive Season and look forward to seeing them fighting fit for 2012.