Keyworth IIs edged 31 – 18 by Tupton in exciting last game

A hard fought game at Widmerpool condemned Keyworth to a run of three successive defeats to end their otherwise very good season. With injuries and unavailabilities taking their toll, Keyworth were only able to field one specialist front row forward, resulting in uncontested scrummages throughout the match.

The eighteen players that did turn out, put up a good show, even when this number was reduced to 16 before half-time, losing Jack Starr (ankle) after about 10 minutes and Mark King (shin) on 35 minutes, after a particularly strong driving run down the blindside.

First score of the game went to Keyworth when Sam Tilaks slotted a penalty after Tupton had offended at a ruck about 25m from their line. Within 10 minutes, the visitors had taken the lead when their centre was allowed to drive through the middle of the Keyworth defence after they’d stolen a home lineout on the 22. Although Tilaks was able to add a second penalty, Tupton added a second try just before half-time when their 15 crossed after several defensive errors by the Black & Ambers, enabling them to turn around with a 14 – 6 lead.

Keyworth started the second half strongly and pressed hard at the Tupton line and Adam Sheen put in some good charges from 5m tap penalties. Having crossed the line but held up, Sheeny fed Starry who was credited with the touchdown. Sam’s conversion cut the lead to one point and also took him over the 150 points for the season mark.

Tupton fought back and scored a third try through their winger who beat several defenders to extend the lead to eight points. Once more, the home side rallied and pressed the opposition line and after several drives at the line it was ‘slippery Sam’ who sniped from close to the breakdown, making it a 3 point game. Keyworth tried hard to overhaul the visitors but it wasn’t to be and two breakaway tries to Tupton gave the scoreline a flattering look to the Derbyshire outfit, belying the closeness of the game, which was marshalled well by a good referee.

Lee Broadhead was nominated as Keyworth’s Man of the Match by the Tupton captain and managed to restore some pride to Keyworth ranks as he easily won the Boat Race. Other notable performances came from John Scott, who ruled the lineout and even managed to deny Tupton their 4 ball on several occasions. He was ably supported by his lifters, son Mark and Sheeny. The latter had some useful, charging runs at the opposition line and young Matt Savage played well early on, putting the Tupton defence under pressure and tackling well. Aaron Browning had his usual strong game at the back and Matthew Ellis did everything that was asked of him under difficult circumstances. Zander Wiles gave his usual steady performance and Daniel Benfield put in some good defensive tackles. JP (NG12) Disney also tackled well but found it difficult to gel with half-back partner Sam Tilaks, who will surely press for first team honours next season.

Overall, Keyworth committed too many errors to hope to get anything out of the game and it resulted in a disappointing finish to the season for the seconds. They went down fighting and there’s so much to build on for next season, so there’s no need to be disheartened, particularly as the 1st XV gained promotion with a 56 point whitewashing of Rolls Royce.