March 11, 2010
Under-17
NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP.
KESWICK 37 points – BLAYDON 26.
Blaydon 1st XV play in National 1 which is is even higher in the pecking order than Caldy, whose under-17 side knocked Keswick out of the National Plate in last week’s match. Keswick were aware of Blaydon’s strengths which are dictated by a massive pack and attention was focused on avoidance of the kind of situations where this advantage could best be utilized. It was another of those games of contrasting styles; the Keswick pack were asked to play above their weight and hang in as best they could, and the Keswick backs were asked to deliver a match winning performance on the back of the likely hood of limited possession. It was important that Keswick scored first, which they did, and that Blaydon’s ability to cope with a relentlessly fast game was challenged from the off.
Keswick’s assessments were correct, Blaydon were seriously formidable up front but under the inspired leadership of Joe Quail Keswick resisted their power and delivered a heroic tackling and set piece performance. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Quail flanker Harry Rigby topped the tackle count and was one of Keswick’s top performers. Blaydon scored four tries, two of which were from unstoppable driving mauls and two from speculative kicks which bounced unpredictably in directions which favored Blaydon. Keswick’s tries were the product of quickly generated momentum, skilled negotiation of close contact, and fast release to half backs conditioned to act both off the cuff and with the precision necessary to best activate the pace that existed amongst the wide receivers. In the first half there was parity until a burst of a scoring by Keswick just before half time produced a more comfortable 30 points – 14 scoreline.
There was a pile of pressure from Blaydon at the start of the second half but thanks to dogged Keswick resistance and a fluffed touchdown, only one try. Only fleetingly did Keswick look derailed by this setback, or by a fourth Blaydon try scored rather too late to matter. Keswick finished on top and with a further try secured a praiseworthy result in a memorable match.
Keswick’s tries were scored by Harry Hancock 3, Will Crossley and Will Ruggles. Andy Muir kicked 3 conversions and 2 penalties.
Under-16.
County Cup and County League.
CARLISLE 22 points – KESWICK 17.
This was a double header made necessary because of fixture congestion. Keswick played well against their bogey team and in a physically hard and competitive match might have won with a bit more luck. Keswick’s tries were scored by Peter Weightman 2 and Dean Robinson. Harry Garner kicked a conversion.
(Cumbrian Under-16 League Table)
MINI RUGBY.
Egremont Minis were Keswick’s latest guests and were represented at three age levels by about 50 players.
Under-12.
Egremont are having a very good season at under-12 level and after watching their performance in this match it is not difficult to understand why. Keswick gave a brave performance in the face of a well organised, well coached and at times unstoppable onslaught, but with less than 40 per cent possession and that which was available delivered under considerable pressure Keswick found ‘go-forward’ extremely difficult to achieve.
Keswick’s own success this season is based on more than just winning and increased participation, enjoyment which is undiminished even by defeats like this, an appreciation of the value of sportsmanship, and the development of new skills are highly valued achievements attributable to the contribution of coaches Howard Winter, Paul Clarke and Gary Metcalfe. Keswick have a great many under-11s in their squad who all played well and one, Keelan Johnson, scored Keswick’s only try. George Holme had a great game for Keswick and die hard regulars Jacob Price, Josh Brown and Ali Cornforth never gave up despite their limited opportunities on the ball.
Under-17
NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP.
KESWICK 37 points – BLAYDON 26.
Blaydon 1st XV play in National 1 which is is even higher in the pecking order than Caldy, whose under-17 side knocked Keswick out of the National Plate in last week’s match. Keswick were aware of Blaydon’s strengths which are dictated by a massive pack and attention was focused on avoidance of the kind of situations where this advantage could best be utilized. It was another of those games of contrasting styles; the Keswick pack were asked to play above their weight and hang in as best they could, and the Keswick backs were asked to deliver a match winning performance on the back of the likelihood of limited possession. It was important that Keswick scored first, which they did, and that Blaydon’s ability to cope with a relentlessly fast game was challenged from the off.
(more…)
CUMBRIAN/ NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 44 points- ALDWINIANS 14.
This match was a lot looser and less tense than the 15-15 draw which occurred at Aldwinians five weeks previously. It was also a nice day and on a very firm Davidson Park park pitch, with a full strength side and a well worn route to the try line established last week against Oldham, Keswick had all the ingredients they they wanted.
The match began well for Keswick, there was good yardage gained in runs by Matty Roper, Graeme Marshall and Harry Hancock and everybody seemed keen to get their hands on the ball and throw the early pass. Prop forward Joe Roper stepped through close contact and threw two beauties off the left hand, the second of which released full back Andy Wallace. Wallace made good ground, was offered support by Roper and Carrick Wharmby and Keswick were unlucky not to score. John Hine opened Keswick’s account with a well hit penalty but the elusive ‘early’ try remained beyond them. Keswick, who in the pre match warm up had specified the need to improve the quality of their support runs from depth twice arrived at the pass too early and were guilty of knock ons with the line in sight. Aldwinians enjoyed plenty possession and some good field position but Keswick were good on the drift and on the edges where Wharmby in particular made some very good close quarter tackles.
Keswick’s scoring breakthrough in the 13th minute was achieved by unusual means and occurred with Aldwinians in possession and advancing into tight space on the left of the pitch. A tackle dislodged the ball and Hine, the first man to it, swung a foot to send it in the direction of Aldwinians’ goal line. There was a race between Aldwinians full back and Keswick winger Bruce Rigby, won by Rigby, and Keswick achieved a deserved eight point lead.
There was better to come and the steady increase in the tempo of the game was inspired by Keswick. Largely responsible for this improvement was scrum half Roper whose 20th minute explosion through a half way line ruck not only split the Aldwinians’ defence but opened up a route to the try line. The subsequent score was a piece of opportunistic genius which could have been interpreted as the inspiration for further pressure on the visitors. Instead Aldwinians rallied and with the ball hidden effectively and driven from a lineout it was Keswick’s defence which was exposed to scrutiny. Aldwinians scored and converted and for a while Keswick looked a bit shaky. A successful penalty by Hine re established a winning lead before half time but the loud and clear message was that this game still had a lot of life left in it.
In the second half Aldwinians were given some hope by Keswick’s failure to develop some promising early positions and the impression that they still had plenty to offer was reinforced when they produced some good, forward orientated pressure of their own. Keswick continued to defend well punched up the middle through the forwards and centres and waited for Aldwinians to tire.
This process began with runs out of defence by Wallace first, and then centre Mike Branthwaite whose intelligent angled running onto passes from Hine and Brian Storey confirmed Keswick’s potential for a big finish. Hancock was released and looked likely to score before being well tackled, but from well secured and developed lineout ball, a try by David Ray soon extended Keswick’s lead. Hancock scored a try in the right corner shortly afterwards, and Keswick looked so comfortable and in control that even an Aldwinians ‘out of the blue’ consolation try in the 65th minute could not break the momentum. The tries scored by the impressive Aaron Thompson, from 55 metres and Storey from 35, were easy-on-the-eye long run finishes with sidesteps, acceleration and spectator acclaim and confirmed Keswick’s appreciation of what is possible when superior fitness recognizes a tiring defence. Hine was successful with three second half conversions.
Cumbrian Shield.
MILLOM ‘A’ 39 points – KESWICK ‘A’ 22.
Having at last attained top of the table status after recent wins against Silloth and Whitehaven ‘A’, Keswick ‘A’ managed to shoot them selves in the foot once more when they travelled to Millom ‘A’ short of players. Three players failed to turn up unannounced, another’s unavailability was revealed 5 minutes before departure time, and there was one declared withdrawal through injury. There being no replacements close at hand, nor time to spring a press gang, the loyal hard core had no option but to set off short staffed. With one more week of the Shield season to go a win at Millom would have sealed the deal and would have made the result of the match between Silloth and Whitehaven ‘A’ irrelevant. It isn’t official yet but Silloth’s win means four points to Keswick’s one and that means Silloth will win the league by a margin of two points. Keswick have never won the Cumbrian Shield.
On the field this was a good effort by Keswick who borrowed two players from Millom ‘A’ to make up the fifteen. There was much swapping about of positions to construct a viable side and once they found their feet Keswick produced a praiseworthy performance. Keswick never gave up, drove forward, spread the ball at every opportunity and there was typical commitment from forwards James Hinkley and Harry Rigby. Keswick stayed in touch on the scoreboard but their numerous shortcomings, which included an inability to win one single lineout during the match, meant they were caught in a perpetual ‘two steps forward and one back’ situation. Keswick’s tries were scored by Paul Ireland, Ollie Hinkley, James Hinkley and spectacularly , from a distance of 75 metres, Graham Oglethorpe. Ireland kicked a conversion.
CUMBRIAN/ NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 44 points- ALDWINIANS 14.
This match was a lot looser and less tense than the 15-15 draw which occurred at Aldwinians five weeks previously. It was also a nice day and on a very firm Davidson Park park pitch, with a full strength side and a well worn route to the try line established last week against Oldham, Keswick had all the ingredients they they wanted.
(more…)
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.