July 8, 2010
Session four, won for the second week running by a team skippered by Will O’Donnell, was attended by 49 players, – a good turn out considering an estimated 20 players were treading the boards in simultaneous hit musicals. The sun was in but it was very warm with a welcome slight breeze. Â Sides captained by Will, Abby Scott, Claudia Cartmell, Lewis Thompson, Matty Kerrison and Matty Atkinson were down to (mostly) eight a side but this gave a bit more space and 127 tries were scored. Â Will’s team were well organised and applied the basics to the letter. Will’s sister Catherine, a prop in real life but here located on the left wing, was top individual on the night scoring ten of 25 tries and benefiting most from the team’s deadly accurate right to left ball movement. The team only dropped one point on their way to victory, this was in a 5-5 draw in their first match against Claudia’s team. Claudia’s team remained unbeaten, were joint top scorers with the second best margin (+6) and registered the evening’s biggest match winning score (10-4), Â but with four draws only finished third on the night. Abby’s team were runners-up and played well but not well enough in the final match against Will’s team where a win by more than a two try margin would have secured the title.
The sky above Skiddaw and to the south was black and thundery but no body cared. There was a lot of celebrating going on, half concerned with the end of exams and some with England’s soccer success in the World Cup. The former seemed more of a drain on attendance but additionally some absentees, – students mostly, are abroad on holiday. Still, sixty two players attended session two of this summer’s touch rugby programme. This was only a marginal increase on last week’s attendance and meant that the preferred six team format could be adopted. Teams were captained by Peter Weightman, Dean Robinson, Dominic Westle, Paul Ireland, Matthew Atkinson and Richard Sykes.
There was a lot of good play particularly from those sides which were well stocked with players who can motor a bit. Where those sides also contained rookies from the aged 5-10 bracket, who have a dispensation to run beyond the first, and sometimes second, touch there is real potential for damage. The team selection process which seeks to equalize the distribution of talent only achieves this to an extent and teams with the best chance of tournament success usually reveal their potential in the first round. This was the case at session two with Paul’s team and Dean’s team recording respective  3-1 and 4-3 wins over Peter’s team and Matty’s team. Their edges were related to critical speed of thought and execution in midfield areas where the best playmaking takes place and is the origin of moves mostly finished in the corners. Dean and Paul’s team kept winning; that was until the penultimate round when an inspired performance by Matty’s team (composed mostly by his mates) produced their best performance of the night to draw (5-5) with Paul’s team.  A rare quirk of the matrix meant that Paul and Dean had to play each other in the last round to decide the round robin.
The decider was a wonderful match, as semi serious as Summer Touch ever gets, played at top speed, and was as close as the 5-5 scoreline suggests. For Paul’s team Eve Jenkinson made the game’s first break which started a bit of midfield chess dominated by younger players developing the skills and awareness to make the hard yards and keep the ball alive. Wider out for Paul’s team Karen Roberts and Stephen Hindmarch crafted telling angles with deft offloads and switches executed at top speed. In opposition Jacob Tonkin, Dean himself and Alvin Tsoi remained up-tempo but patient, and never wasted an opportunity to release their ever elusive youngsters William Atkinson, Seb Sanderson and Oliver Anderton. Scoring was alternate and at half time Dean’s team led 3-2.
Defences dominated in the closing stages but five more tries were scored, the best two for Dean’s team created by Catherine O’Donnell and finished by Siobhan Lamb.
The sky above Skiddaw didn’t move all night but it didn’t rain. Everyone left in a rush in case it did and missed the confirmation that  because of Wednesday’s Memorial Service to be held at Crosthwaite Church, next week’s Summer Touch is on Thursday evening.
Session 4, won for the second week running by a team skippered by Will O’Donnell, was attended by 49 players, – a good turn out considering an estimated 20 players were treading the boards in simultaneous hit musicals. The sun was in but it was very warm with a welcome slight breeze. Â Sides captained by Will, Abby Scott, Claudia Cartmell, Lewis Thompson, Matty Kerrison and Matty Atkinson were down to (mostly) eight a side but this gave a bit more space and 127 tries were scored. Â Will’s team were well organised and applied the basics to the letter. Will’s sister Catherine, a prop in real life but here located on the left wing, was top individual on the night scoring ten of 25 tries and benefiting most from the team’s deadly accurate right to left ball movement. The team only dropped one point on their way to victory, this was in a 5-5 draw in their first match against Claudia’s team. Claudia’s team remained unbeaten, were joint top scorers with the second best margin (+6) and registered the evening’s biggest match winning score (10-4), Â but with four draws only finished third on the night. Abby’s team were runners-up and played well but not well enough in the final match against Will’s team where a win by more than a two try margin would have secured the title.
Session 2
The sky above Skiddaw and to the south was black and thundery but no body cared. There was a lot of celebrating going on, half concerned with the end of exams and some with England’s soccer success in the World Cup. The former seemed more of a drain on attendance but additionally some absentees, – students mostly, are abroad on holiday. Still, sixty two players attended session two of this summer’s touch rugby programme. This was only a marginal increase on last week’s attendance and meant that the preferred six team format could be adopted. Teams were captained by Peter Weightman, Dean Robinson, Dominic Westle, Paul Ireland, Matthew Atkinson and Richard Sykes.
There was a lot of good play particularly from those sides which were well stocked with players who can motor a bit. Where those sides also contained rookies from the aged 5-10 bracket, who have a dispensation to run beyond the first, and sometimes second, touch there is real potential for damage. The team selection process which seeks to equalize the distribution of talent only achieves this to an extent and teams with the best chance of tournament success usually reveal their potential in the first round. This was the case at session two with Paul’s team and Dean’s team recording respective  3-1 and 4-3 wins over Peter’s team and Matty’s team. Their edges were related to critical speed of thought and execution in midfield areas where the best playmaking takes place and is the origin of moves mostly finished in the corners. Dean and Paul’s team kept winning; that was until the penultimate round when an inspired performance by Matty’s team (composed mostly by his mates) produced their best performance of the night to draw (5-5) with Paul’s team.  A rare quirk of the matrix meant that Paul and Dean had to play each other in the last round to decide the round robin.
The decider was a wonderful match, as semi serious as Summer Touch ever gets, played at top speed, and was as close as the 5-5 scoreline suggests. For Paul’s team Eve Jenkinson made the game’s first break which started a bit of midfield chess dominated by younger players developing the skills and awareness to make the hard yards and keep the ball alive. Wider out for Paul’s team Karen Roberts and Stephen Hindmarch crafted telling angles with deft offloads and switches executed at top speed. In opposition Jacob Tonkin, Dean himself and Alvin Tsoi remained up-tempo but patient, and never wasted an opportunity to release their ever elusive youngsters William Atkinson, Seb Sanderson and Oliver Anderton. Scoring was alternate and at half time Dean’s team led 3-2.
Defences dominated in the closing stages but five more tries were scored, the best two for Dean’s team created by Catherine O’Donnell and finished by Siobhan Lamb.
The sky above Skiddaw didn’t move all night but it didn’t rain. Everyone left in a rush in case it did and missed the confirmation that  because of Wednesday’s Memorial Service to be held at Crosthwaite Church, next week’s Summer Touch is on Thursday evening.
April 28, 2010
KESWICK U-17s 27 points – KESWICK U-16s 17.
This match took place after the withdrawal of both the scheduled Northern Tri-Counties Championship opponents. Hartlepool Rovers and Ryton pleaded players injured, promoted to and subsequently exhausted by the social demands of senior rugby, or immobilized abroad with volcanic ash. The Keswick lads were programmed to play, are no strangers to full contact practice against their mates, and recognised that this was the best and only alternative.
It was a highly dynamic game played heads-up with extra space made available by the absence of three flankers. (The under-17s had 13 men and the under-16s 14.)  The game was ripe with accomplished individual performances, use of tested structures familiar to both sides, good improvisation and occasionally broken up by daft reciprocal kicking. Watching coaches compromised in their distaste of the inappropriate and  tactically unsound boot welcomed the various counter attacking opportunities that arose.  When the critical areas of ruck, maul and set piece produced such a riveting but no compromise stalemate, superior counter attack became the most available route to worthwhile momentum.
There was little to chose between the sides in a close first half.
Jack Howard evaded a couple of flimsy tackles and scored first for the under-16s. Five minutes later Harry Rigby stuck the ball under his arm and took the direst route for an equalizing try under the sticks. Andy Muir kicked the under-17s ahead with an easy conversion. The play remained close with good under-16s defence countering the combined threat of under-17s centres Harry Hancock and Harry Rigby. For the opposition Peter Weightman made good tackles and was frequently fastest up to make big contributions to subsequent attacks. At the scrum there was excellent technique from all four props with no discernible edge. Similarly at half back John Richardson for the under -17 looked potent on the break but in response for the under-16s there was a typical masterclass in distribution from Harry Garner. Scrum halves Dean Robinson and Will Crossley hassled each other at the base of the flanker-less scrums but had greater respect for each others space when play arrived in wider areas. Harry Hancock scorched outside the defence to score, and seconds later Muir added to the under-17 tally with a third try. Weightman followed up on Garner’s chip over the defence to reduce the arrears just before half time and the game was delicately balanced at 17 points – 10.
There was less during  a competitive second half to indicate the notion of ‘friendly’. Under -17s skipper Joe Quail twice elected to go for goal from easy penalty kicks and when one was successful it put the older side into a clear winning lead. Then the referee was moved to issue a warning after some over robust exchanges and players were reminded that house match or no house match there would be no escape from the yellow card beginning to twitch in his pocket. Hancock broke free from 70 metres, scorched up the left hand 5 metre channel and survived a high clip from brother Jack en route to the line. Hancock kicked the conversion himself. It was try of the match but only until under-16s prop forward Eddie Bell’s interception and 50 metre reply registered higher still on the banking clapometer. This reduced the margin once again to a catchable 7 points and for the middle ten minutes of the final quarter momentum was in favour of the under-16s There were determined line breaking runs by Patrick Wilmott, Will O’Donnell and the super-committed Josh Clark. The best scoring chance came from a penalty awarded in front of the sticks which the under-16s opted to run. Fleetingly there was a gap but this was plugged by Rigby’s superb cover tackle.
The referee was true to his word and during a relentlessly fast and hard final quarter the yellow card score became a close 1-1. Given the chance Quail elected to go for goal again and Muir’s penalty made the final score a safer 27-17.
MINI RUGBY.
COCKERMOUTH TOURNAMENT.
Under-12s.
Keswick played four matches and the results were as follows:
Keswick 0 – Penrith 21 points,
Keswick 7 points – Cockermouth 7,
Egremont 42 points – Keswick 0.
Wigton 14 points – Keswick 14 points.
As expected the round robin was dominated by Egremont who are clearly ambitious and highly motivated and remain unbeaten this season. Keswick did their best against them but lacked the power to resist such a well equipped side. In the closer games Keswick played really well and showed that during the season they have improved their skills, spatial awareness and team work.  Howard and Gary have done a brilliant job coaching the side and the considerable touchline support for this team has been  ever enthusiastic and sporting.
Tries were scored by James Sant, Sam Maddison (2) and George Holme. Sam Maddison kicked Keswick’s 4 conversions.
On Sunday Keswick under-12s play the last rugby of the season when they visit Cockermouth again to play a three way friendly against Cockermouth and touring Lymm RFC.
Under-10s
Keswick under-10s have done really well this season. They started with hardly any players and finished strongly with good displays in recent tournaments and matches. In the Cockermouth Tournament with the aid of some borrowed players they played good rugby, and enjoyed themselves into the bargain. Tom Hind and William Westle, Keswick’s two original players, and George Attwood, who is not just a key man on the pitch but thanks to his player recruitment skills, a key man off it, must be very proud that the season has finished on such a high note.
Keswick played Egremont, the best team in the county, in the first match and in the first half matched their powerful opponents. Egremont got the better of Keswick in the second half and thanks to their strength and organization beat Keswick 3 tries -0.
In the match against Millom Keswick really hit their stride and thanks to good bursts and good passing by everyone in the team won by 4 tries -1. Tries were scored by Tom Nelson, Scott Maxwell(2) and Tom Hind.
Keswick continued their good form and were unlucky not to win their third match against the hosts Cockermouth. Cockermouth won a fast and skillful match by 4 tries -2 but it could have gone either way. Keswick’s tries were scored by Will Westle and Tom Hind.
It was raining steadily but Keswick produced a highly competent display to beat Wigton by 4 tries to 1. A Cockermouth player Harry Bibby loaned to Keswick opened the scoring and was followed over the line by Tom Nelson, Will Westle and Tom Hind. Wigton were a good side and scored a deserved try but Keswick’s defence was good and there were good tackling performances from George Attwood, and the less experienced players Matthew Newton and Ben Maddison.
Harry Bibby of Cockermouth scored Keswick’s try in their final match against Aspatria, which if it had been won would have meant that Keswick finished as runners up. It was a draw, 1-1, so Keswick finished in joint third place.
The team performed very well and their efforts were appreciated by the player’s parents and other supporters, as well as Cockermouth parents and supporters shouting for players kindly lent to Keswick.
Paul Clarke has been a wonderful coach and there are great expectations for next season.
KESWICK U-17s 27 points – KESWICK U-16s 17.
This match took place after the withdrawal of both the scheduled Northern Tri-Counties Championship opponents. Hartlepool Rovers and Ryton pleaded players injured, promoted to and subsequently exhausted by the social demands of senior rugby, or immobilized abroad with volcanic ash. The Keswick lads were programmed to play, are no strangers to full contact practice against their mates, and recognised that this was the best and only alternative.
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CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 7 points – FURNESS 10.
Keswick players and supporters have learned during this broken season that the level of consistency which guarantees that a good performance will necessarily be followed by another, cannot be assumed. In particular, the evidence of the second half of 2009 -’10 suggests it is still miles distant and  Keswick should dwell on their pre-Christmas form rather than ponder the pain of this unsatisfactory denouement.
It was generally recognised that Keswick’s display in the previous  match against St Benedict’s was one of their best of the season; beating St Benedicts was a genuine and important achievement made possible by the delivery of an appropriate, accurate and committed performance. Two points, achieved  against similarly placed opponents, were priceless in the quest to emulate last season’s seventh placed finish and a further two against Furness, another adjacent rival, would have cemented this. Everybody wants to win their last match and it didn’t seem much to ask that Keswick deliver a similar, or better, performance in a game taking place on the same pitch only four days later. It was the size of the disparity between the performances that was so alarming and it is tempting to seek comfort in the fantasy that the games took place in the opposite order.
The Keswick squad was changed from Tuesday to Saturday but particularly thanks to the re appearance of David Ray and Paul Henderson, only in a way which made it look stronger. Despite this Keswick made a poor start which helped a Furness side playing safe and without much menace to develop confidence and a priceless foothold. During the first 10 minutes Furness posed no threat other than they set the pace, kept the ball, and pinned Keswick in or near their ‘22′.
Whilst defending Keswick misplaced much of their attacking brio , and this was best illustrated in the malfunction of first half moves which on a good day would have developed into obvious try scoring opportunities. In the first instance John Hine’s step across the oncoming defence and hard flat pass released Andy Wallace into the space outside outside centre. Wallace accelerated onto the ball but was wobbled by an ankle tap and fell in a heap just when he looked to be clear. Hine repeated his step and quickness of pass just after this  and Jamie McKenzie made ground before being swamped. Minutes later from Hine’s precision cross kick into a big empty space right winger Viv Wilmott also fell flat as he stretched for the bouncing ball. Matty Roper, McKenzie and David Ray, players whose contributions throughout the season have sparked many a breakthrough, bust a gut for the cause but were variously deflected or swallowed by Furness’ efficient defence. Hine missed a difficult penalty shot at goal, taken after a more obvious tap-and-go option to an undefended corner space was rejected for want of a sharp response.
Furness took a 7 point lead to half time with a try from forward pressure and a hard short blast through two tackles by one of their props. It was a breakthrough but not one to unduly trouble Keswick who were aware that even a slight improvement could immediately change the course of the match. For Keswick it had to be a case of making things happen instead of merely waiting for them to happen.
The second half of the match saw Keswick frustrated by their own lack of precision, uphill struggle to improve, and the simple but disciplined approach of a Furness side maintaining a high defence, happy to absorb the shots and play the percentages. Their efforts were driven by the expertise of their decision makers who kicked well when appropriate and had a much fuller appreciation of the implications arising from Keswick’s absence of form than Keswick had themselves.
Keswick kept trying and were not let down by their fitness which was ever present and inspired a ten minute spell of superiority when an equalizing try, and better, became more and more likely. Firstly Hine’s passes opened up some more opportunities to strike through the midfield channels but frustratingly Keswick did not make the best use of these. Â Then McKenzie, Ray and Roper were principle carriers in a surge up the left wing and Carrick Wharmby and Phil Smith arrived with other muscle to prevent a repetition of the slow ball continuity which had blighted a multitude of previous attacks. Roper and Hine threw fast passes left to right and Brian Storey and Wallace combined to send Harry Hancock over the line for a try in the right hand corner. Keswick’s confidence was boosted by Hine’s superb touch line conversion which produced a level scoreline.
The next ten minutes were critical to the outcome and were influenced by some important refereeing decisions. Half way line penalties were exchanged tit for tat and as a result of kicks to the corners both sides had to desperately defend lineout drives which went close to claiming decisive scores. The penalty awarded against Keswick on the edge of their ‘22′ which enabled Furness to take the lead was a harsh call alleging a high tackle but with five minutes left Keswick were still in a position to steal the match. Keswick’s next attack was slowly developed but exposed a tiring Furness defence turned by Ray’s chase of Wilmott’s counter attacking run and speculative kick. Branthwaite’s run onto Ray’s scooped pass appeared to be perfectly timed but a forward pass was called denying Branthwaite a try under the crossbar. With seconds remaining Keswick were awarded a penalty for Furness’ offside. With time critical Keswick opted for a tricky goal kick which floated wide and all too soon the match and the season, was over.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 7 points – FURNESS 10.
Keswick players and supporters have learned during this broken season that the level of consistency which guarantees that a good performance will necessarily be followed by another, cannot be assumed. In particular, the evidence of the second half of 2009 -’10 suggests it is still miles distant and  Keswick should dwell on their pre-Christmas form rather than ponder the pain of this unsatisfactory denouement.
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April 22, 2010
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
Keswick 28 points – St Benedict’s 19.
Inspired in part by the presence of a large number of spectators Keswick produced their best performance in weeks to beat St Benedict’s. St Benedict’s played their part in a wonderful match which was in the balance until a 78th minute drop goal by John Hine finally gave Keswick a comfortable winning margin.
The game got off to an explosive start with tries by both sides inside the opening five minutes. For Keswick Jamie McKenzie was on the end of a six man cross field passing move but 30 metres out and with three defenders standing between him and scoring glory Keswick’s leading try scorer still had plenty to do. McKenzie did what he does best and opted for the straight line option. After exploding past the first defender successive expertly timed fends saw off the challenges of opponents two and three.
Keswick were given no time to enjoy the lead and St Benedict’s reply was instant and positive. Keswick struggled to make first up tackles and there was particular damage inflicted by the midfield charges of the bigger half of St Benedicts’ well tuned centre combo. Keswick were slow to drift as the ball moved left to right and a with  a try and conversion St Benedict’s claimed the lead. St Benedict’s also claimed the initiative and for the middle portion of the half were clearly the better side. Keswick were very slow to fully appreciate the need to advance and drift after a short lineout and St Benedict’s scored when they quickly moved the ball to a thinly defended area outside outside centre. However Keswick did well to restrict the visitors to only this score during this period and this was due in no small measure to an all round improvement at the tackle.
Keswick finished the half strongly and were at their expansive best in the build up to tries tries scored by McKenzie and Phil Smith. Right winger Harry Hancock was involved at the start of both moves, not for the first time breaking with speed and conviction outside his marker. Hancock bossed the contacts which eventually stopped him, and provided passes which kept the fledgling moves alive. Hine then demonstrated further skill and imagination by throwing long passes into the areas where strikes were possible. For McKenzie’s try Carrick Wharmby and Tom Partington provided essential spadework and in the try scored by Smith Hine’s penultimate cut out pass to Andy Wallace ensured that Smith’s run was into a big empty gap. Hine converted Smith’s try and at half time Keswick led 17-12.
The second half began badly for Keswick. There was critical indecision at the first maul and the ball was lost at the ensuing ruck. Keswick were in bother and even though they claimed the ball at the half’s first scrum St Benedict’s were on hand to accept the gift when the ball ended up loose in goal. A successful conversion meant St Benedict’s were back in the lead.
Keswick persisted with their wide game and despite the occasional passing difficulty experienced by various players occupying the acting scrum half role midfield distribution particularly that of Hine and Brian Storey was ever fluent. Wallace entered the line in a move that was ended by St Benedict’s illegal entry into a ruck. Hine kicked an excellent penalty to re establish Keswick’s lead.
For Keswick there was lots of effort to secure loose ball  and this was provided by Wharmby, Ben Farrell and Graham Marshall in particular. The scrums were constant hard work but props Joe Roper and James Hinkley never budged against bigger opposite numbers and this was typical of key factors present in the close engagements which contributed to an increasingly enthralling contest. Moreover,  never during the season has so much been achieved in the same game by Keswick’s wingers. Off the early ball Hancock used his pace and always made ground on the outside and McKenzie, usually, with less space to play with deployed the Samoan sidestep to great effect. The St Benedict’s wingers began to experience further exposure when Hine began to aim kicks in their direction and from one of these in the 64th minute McKenzie arrived on cue, created a bit of chaos and crossed for a try on the back of what appeared to be a lucky bounce.
Keswick had the lead but not the overall control and during a period of imprecise first up defence it was only good cover which stopped St Benedict’s more successful exploitation of breaks by their ever dangerous stand off. Farrell and Mike Branthwaite were key movers in  Keswick’s urgent and essential return to defensive efficiency and after defending inside their ‘22′ for a long five minutes at the start of the fourth quarter repeated tackles and a turnover ensured a hard won escape. The Keswick scrum survived a 10 minute period of reduction to 7 men and kicks into the corners increasingly kept St Benedict’s at a safe distance.
The pace of the game remained lively all the way to the end and the consensus amongst the Keswick players was that it was one of the most enjoyable victories of the season.
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
Keswick 28 points – St Benedict’s 19.
Inspired in part by the presence of a large number of spectators Keswick produced their best performance in weeks to beat St Benedict’s. St Benedict’s played their part in a wonderful match which was in the balance until a 78th minute drop goal by John Hine finally gave Keswick a comfortable winning margin.
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COUNTY CUP SEMI-FINAL
Under -14.
KESWICK 12 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 44.
Keswick were well beaten by a form side demonstrating superior all round technique, and greater precision in the basics. This particularly applied to the performance of Kirkby Lonsdale’s backs who produced a fast and accurate performance which repeatedly exposed Keswick’s defensive frailty. From the loose, and after the set piece, Keswick’s unpreparedness for Kirkby’s rapid attacks cost them territory and having established the line break Kirkby’s pace and provision of endless support was critical.
Kirkby scored first but Keswick responded well and a try by James Addyman followed good approach play. Keswick were soon in another good position and only a penalty conceded unnecessarily at a lineout curtailed momentum which suggested the possibility of a further score. Kirkby punished Keswick with a change of gear and soon began to build a score. Keswick began to struggle to compete, failed to make the best use of their limited possession, and with a further three tries the half time score became 7-24.
Keswick showed signs of improvement after the interval but Kirkby’s all round efficiency never dipped to a level where Keswick could claim more than a fleeting upper hand. The pattern was established whereby Keswick had to work like crazy to make ground whereas when Kirkby claimed possession their penetrations were quick and showed the unmistakable signs of a side in control of what happened next.
Kirkby scored two further tries in the third quarter before Addyman drove over from a 20 metre tap penalty to reduce the margin. Keswick never gave up but despite their effort never got close to their best form. Kirkby sealed an impressive victory with a seventh try late in the match.
UNDER-13.
COCKERMOUTH 68 points – KESWICK 0.
Desperately short of players in the Year 8 community (15 in total to be precise) Â Keswick gave them selves a glimpse of what might be possible when a side was fielded to play a match against Workington last month. There was even greater optimism when the side played well and beat Workington, and it therefore became realistic to imagine that further progress would be realized by playing another match. Keswick were further weakened when three players in the selected side became unavailable and another player was lost when his services were required in the club’s under-14 side. There being no reserve pool, Cockermouth were advised that Keswick would be represented by an incomplete side, but just how incomplete was not realized until Sunday morning when further selected age group players failed to appear.
There is no doubt that those Year 7 players promoted to fill the gaps did their best to compete and rise to the occasion but Cockermouth were a formidable, more experienced side blessed with bags of energy and the disciplined ruthless streak essential to ensure the best use of  such natural advantages.
From the start of the game Keswick were on the back foot and, mainly relying on accurately executed wide plays, Cockermouth soon built a big lead. Keswick could not establish any forward momentum and on extremely limited possession were either pressurised into errors or dispossessed before they had a chance to threaten the gain line. When Cockermouth had the ball they were difficult to tackle, and either through pace or power, but usually a combination of both, penetrated the Keswick defence at will. After tackles on Keswick players Cockermouth usually emerged with the ball and repeatedly, with one pass, created opportunities to strike. Despite the heroic example set by Keswick’s most experienced players Matthew Newton in the forwards and Dan Harrison in the backs, and the notable contributions of the less experienced James Sant and Jack Bland at fullback and flanker respectively, Keswick conceded tries at regular intervals and by half time the score was 42 points-0.
The biggest challenge facing Keswick in the second half was to try and stop Cockermouth scoring so frequently, as well as try to build some attacking phases of their own. A damage limitation scenario was recognised as was the likelihood of a request for an early finish.
As expected there was no let up from Cockermouth even though the pattern of the game was briefly disrupted by some promising continuity from Keswick followed by runs at the heart of the Cockermouth defence by Newton and fellow prop forward Tom Rooney. One run by Rooney burst several tackles and represented Keswick’s closest scoring attempt, and on the other side of the pitch, just minutes later, it took an outstanding tackle to halt a powerful straight run by Newton.
Cockermouth added four more tries in the second half before the referee recognised Keswick’s request that there being no useful purpose served by carrying on there should be an early end to the game.
The Keswick players were complimented on their achievement of completing a fixture that it would have been all to easy to avoid or dodge out of at the last minute. The non appearance of so many players, and the promotion of so many less experienced players, made this a more difficult assignment and against a very tough side playing good rugby at least Keswick gave it their best shot.
COUNTY CUP SEMI-FINAL
Under -14.
KESWICK 12 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 44.
Keswick were well beaten by a form side demonstrating superior all round technique, and greater precision in the basics. This particularly applied to the performance of Kirkby Lonsdale’s backs who produced a fast and accurate performance which repeatedly exposed Keswick’s defensive frailty. From the loose, and after the set piece, Keswick’s unpreparedness for Kirkby’s rapid attacks cost them territory and having established the line break Kirkby’s pace and provision of endless support was critical.
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Under-16.
KESWICK 17 points – WESTMORLAND BARBARIANS 14.
The Keswick team for this game was made up predominantly of Under-15 players, Under-16 replacements from the match before, and in the absence of numerous selected players, some players who had  participated against Wigton. Keswick still had plenty players to allow for the rotation necessary in the circumstances and on a beautiful day for rugby spectators were treated to another good, entertaining performance.
There was less to choose between the sides in this match and this closeness was evident right from the kick off. Keswick were not so strong in terms of experience, and Westmorland Barbarians have strengthened their squad and improved with wear. The early exchanges were fast and hard and Keswick were given an early indication of the visitors potential. Westmorland Barbarians drove with control down the inside right channel, moved play through several pairs of hands and resisted some uncharacteristically slack tackles en route to the game’s opening try.
Keswick re grouped, and well led up front by replacement prop  forward Will O’Donnell, and from behind the scrum by half back Harry Garner, soon established a bit of composure. This was essential in the battle against enthused opponents given to all out attack and not short of skill and ideas. It also helped when Keswick turned the flow and mounted attacks of their own. Loose forwards Rorie Henderson, and Jack Howard, and prop Eddie Bell, tackled well to secure turnover possession and were present to offer support to the breaks made by centre Patrick Wilmott and full back Lewis Thompson. Westmorland Barbarians scored a second try from a good move involving a smart interchange between their forwards and midfield backs but Keswick were competing well against a good side and crucially, from a good move of their own in the final play of the half, achieved a try by Jack Hancock.
The second half was just as fast as the first but the big difference as far as Keswick were concerned was that there was a significant improvement in the standard of their tackling. Tackling is always important but in a match as close as this one effective tackling becomes an imperative which will favorably tilt the balance in the war for turnover ball. In this area it was refreshing to witness the  open minded attitude to the ruck employed by referee Ben Farrell. No stranger he to the rucks’ dark arts, Ben talked well, allowed huge latitude at the breakdown, and by virtue of his informed consistency facilitated a thoroughly entertaining spectacle.
Keswick still trailed going into the final quarter but replacement  Peter Weightman’s presence gave the team a boost when they needed it  and not for the first time O’Donnell drew inspiration when he made a massive gain in ground with a determined run. Thompson continued to be perpetually involved from full back and emerged as the game’s outstanding individual. Keswick’s younger players all figured prominently and, demonstrating growing confidence, wingers Ben Pepper and Ben Graves both made key contributions to the tries scored by Dean Robinson and Wilmott which secured Keswick’s hard fought win. Wilmott’s try was converted by Garner.
Under-16.
KESWICK 17 points – WESTMORLAND BARBARIANS 14.
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The Keswick team for this game was made up predominantly of Under-15 players, Under-16 replacements from the match before, and in the absence of numerous selected players, some players who had  participated against Wigton. Keswick still had plenty players to allow for the rotation necessary in the circumstances and on a beautiful day for rugby spectators were treated to another good, entertaining performance.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
FLEETWOOD 34 points – KESWICK 27.
This was a very entertaining spectacle, which in the après match deflation of close defeat was of scant consolation to Keswick players. Keswick played their part in a close game but lost when they failed to add to a clear lead during a period of dominance, and then, critically, failed to cope when Fleetwood’s outstanding play maker came to life during the final quarter.
The lead which changed hands six times during the match was claimed by Keswick in the second minute. The kick off was caught cleanly and after a ruck, and a scrum on the half way line, a decisive break right towards the narrow side touchline by Matty Roper achieved both forward momentum and a yard of space. The beneficiary was right winger Harry Hancock who punished an opponent who chose to show him the outside, with a blinding turn of pace. Hancock ran parallel to  the touchline for 40 metres before expertly stepping inside the fullback and scoring a try under the crossbar. Brian Storey kicked the conversion and Keswick had dream start.
The schpeel in the match programme replicated that of the most recent web site match reports which heaped praise on the contribution of Fleetwood’s young stand off. Keswick took note but as the game entered a pattern it soon became easy to appreciate what the fuss was about. Whilst possession was equally shared with a lot of turnovers, some successful wide plays and hard won ground gained up the middle of the pitch, Fleetwood edged the battle for fast possession and when they achieved it, it was invariably utilized to the best advantage by their talented outside half. His two well supported breaks after Keswick had lost possession led to tries for Fleetwood which established a 12-7 lead.
Keswick recovered not so much by solving the problem but by dictating some play of their own, and remaining patient, during the more measured and deliberate development of attacks. The try scored by Viv Wilmott, which led to their reclaiming the lead, came at the end of a multi-phase move featuring a determined run through several tackles by Jamie McKenzie, and accurate long flat passes, first going left, and then returning right, by Storey and Mike Branthwaite. Storey’s conversion put Keswick ahead again but not for long as Fleetwood’s next attack ended in the award of a penalty and their claim of a 15-14 lead.
Keswick were on top for what remained of the half and were rewarded for some sound approach play with a successful penalty at goal, kicked by Storey, and then after good work by the forwards, a telling gain in ground from Storey’s measured kick to the right hand corner. Carrick Wharmby led the charge after the caught lineout but Fleetwood stopped the drive two metres short of their line. It looked as if there was nothing doing until Dave Ray rolled off the back of the maul and sneaked over the line and scored undetected. Storey kicked the goal giving Keswick had a priceless 9 point lead at half time.
Keswick’s stranglehold on the third quarter might have been comprehensive but apart from the addition of a Storey penalty after 54 minutes, and numerous close calls, failed to produce the killer try which might have sealed the result. Keswick’s territorial dominance produced several moves which threatened tries but it also back footed Fleetwood so effectively that counter attack was impossible and the influence exerted by their playmakers was reduced to easily manageable proportions.
For 20 minutes Keswick dominated the loose play, hounded Fleetwood when they had the ball and with Wharmby setting a fine example maintained a very high defensive line which offered no gaps. Forwards James Hinkley, Phil Smith and Graeme Marshall responded to the promptings of scrum half Roper and carried the ball with great determination. Their repeated claim of hard yards consigned Fleetwood to a total pre-occupation with defence.
By comparison the fourth quarter of the match was like a throwback to that which was experienced during the early matches of last season. It was then that Keswick learned the hard way that mistakes and lapses of concentration are invariably punished with tries against, and that this becomes especially true when the opposition have playmakers with an eye for the kill.
There was no defining turning point, – just a loss of possession closely followed by the concession of a penalty, closely followed by a bit of panic leading to a absence of defensive shape. Keswick dithered as Fleetwood struck and in an instant a try scoring opportunity was seized. Keswick still had the luxury of a cushion but this didn’t last long and Fleetwood’s fourth try, and equalizing conversion, were scored as a result of a quick break, a brilliantly executed midfield run-round, and quick switch passes which made Keswick look as if they were frozen to the spot.
All of a sudden a draw looked like an attractive proposition for Keswick but given  decent possession Keswick still looked fit and inventive and there was some re claim of composure in the plays which followed. The action came to resemble a less controlled version of the first half exchanges where spats for possession took place between the 10 metre lines and there was no prospect of a decisive breakthrough. This stalemate was broken by a series of powerful carries by Fleetwood’s loose forwards who made their yards despite Keswick’s tackles. Possession was everything and Fleetwood’s control of the ball at this crucial stage was decisive. The winning try arrived with five minutes remaining, scored on the edge of a goal line pile up by Fleetwood’s replacement prop forward.
Keswick finished well but with Fleetwood committed to all out defence, it was difficult to construct the kind of move that was likely to produce a killer break. With it necessary to keep the ball on the pitch Keswick twice ran penalties from the back of the pitch and runs by Roper, Branthwaite, Andy Wallace and McKenzie took play as far as the edge of Fleetwood’s ‘22′. Fleetwood held out  leaving Keswick with the consolation was that at least they had been part of a cracking match.
The other fact worth pondering is that the Cumbrian North Lancashire League must be a decent competition when a team as good as Fleetwood needed this win to finally clear the relegation zone.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
FLEETWOOD 34 points – KESWICK 27.
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This was a very entertaining spectacle, which in the après match deflation of close defeat was of scant consolation to Keswick players. Keswick played their part in a close game but lost when they failed to add to a clear lead during a period of dominance, and then, critically, failed to cope when Fleetwood’s outstanding play maker came to life during the final quarter.
April 7, 2010
UNDER-17 – NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP
KESWICK 36 points – DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK 17.
Keswick are top of this league but there are still big matches remaining, and owing to the elaborate points system, still a lot of calculations to consider. Keswick have decided that it is best to ignore the table, keep playing well and in an entertaining manner and try to keep winning. This was potentially a tough match but possibly not as tough as the match with Consett to follow. Keswick won a hard, tight game at Darlington Mowden Park in October but were without star men John Addyman, Harry Rigby and Peter Weightman for this match. Not for the first time this season Keswick were grateful to have reliable strength in depth.
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Cumbrian / North Lancashire League.
ECCLES 25 points – KESWICK 7.
Keswick produced a praiseworthy performance to beat Eccles on the Keswick School pitch in October. It was noted at the time that Eccles were a useful side, with a big mobile pack and an inventive back line occasionally distracted by their search for a common wavelength. Nothing much has changed between then and now, although there is no doubt that this fixture would have carried greater significance if it had been played when it should have been in December. Moved to Easter this became one of those mid-table games, with a premature ‘end of season’ feel, where with less at stake and understrength sides, pride and performance takes priority over result and home advantage counts for more than usual.
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KESWICK ‘A’ 24 points – KESWICK VETERANS 5.
The Veteran’s match which has a proud history within the club was resurrected last season and returned again this year thanks to popular demand. The experiment to play in the evening worked for most; everybody loves floodlights and the club’s latest facility was no doubt a factor in attracting a good sized crowd. Veterans were in plentiful supply meaning there was no need to invite guests, and ‘A’ team regulars experienced the luxury of having more players than they needed, including some very capable exiles and students. If the team that appeared here was available every week, winning the The Cumbrian Shield and Shield Knockout would become a formality.
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