March 8, 2010
RFU National Plate Rd 1.
KESWICK 0 -CALDY 27.
Keswick were anticipating a hard game and that is exactly what they got. Caldy’s senior side play in National 2, five levels above Keswick and many of their under-17s are expected to make the grade as National League players within the next three seasons. There was a poise and authority in the way Caldy played and skills which included the ability to deliver their extensive repertoire at pace.
Caldy set a searing pace which tested Keswick’s high fitness level from start to finish. Caldy attacked with their first possession from receipt of kick-off. Keswick prop Jack Hancock was alert to the danger and reacted quickly to stop a likely try. In the next series of attacks Caldy stretched Keswick and Hancock again, Joe Quail and non stop flanker Harry Rigby all made desperate cover tackles which prevented tries. When straighter more direct attacks were mounted centres Harry Hancock, and Greg Horswill and wingers Andy Muir and Josh Clarke all stood their ground and made hard tackles which stopped bigger attackers dead in their tracks. Keswick played the game with enormous commitment and there was some staggering individual performances by Keswick players. However, Caldy’s main strengths, namely the ability to keep the ball in contact, switch the direction of play and get the ball to under defended areas quickly, exposed Keswick and over deployment at lost rucks presented slick passing Caldy with some inviting gaps.
RFU National Plate Rd 1.
KESWICK 0 -CALDY 27.
Keswick were anticipating a hard game and that is exactly what they got. Caldy’s senior side play in National 2, five levels above Keswick and many of their under-17s are expected to make the grade as National League players within the next three seasons. There was a poise and authority in the way Caldy played and skills which included the ability to deliver their extensive repertoire at pace.
(more…)
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
KESWICK 41 points – OLDHAM 7.
Keswick won well and rediscovered some of the form and confidence unaccountably absent in the previous match at Burnley. Oldham were clearly missing some vital components but at least Keswick realized this at warm up time and then took advantage of the fact during the match.
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
KESWICK 41 points – OLDHAM 7.
Keswick won well and rediscovered some of the form and confidence unaccountably absent in the previous match at Burnley. Oldham were clearly missing some vital components but at least Keswick realized this at warm up time and then took advantage of the fact during the match.
February 17, 2010
NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP.
u-17.
SUNDERLAND 0 – KESWICK 43 points.
Keen to exorcise the memory of Thursday’s County Cup exit at the hands of Carlisle Keswick exploded from the blocks and within ten minutes of the start had scored three tries and established a 17 point lead. The tries were bound by similarity and scored wide on the right by unstoppable wingman Josh Clark (twice) and hooker Eddie Bell respectively. Inspired by the pace around the pitch of their pack, the superb distribution of scrum half Harry Garner, and the powerful bursts of centres Harry Hancock and Peter Weightman Keswick produced deadly accurate ‘go forward’ rugby from the outset and Sunderland were helpless under the onslaught.
Hancock added a fourth try after a lull in which Keswick maintained control but relaxed their intensity. During the mid first half Sunderland recovered from their calamitous start but remained frustrated by Keswick’s refusal to allow any of their initiative to develop. Keswick re raised the tempo and Hancock’s showed Sunderland a clean pair of heels after a turnover ball had been claimed by the hard working James Benson.
NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP – U17.
SUNDERLAND 0 – KESWICK 43 points.
.
Keen to exorcise the memory of Thursday’s County Cup exit at the hands of Carlisle Keswick exploded from the blocks and within ten minutes of the start had scored three tries and established a 17 point lead. The tries were bound by similarity and scored wide on the right by unstoppable wingman Josh Clark (twice) and hooker Eddie Bell respectively. Inspired by the pace around the pitch of their pack, the superb distribution of scrum half Harry Garner, and the powerful bursts of centres Harry Hancock and Peter Weightman Keswick produced deadly accurate ‘go forward’ rugby from the outset and Sunderland were helpless under the onslaught.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 24 points – HEATON MOOR 8.
Keswick eventually won and won well against one of the best teams in the League. In so doing they produced an inspired performance, combining the essential ingredients of grit, determination, fitness and skill. Keswick players would do well to recognize the hint, which is, that if this level of performance came in 80 minute packages, and with a weekly guarantee, Saturday evenings’ happy vibe could exist on a more permanent basis.
The credibility of the notion that Keswick are ‘as good as whoever it is they are playing’ was tested during the first 20 minutes of this match. It’s advocates could be heard gasping ‘if only’; – Heaton Moor began fast, got faster with confidence, and apart from the battle between scrum halves, demonstrated an edge in all the games’ vital hot spots. As usual Keswick scrum half Matty Roper set an inspired example but still Keswick struggled for possession, and went sideways and backwards when they had it. Keswick lacked precision under pressure and failed to develop decent continuity from the breakouts of Jamie McKenzie and David Ray.
Heaton Moor’s main threat existed with a highly paced back division sizzling with a skills repertoire ripe with variety. Their use of cuts from depth, angled run rounds, step backs and misses was augmented by skilled and repeated application of the timed offload. Keswick were stretched and confused and struggled to appropriately deploy their defenders. Keswick hung in with great determination but in the 14th minute were exposed and penetrated outside outside centre by a sharp break backed by superior numbers and a try was scored to the left of the posts. The kick was missed but this was a small consolation against a side who looked capable of even better things.
There is no doubt that Keswick were helped by Heaton Moor’s failure to appreciate the negligible value of non scoring superiority. Keswick would have paid ready money for a gap to attack but during the five minutes either side of their try Heaton Moor either spurned gaps in a search for a better one or were tempted into over elaboration when something more bog standard would have sufficed. All they had to add for a shed load of pressure was three points from a 17th minute penalty.
This alone should have been enough to lift Keswick’s spirits but something more tangible represented even better value and arrived thanks to a piece of typically inspired opportunism by John Hine. Heaton Moor’s comfortable control of the set scrum meant that even when they were awarded one on the edge of their ‘22′ they saw it as a credible attacking opportunity. From an advancing platform, favorably wheeled, there was nothing unusual in Heaton’s choice of a simple 9-8-9 procedure as a means to develop an attack. What is unusual in the circumstances is an opposition interception and Hine’s turbo charged appearance between opponents and subsequent try must have come as a particularly unwelcome surprise to Heaton Moor forwards returning to the upright position. Hine kicked the conversion producing an 7-8 scoreline and, in a game that suddenly became more equal, this lasted until half time.
Heaton Moor began the second half with a greater reliance on their forwards. For a long ten minutes this represented a challenge that stretched Keswick to the limit. Although Keswick’s set scrummage became more settled by the introduction of replacement Ashley Gaskell the pressure close to the goal line was monumental and Keswick’s discipline and commitment in the tackle had to be spot on. Under testing circumstances try saving tackles were registered by Roper, Andy Wallace, Aaron Thompson and Carrick Wharmby. As usual Ray was prominent at the sharp end and was the inspiration who best exemplified Keswick’s instinct for survival. Amidst the chaos created by continuous goal line rucks, Heaton Moor’s admirable approach play was not augmented by quality of finish and there was a key incident, probably borne of frustration, from which Keswick drew enormous inspiration. Following tackles by Ben Bentham and another, a try saver by Harry Hancock, Heaton Moor were awarded a penalty. The penalty was undoubtedly kickable but, influenced by their field position and monopoly of pressure Heaton Moor opted to scrummage. Keswick resented the implication and drove the scrum sideways and to a position where Heaton Moor’s possession was scrappy and redundant. A minute later when Heaton Moor’s widest attacker opted to cut back towards the goalposts rather than go for the corner he was met by the combined tackles of Wallace and Thompson and another chance was lost.
Geed up by survival heroics and a more reliable set scrum and lineout Keswick set a higher defensive line and eventually escaped their own half thanks to a big turnover tackle by Mike Branthwaite and dart by Brian Storey. Heaton Moor slowed the ball illegally and fighting the temptation to kick for position Hine chanced his arm with a kick at goal. The distance was 45 metres and at the limit of his range but a well struck shot cleared the bar by no more than 3” and Keswick had a 10-8 lead.
Heaton Moor were not done for and Keswick had to remain alert particularly when the visitors threequarters exploded into life from the back of the pitch. Wallace was again called into action to stop an outside break by Heaton Moor’s right winger but this was one of the last of Heaton Moors’ opportunities to regain the lead. There was greater confidence in everything Keswick did and as the game maintained it’s pace entering the final quarter, growing evidence of Keswick’s edge in fitness. The shift in balance was barely perceptible but gained momentum when Heaton Moor were turned by deep carrying kicks by Hine and Storey supported by well organised chases led by Thompson and Ray. The games’ defining moment arrived in the 67th minute when Heaton Moor lost direction and not for the first time became lost running out of defence. Just inside the Keswick half Storey made a big tackle and the ball went loose before being claimed by Ray. Ray span a pass to a thinly populated blind side where Keswick were 2 to 3 against and represented by prop forward Graeme Marshall and winger McKenzie. McKenzie is a natural finisher and Marshall isn’t, so it was mildly alarming when Marshall ignored the passing option in favour of something more adventurous. Marshall’s explosion through the first tackle was determined but was accompanied by a unanimous plea that he should ‘pass now!’. He didn’t, and with defenders, as well as McKenzie, trailing in his wake he found top gear early and went all the way to the try line – unarguably a distance of 60 metres!. Hine kicked the valuable conversion and all of a sudden, and for the first time, victory in the match seemed more likely than defeat.
Keswick were the better side during the time that remained and relied on the sensible option as as the basis of their approach. Heaton Moor played the catch up game well and could never be discounted, but were unable to dictate the direction of the game as they had done earlier. They were most made to regret earlier missed chances when Keswick manufactured a 78th minute try from a 9 phase move during which most of the team seemed to make a contribution. The try was finished by Ray after Joe Roper’s goal bound dash, Gaskell’s enterprising switch, and a run by Hine stopped a metre short of the lime.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 24 points – HEATON MOOR 8.
Keswick eventually won and won well against one of the best teams in the League. In so doing they produced an inspired performance, combining the essential ingredients of grit, determination, fitness and skill. Keswick players would do well to recognize the hint, which is, that if this level of performance came in 80 minute packages, and with a weekly guarantee, Saturday evenings’ happy vibe could exist on a more permanent basis.
.
The credibility of the notion that Keswick are ‘as good as whoever it is they are playing’ was tested during the first 20 minutes of this match. It’s advocates could be heard gasping ‘if only’; – Heaton Moor began fast, got faster with confidence, and apart from the battle between scrum halves, demonstrated an edge in all the games’ vital hot spots. As usual Keswick scrum half Matty Roper set an inspired example but still Keswick struggled for possession, and went sideways and backwards when they had it. Keswick lacked precision under pressure and failed to develop decent continuity from the breakouts of Jamie McKenzie and David Ray.
February 13, 2010
U 17s Table
Played Won Lost Draw Fair Play Points League Points Total Points
Consett 7 5 1 1 1 29 30
Keswick 5 3 2 28 28
Ryton 8 6 2 26 26
Blaydon 5 3 2 18 18
Darlington Mowden Park 4 3 1 17 17
Acklam 5 2 2 1 15 15
Sunderland 7 1 6 9 9
Hartlepool Rovers 2 1 1 7 7
Gateshead 2 2 3 3
U 17’s Table
|
PLAYED |
WON |
LOST |
DRAW |
LEAGUE POINTS |
|
TOTAL POINTS |
| CONSETT |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
29 |
|
30 |
| KESWICK |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
28 |
|
28 |
| RYTON |
8 |
6 |
2 |
|
26 |
|
26 |
| BLAYDON |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
18 |
|
18 |
| DARLINGTON MP |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
17 |
|
17 |
| ACKLAM |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
15 |
|
15 |
| SUNDERLAND |
7 |
1 |
6 |
|
9 |
|
9 |
| HARTLEPOOL ROVERS |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
7 |
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
U 16’s Table |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLAYED |
WON |
LOST |
FOR |
AGAINST |
DIFF |
Points |
| Penrith |
5 |
4 |
1 |
150 |
41 |
+109 |
8 |
| Carlisle |
4 |
4 |
0 |
133 |
24 |
+109 |
8 |
| Keswick |
8 |
3 |
5 |
122 |
125 |
-3 |
6 |
| Workington |
5 |
2 |
3 |
95 |
75 |
+20 |
4 |
| Hawcoat P |
5 |
2 |
3 |
65 |
141 |
-76 |
4 |
| Wigton |
6 |
2 |
4 |
63 |
172 |
-109 |
4 |
| Cockermouth |
3 |
1 |
2 |
15 |
65 |
-50 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
ALDWINIANS 15 points – KESWICK 15.
It is a measure of Keswick’s improvement that a trip to Aldwinians is no longer perceived as a mission impossible. However, a hardened mindset is no guarantor of good form; lots went wrong, and against a Aldwinians side apparently afflicted by a comparable number of issues, Keswick achieved a draw with a stuttering performance in a dull game.
And the achievement should not be underrated, Aldwinians, could, should and nearly did win the match but through a mixture of occasional good luck, a refusal to give in and critical superior fitness Keswick were still in with a shout at the end of normal time. A surge by the Keswick pack, slowed illegally by Aldwinians, enabled skipper John Hine to claim the draw with a dramatic and difficult final minute penalty kick at goal.
Against Workington in the previous match Keswick got away with a three prop front row arrangement lacking a specialist hooker. It didn’t take Aldwinians so long to rumble this deficiency and with superior technique and timing they were soon claiming wholesale scrum ball against the head. It gave back-footed Keswick an additional headache they didn’t need, but for the first half at least they bore the extra defensive workload well and critically the Keswick lineout remained sound.
When Keswick had the ball they looked very threatening. In addition to possession claimed from lineouts there was that won at tackles, mainly those made by centres Brian Storey and Mike Branthwaite, and that from regular spillages by the out of sorts Aldwinians threequarters. Big Aldwinian hoofs down-field were pointless and unproductive and were caught consistently by Keswick’s reliable back three defenders. In particular Andy Wallace from full back made some long and penetrative counter attacking runs. Keswick’s best combination moves were inspired by scrum half Matty Roper who twice broke up the inside left channel before linking, in the first instance, with loose forward Steve Hodgson and then winger Jamie McKenzie. Both moves became boxed in near the touchline but were only a final pass away from greater reward. There is no doubt that Keswick missed the ball stealing ability of the absent David Ray but there was at least potential to create greater counter rucking damage with the promise of the introduction from the replacements bench of Bryan Mol.
Aldwinians missed 2 penalties and Hine one, before Keswick’s breakaway try in the 20 minute. As ever Storey was quickly up in defence and flattened his opposite number with a shuddering tackle. Storey remained upright and picked up the bouncing loose ball without breaking stride. With Hine on his shoulder Storey sprinted beyond halfway before releasing Hine from 30 metres for a try under the crossbar. A successful conversion gave Keswick a priceless 7 point lead.
In a close but desperately dour second quarter Keswick survived until injury time. It was then that, aided by a penalty kick to the corner, Aldwinians fully exploited their scrum advantage. Aldwinians created workable blind side space from their fourth scrum in succession and a try and conversion tied the scores at half time.
The second half was similarly close but more deeply affected by the breakdown of execution present in both sides. The contest was big on commitment, often misdirected down the road of over aggressive posturing, yet lifted above the mediocre by the isolated contributions of occasionally inspired individuals acting alone. All over the place there was the failure to react to cues and the collapse of ensemble procedures normally regarded as standard bread and butter. Whilst giving the impression of a good side waiting to happen Aldwinians never looked capable of scoring until Keswick offered them penalty possession and then irresistible space in front of goal. It was the 60th minute, Aldwinians claimed a very soft try, and the only good thing for Keswick was that the home side missed the unbelievably easy conversion.
Two minutes later Aldwinians were awarded a more difficult, but non the less straight penalty and a successful attempt created an identical scenario to that faced by Keswick in the previous match. That is that even with a converted try they would still be one point short of a result.
Undeterred Keswick stepped up the pace of the game and were awarded two critical penalties when, at successive rucks there were more men present earlier and Aldwinians were panicked into indiscretion. For five minutes the referee seemed to like Keswick, Aldwinians dived into rucks with witless abandon and the penalty count was reversed in Keswick’s favour. Inspired by this unexpected good fortune the Keswick pack came to life and despite the complete demise of lineout quality foraged for loose balls and scraps of possession better than at any time during the match. As anticipated Mol made a big impression at the ruck which became a much more productive source of turnover possession. In response to a better supply Hine fired the back division; a long pass to Wallace created a running opportunity for the Keswick full back and the creation of a try scoring chance for Matty Roper. The opportunity was missed as Aldwinians scrambled but two good scrums maintained the position and when Hine next fired a pass to Wallace there was greater and more urgent support from the Keswick pack. Play was kept alive by Carrick Wharmby and replacement Richard Fletcher who drove purposefully at Aldwinians’ first up defence. The possession was fast and brilliant passing across the back division enabled McKenzie to drive over in the far left hand corner. The conversion was missed but Keswick needed another score in any case and improving against a spent up side the scene was set for a big finish and Hine’s priceless final contribution.
This Saturday Keswick play Heaton Moor at Davidson Park. This is sure to be a difficult game for Keswick given Heaton Moor’s sustained pursuit of Wigton at the top of the table. When Keswick visited Heaton Moor in October they faced a side on top form, full of attacking ideas behind the scrum and with sufficient pace and passing accuracy to regularly expose the Keswick backs. Keswick hope to welcome back hooker Ashley Gaskell and flanker David Ray.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
ALDWINIANS 15 points – KESWICK 15.
It is a measure of Keswick’s improvement that a trip to Aldwinians is no longer perceived as a mission impossible. However, a hardened mindset is no guarantor of good form; lots went wrong, and against a Aldwinians side apparently afflicted by a comparable number of issues, Keswick achieved a draw with a stuttering performance in a dull game.
And the achievement should not be underrated, Aldwinians, could, should and nearly did win the match but through a mixture of occasional good luck, a refusal to give in and critical superior fitness Keswick were still in with a shout at the end of normal time. A surge by the Keswick pack, slowed illegally by Aldwinians, enabled skipper John Hine to claim the draw with a dramatic and difficult final minute penalty kick at goal. (more…)
February 5, 2010
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
WORKINGTON 23 POINTS – KESWICK 22.
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
WORKINGTON 23 POINTS – KESWICK 22.
This was an entertaining game of contrasting styles and was lost as closely as the scoreline suggests. Keswick played admirably and had their chances to win. Five percent more possession, or even the addition of the appropriate injury time may have been enough to tip the balance in Keswick’s favour. It was not to be and Keswick had to be consoled merely by an improved performance that suggests the possibility of a finish in the top half, or even the top third, of the Cumbrian / North Lancashire League table.
(more…)
January 29, 2010
CUMBRIAN COUNTY LEAGUE
UNDER-16.
KESWICK 14 points – PENRITH 19.
UNDER-14.
KESWICK 13 points – CARLISLE 45.
Keswick eventually crumbled against a Carlisle side driven by a handful of massive forwards who are capable of dictating the game. With those forwards providing the launch pad the rest of a capable side, led with impressive authority from stand off, can deliver their lines with time to spare. Keswick, who themselves have bags of ability and were a match for Carlisle in other areas, have a lot less power available, but stayed with Carlisle for the first of three 20 minute ‘thirds’. As possession dried up and tackle fatigue set in Keswick found Carlisle simply too hot to handle. Seeing the way Carlisle imposed their will on this match makes Keswick’s away win against the same side in November seem even more of a brilliant achievement than was realized at the time.
This was Keswick’s first defeat of the season but no team should beat themselves up for losing against someone better and like the good side they are Keswick will bounce back at the first opportunity.
Keswick’s tries were scored by Alvin Tsoi and Dan Stephenson. Robet Bland kicked a penalty.
CUMBRIAN COUNTY LEAGUE
UNDER-16.
KESWICK 14 points – PENRITH 19.
UNDER-14.
KESWICK 13 points – CARLISLE 45.
Keswick eventually crumbled against a Carlisle side driven by a handful of massive forwards who are capable of dictating the game. With those forwards providing the launch pad the rest of a capable side, led with impressive authority from stand off, can deliver their lines with time to spare. Keswick, who themselves have bags of ability and were a match for Carlisle in other areas, have a lot less power available, but stayed with Carlisle for the first of three 20 minute ‘thirds’. As possession dried up and tackle fatigue set in Keswick found Carlisle simply too hot to handle. Seeing the way Carlisle imposed their will on this match makes Keswick’s away win against the same side in November seem even more of a brilliant achievement than was realized at the time.
This was Keswick’s first defeat of the season but no team should beat themselves up for losing against someone better and like the good side they are Keswick will bounce back at the first opportunity.
Keswick’s tries were scored by Alvin Tsoi and Dan Stephenson. Robet Bland kicked a penalty.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 11 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 16.
Keswick’s victory at Kirkby Lonsdale in October was the result of the season and one which elevated Keswick to their highest ever league position. Since then a series of mishaps have stalled further progress. A flood, a freeze up and at least two additional postponements which could best be described as unnecessary, have meant Keswick have not only lost a bit of form but have become the C.N.L.L side who have played the fewest matches.
This match promised much and was eagerly awaited. All Keswick’s matches against Kirkby Lonsdale are tough and usually close. It is generally recognised that Kirkby are a better side which is why so much value is attached to beating them. Both sides dipped into the reserve pool for this match but recognised the inadvisability of letting this be known. Keswick weren’t sure whether playing last week, when Kirkby didn’t, gave them an edge or not. It was good to pretend it did.
Keswick had every intention of taking the game to Kirkby but were given no chance to do so as Kirkby began with a flourish. Everywhere Kirkby looked sharper and by the progress achieved ‘in close’ by their loose forwards, by hard straight thrusts of their centres, and the high box kicks expertly launched by their scrum half, Keswick endured particular exposure. The tackling and fielding of kicks was sound but achieved under pressure. There was no escape, – Keswick couldn’t get near the ball, a problem exacerbated by Kirkby’s early statement of a rock solid set piece and the visitor’s try after six minutes play bore the hallmark of inevitability.
Kirkby returned to the attack and although Keswick’s appreciation of the dangers of over-manning at lost rucks became more apparent and successfully slowed Kirkby, Kirkby continued to hog the ball and denied Keswick the chance of further improvement with fast defensive advances and accurate tackles. Keswick’s attacks arrived in isolation, Harry Hancock found a bit of space on the right and achieved Keswick’s most advanced position with a good run. On the left Keswick released Jamie McKenzie who ran hard and straight and helped create the position from which John Hine was able to kick Keswick back into contention with a tricky penalty shot. The last act of a fast and generally one way first quarter was a successful penalty by Kirkby.
Then the game changed, and for no other reason other than the creation of that indefinable spark, this time provided by scrum half Matty Roper. For once Keswick made ground on the short side of a ruck and Roper exploded between two defenders before an accurate pass to the right released Hine into more appreciable space. Hine’s good work was completed by a beautifully weighted offload hit at full tilt by Joe Roper. Roper only achieved a short gain in ground but in doing so attracted three defenders responsible for policing adjacent areas. It was Keswick’s first forward momentum and when the ball eventually arrived, via Roper, in the hands of extra centre Dave Ray, Kirkby were spread too thinly to challenge. Ray made a rapid 30 metre diagonal break after which his pass to McKenzie was delivered with such precision that what could have been a tricky finish was made to look easy. Keswick worried Kirkby for the rest of the half and could have scored again after developing further forward momentum and improved fluency across the pitch.
Half time came at a bad time for Keswick and Kirkby benefited more from the break. Like the good side they are they re imposed their earlier grip and achieved this not by the kind of all out attack demonstrated in the game’s early stages but by a slower more methodical route based on maintaining territory. Keswick lived off scraps and even though there was much to admire in Keswick’s defensive efficiency and eye for a breakout opportunity Kirkby oozed a confident air.
There was still much to suggest a greater closeness; both sides narrowly missed penalties at goal, there was less assurance and composure when Kirkby moved the ball wide, and both sides were diminished by sin binnings. However, this too worked against Keswick and during the period when the scoreline became a close 11-13, it was Keswick who would have benefited most from the permanent presence of 15 men.
There was thrills and spills all the way to the end of a good game. Kirkby went further ahead with an easy straight penalty which meant Keswick needed a try to draw, or a conversion or two penalties to win. Despite a good determined effort neither seemed likely against a Kirkby side made to work for their success but too seldom asked questions they were unable to answer.
CUMBRIAN SHIELD.
ST.BENEDICT’S 12 points – KESWICK ‘A’ 6.
Keswick looked as if they were having a struggle to raise a side but plenty effort was invested in the pursuit and as suspected the players were there all the time. Inconsistent availability has become such a feature of club rugby below 1st team level that it is never now the case that Tuesday selection can take place in the confident knowledge that the players who were available for the last match will be available to play in the next one. The predicament is further complicated by the inconsistent availability of opponents and disruption to the programme created by floods and freezes. Some matches where Keswick were thick with players have been postponed and that headache hurts most when precious time has been spent sorting out a side. As usual Keswick ‘A’s loyal hard core were raring to go and from their ranks a new captain, Tom Partington, rose to the challenge and plugged various gaps with chums from the School team. A patched up side, top heavy with forwards, left Davidson Park with 15 players but Tom had a hunch that a ‘maybe’ — that is a player who at the last minute decides he will play rather than decides he won’t, could be waiting at the venue. Keswick also knew that student Josh Graves, the sort of bloke you need between a rock and a hard place, was home for the weekend and ‘gagging for a game’.
As expected the game was hard from start to finish and Keswick’s predominantly inexperienced side stood up well to a searching physical test. Like Keswick, St Benedict’s take the Cumbrian Shield competition very seriously and both they and Keswick are well capable of threatening Silloth’s position as competition favorites. Despite the presence in the side of so many forwards Keswick set out to play as they always do and throughout the match tried to do more with the ball than their opponents. Where St Benedict’s excelled was in the close quarter exchanges where they drove hard and low and exercised their superior muscle. Keswick were exposed in this area and in the words of their captain ‘got away with a lot less’.
Keswick never gave up and created try scoring chances which more than once failed on the last pass. When they had to defend, which they did for long periods Keswick made some great tackles and did well to restrict St Benedict’s to only two tries one of which was converted. Paul Ireland making a long overdue and very welcome comeback has lost none of his kicking prowess and he scored Keswick’s points with two successful penalties.
Keswick’A’ have no match scheduled this Saturday but one is being sought in the hope of building upon the promise demonstrated in this match. The situation is complicated by the requirement to play away from home (again) because of preparations for the Sportsman’s Dinner at the clubhouse.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 11 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 16.
.
Keswick’s victory at Kirkby Lonsdale in October was the result of the season and one which elevated Keswick to their highest ever league position. Since then a series of mishaps have stalled further progress. A flood, a freeze up and at least two additional postponements which could best be described as unnecessary, have meant Keswick have not only lost a bit of form but have become the C.N.L.L side who have played the fewest matches.
.
This match promised much and was eagerly awaited. All Keswick’s matches against Kirkby Lonsdale are tough and usually close. It is generally recognised that Kirkby are a better side which is why so much value is attached to beating them. Both sides dipped into the reserve pool for this match but recognised the inadvisability of letting this be known. Keswick weren’t sure whether playing last week, when Kirkby didn’t, gave them an edge or not. It was good to pretend it did.
January 21, 2010
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
NETHERHALL 15 points – KESWICK 21.
The game took place at one of only two playable Cumbrian North Lancashire venues but Keswick’s appreciation of such privilege was tempered by an unusual level of anxiety. Keswick were way below their best in the matches which preceded the big freeze and six weeks of postponements did not disperse memories of bad away days at Wigton and Upper Eden. Effective rehabilitation has been complicated by spasmodic training, and for this return to action there were seven members of the regular squad unavailable for selection. Despite their current league position Netherhall are notoriously difficult opponents who never appear to need much motivation to up their game against Keswick.
Keswick failed to sustain the promise of a very bright opening which saw the efficient movement of ball from the early breakdowns and a powerful midfield line break by Carrick Wharmby. The ball was moved left and debutant centre Harry Hancock continued the move. There was a succession of untidy heaps caused by Keswick’s failure to deliver effective offloads but Netherhall were penalised for hands in the ruck and John Hine successfully kicked Keswick into a 3-0 lead.
Keswick had the start they wanted but were turned and suffered an immediate loss of concentration when minutes later Netherhall placed an angled kick deep into their 22. At first there appeared time to clear the ball but Keswick opted to mount a counter attack. Labored passes lacked the necessary accuracy and Netherhall’s chase further reduced Keswick’s options. While Keswick dithered Netherhall regained possession, moved first right and then left, beat a slow drift with a simple but accurate last pass and crossed the line for a try, duly converted.
This score changed the mood of the game with Keswick alerted to the possibility of defeat and Netherhall, encouraged and enthused by their success ever more ready to take advantage of further lapses. The game became faster with David Ray at the cutting edge of Keswick’s gradual recovery. This improvement was briefly disrupted by a successful Netherhall penalty achieved against the run of play, and by Keswick’s failure to establish true passing accuracy. There was no lack of effort and this was finally rewarded by a well executed try. A good move was finished under pressure by right winger Bruce Rigby but had its origins in a well won turnover by Ben Bentham well used by Ashley Gaskell. Gaskell’s explosive break down the narrow side was embellished by a superb dummy which fooled the only defender likely to make the necessary tackle. Hine’s conversion tied the scores.
Netherhall threatened whenever they had possession and their set scrum looked increasingly strong. Despite more uncharacteristically iffy short passing Keswick retained the initiative and scored next after further pressure inspired by Matty Roper’s blind side break and Hancock’s dribble to within inches of the Netherhall try line. Keswick were awarded a 5 metre scrum from which thrusts by Aaron Thompson and Ray created space sufficient for Bentham to drive over the line.
After such an underconfident performance Keswick would have welcomed a half time lead but their concession of a second soft try in stoppage time meant the interval score was tied at 15-all.
The score served it purpose as a wake up call and Keswick started the second half with a strong attack which nearly brought a try for Thompson. The flow of play was in Keswick’s favour mainly due to a superior performance by their back row forwards and the promptings of Roper. A penalty kick by Hine found the target and although Keswick looked more comfortable having achieved an 18-15 advantage they still lacked the appearance of a side for whom victory was certain.
There was less to worry about than there might have been had Netherhall been able to find a higher gear and fully develop their advantage at the set scrum. Keswick’s high defensive line and offensive tackling was sufficiently efficient to keep the home side at a safe distance. Netherhall’s best progress was achieved by big kicks from stand off and full back but none of these threatened serious damage. Netherhall did not exploit Keswick’s only real sticky second half period during which time action men Bentham and Thompson both left the action through injury.
Keswick took 60 minutes to fully appreciate that their best means of back footing Netherhall was to raise the match tempo and that this was best achieved with well supported short drives. From one drive led by Gaskell and Wharmby a ball was provided for Rigby who was then obstructed after kicking ahead. A penalty was awarded and Hine kicked successfully for the reward of a further three points.
The game was still not safe and Netherhall, whose spirits would most certainly have been damaged by a further score by Keswick, continued to be inspired by thoughts that the game was still winnable. For a worryingly long five minutes during the final quarter Keswick showed signs of dodgy nerves and the concession of unnecessary penalties during this time was indicative of a side riddled by ring rust. In the end Keswick’s best form of defence was to attack and kicks to the corner by Hine and Brian Storey pinned Netherhall in their own half where the Keswick pack exerted enough control to contain Netherhall’s ambition.
More than anything else Keswick welcomed a return to action and it was good that the team emerged largely unscathed from a challenging assignment. There was lots of mitigation for a less than brilliant performance and a win is a win however it is dressed. Keswick’s long awaited return to Davidson Park takes place on Saturday with a potentially even tougher match against Kirkby Lonsdale.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
NETHERHALL 15 points – KESWICK 21.
.
The game took place at one of only two playable Cumbrian North Lancashire venues but Keswick’s appreciation of such privilege was tempered by an unusual level of anxiety. Keswick were way below their best in the matches which preceded the big freeze and six weeks of postponements did not disperse memories of bad away days at Wigton and Upper Eden. Effective rehabilitation has been complicated by spasmodic training, and for this return to action there were seven members of the regular squad unavailable for selection. Despite their current league position Netherhall are notoriously difficult opponents who never appear to need much motivation to up their game against Keswick.
Keswick failed to sustain the promise of a very bright opening which saw the efficient movement of ball from the early breakdowns and a powerful midfield line break by Carrick Wharmby. The ball was moved left and debutant centre Harry Hancock continued the move. There was a succession of untidy heaps caused by Keswick’s failure to deliver effective offloads but Netherhall were penalised for hands in the ruck and John Hine successfully kicked Keswick into a 3-0 lead.