March 30, 2010
Under-16.
KESWICK 42 points – EGRREMONT 0.
This was the first match to be played under the Davidson Park floodlights and attracted a large crowd of curious spectators. Keswick took the opportunity to play all but three members of their large squad and with a big representative game on the horizon Peter Weightman decided it would be advisable to rest a troublesome stomach muscle.
Egremont who have only recently resurrected their under-16 side were caught out somewhat by Keswick’s flying start. Josh Clark became Keswick’s first floodlit scorer after six minutes and in a half which they dominated Keswick added tries by Lewis Thompson and Will Ruggles, who scored four. Ruggles has lots of pace and took his tries brilliantly. Harry Garner landed four conversions.
After making several changes Keswick only scored one try in a much more closely contested second half. Egremont raised their game considerably, moved forward more purposefully, showed a great deal of spirit and pinned Keswick inside their ‘22′ for 10 minutes after the resumption. Keswick tackled well but did not move up fast or aggressively enough to claim many turnovers or the defensive front foot. A one sided game became more equal and Matty Atkinson’s try, converted by Garner, after 57 minutes arrived after a big burst of activity, led by Lewis Davis, but was scored marginally against the run of play.
Everybody enjoyed playing under the lights and look forward to doing so again.
Mini Rugby.
ASPATRIA TOURNAMENT.
Under-12.
Missing three key players, Keswick were not quite as strong as they were last week when they played their best game of the season and achieved a 14 all draw against Upper Eden. At Aspatria a seven-team round robin on a very cold, windy and eventually wet day became more a test of endurance than of rugby ability. Keswick played well and all their matches were close calls usually determined by the power and conditions combination which punishes less muscular sides.
Keswick played six matches the results of which were:
Keswick 0 –  Cockermouth 14 points,
Keswick 7 points – Egremont ‘B’ 14 points,
Keswick 14 points – Millom 0, Keswick 14 points – Carlisle 21, Keswick 7 points – Egremont ‘A’ 21,
Keswick 7 points – Upper Eden 21.
Keswick’s scorers were Joe Gomme, Sam Maddison, Josh Brown, Stephen Moss, Keelan Johnson, Joe Horne, and Issac Stoddart.
Under-10.
Keswick under-10s have not had a complete side this season but thanks to a recruitment drive mainly led by George Attwood participation numbers have improved recently and there were 8 players present for this competition. Keswick not only had to contend with a very competitive field but a bitterly cold and strong wind which tested their toughness and that of their supporters.
The first game was against Carlisle who in the words of one Mum ‘normally give us a good thrashing’. However, this time Keswick were determined to give Carlisle a run for their money. During a very fast paced first half Carlisle took the lead and quickly increased it, but with tries by Matthew Newton and Tom Nelson Keswick fought back to 2-2. Carlisle grabbed a third try just before half time. The second half was similarly fast, and just as even, and Tom Nelson made at least one brilliant weaving run. Matthew scored a try and after a try by Carlisle, so too did Tom Hind. With time running out Keswick were unlucky to have the ball snatched from them and Carlisle’s winning try was scored just as the final whistle blew. The final score was 5-4 to Carlisle.
Keswick’s second game was against Millom and this was won by 4 tries to 2. Keswick maintained their fast ‘go forward’ approach with Josh Newton and Tom Nelson the most prominent ‘beakers’ and the rest of the team offering good back up. Tries were scored by Tom Nelson 2, Scott Maxwell, and Tom Hind.
Keswick’s good form continued against a strong Cockermouth side who held a 2-1 lead until the final stages of the match. Tom Hind scored first for Keswick and a deserved draw was achieved when Ben Maddison and George supported Tom Hind during his long run to the Cockermouth line.
Keswick’s match against the hosts Aspatria was another non-stop affair with rapid tit for tat scoring and top performances by everyone in the Keswick side. There were some thrilling tries scored, some after great passing moves and sprints from distance. Keswick could have won the tie and a close call resulted in a try by Scott being disallowed for going into touch. Then, just when a draw looked likely, another try, conceded at final whistle cost Keswick the match. Keswick’s scorers in the 4 tries to 5 defeat were Tom, Tom, Scott and Josh.
Keswick improved their defence during the next match against Upper Eden.
It was a tremendous achievement to hold a side like Upper Eden to only one try and there was a couple of great tackles by George on Upper Eden’s biggest forward. Keswick’s passing in this game was the best they produced all afternoon. Â Tom Nelson scored three tries for Keswick and Tom Hind the other in a 4 tries to 1 victory.
It was tough on Keswick that after such a hard tournament, contested with only 8 players and no substitutes, that they had to play the competition favorites, unbeaten Egremont, in their last match. Cold rain was now falling steadily which along with the cold wind was an added problem to a tiring side. Keswick battled hard but Egremont scored three tries in the first half when they had nine men, and two in the second when they realized their mistake, and recorded a 5 tries to  nil win.
The tournament winners were Egremont with Carlisle as runners up.
A new Keswick side, playing together for the first time were justifiably proud of their third placed finish.
Under-16.
KESWICK 42 points – EGREMONT 0.
This was the first match to be played under the Davidson Park floodlights and attracted a large crowd of curious spectators. Keswick took the opportunity to play all but three members of their large squad and with a big representative game on the horizon Peter Weightman decided it would be advisable to rest a troublesome stomach muscle.
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CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 15 points – UPPER EDEN 22.
Keswick’s plan to boost flagging confidence with a good start was derailed by Upper Eden’s greater need to build momentum after a good win last week. Upper Eden were shown the way by their loose forwards and inside backs who responded well to the promptings of their lively and adventurous scrum half. Together they exploited workable short side space. The move was repeated not once but twice and only good tackles by Harry Hancock and Matty Roper stifled the danger. Keswick were turned and back-footed and for the first ten minutes of the match could not get their hands on the ball. It was during this time that Keswick began the slow painful process of death by penalties and witnessed too the supremely accurate delivery of what became a stream of tail unit possession from the Upper Eden lineout.
There was only six minutes gone when Upper Eden’s awareness of the possibilities beyond the breakdown paid dividends and there were no guards at home when  their No 6 strode through the ruck and sprinted 25 metres for a try just to the right of the sticks. Keswick’s recovery in the minutes that followed showed promise but also showed that Eden’s defensive capability matched their attacking opportunism. This was best illustrated by the way they smothered Keswick’s first attacks which were spearheaded by Roper, Hancock David Ray and Aaron Thompson, and continued by the rampant charges of Jamie McKenzie and Joe Roper. There was real conviction in the tackles which stopped these attacks and when Keswick conceded penalties under the pressure of heavy contact Upper Eden were given hope and an irresistible escape route.
Keswick were similarly adept at dealing with opposition attacks and began to make better offensive tackles. Whilst Upper Eden were unable to get behind Keswick as easily as they had done earlier, they didn’t need to; Keswick’s running feud with the referee arose mainly through their failure to grasp just what he considered was permissible after the tackle, and for back foot offside offences borne of frustration. This frustration arose from a fruitless search for some form, and injuries to hooker Bryan Mol and skipper John Hine merely added to Keswick’s woes.
Hine’s injury prompted an urgent re shuffle which against all expectations had a galvanizing effect. All of a sudden Keswick started to play on the front foot and a well executed switch on the right between Hancock and Phil Smith split the Upper Eden defence for the first time. The Keswick advance gained momentum, the Keswick back division came to life and a period of intense pressure eventually led to a series of blasts by Keswick forwards close to the Upper Eden line. Eden resisted well but when they were penalised for the third time Hine’s quick thinking spotted and opportunity which led to a try in a flash by McKenzie.
Keswick still had a lot to do to catch up but the final fifteen minutes of the first half had easily been Keswick’s best of the match and offered hope of a more sustained revival. The re arranged Keswick back division continued to press and Roper and Hancock in particular started to explore the gaps available in the wider Upper Eden defence. Andy Wallace from full back re-discovered his eye for a gap and, helped by McKenzie’s intelligent support runs, began to become more involved. From a sharp break by Hancock  good ground was gained and Storey kicked a penalty for Keswick which further reduced the arrears. Keswick seemed to be on the march so it was unfortunate that alongside their improvement Keswick continued to regularly concede penalties. This shortcoming, as well as their failure to challenge Eden’s lineout supremacy meant that for every plus there was a negative illustrated repeatedly by the loss of hard earned ground. An Eden penalty shot made the score 8 points – 19.
Keswick were fighting to retain the upper hand when another re shuffle became necessary when Hine was forced to leave the action. However there was no loss of momentum and another sustained and multi phased attack eventually created a scoring opportunity for Hancock.
Storey kicked a tricky conversion to make the score 15-19, and despite the loss of the influential Thompson, with 15 minutes to go it was possible to imagine that Keswick were credible favorites and more likely candidates to score next.
Not unexpectedly Upper Eden raised their game in response to the threat and dealt confidently with Keswick’s final flurry. The game continued to be hard and closely fought all the way to the end and Upper Eden’s seizure of the territorial advantage between minutes 72-76 was rewarded with another penalty success.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 15 points – UPPER EDEN 22.
Keswick’s plan to boost flagging confidence with a good start was derailed by Upper Eden’s greater need to build momentum after a good win last week. Upper Eden were shown the way by their loose forwards and inside backs who responded well to the promptings of their lively and adventurous scrum half. Together they exploited workable short side space. The move was repeated not once but twice and only good tackles by Harry Hancock and Matty Roper stifled the danger. Keswick were turned and back-footed and for the first ten minutes of the match could not get their hands on the ball. It was during this time that Keswick began the slow painful process of death by penalties and witnessed too the supremely accurate delivery of what became a stream of tail unit possession from the Upper Eden lineout.
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NORTHERN TRI COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP
UNDER-17s.
KESWICK 31 points – GATESHEAD 8.
Keswick are currently top of this high calibre and competitive league and with four more matches to play, and three of those against sides who can overtake them, every game is important. Keswick lost narrowly at Gateshead in December and during an even first half Keswick were relieved to escape with a narrow 12 points – Â 5 lead.
Keswick got a dream start when fast passing across the back division released Harry Hancock into big space. There was less than 2 minutes on the clock as Hancock completed a 60 metre dash to the line and Andy Muir added the conversion points. Gateshead were shocked but re-grouped quickly and stated their case with some powerful forward drives. Keswick coped with the loss of Jacob Tonkin, and the introduction of Eddie Bell vindicated the policy of always selecting two specialist hookers. Gateshead’s forward play was clearly well rehearsed and Keswick had to work very hard to repel a series of drives from lineouts and moves of the base of the visitors’ rock steady scrum.
Gateshead pressure when Keswick had the ball was equally telling and when possession was squandered, and an ill advised miss-pass led to chaos and the concession of a penalty, Keswick were in trouble. From a lineout 5 metres from their goal line Keswick were driven and decisively split and one of Gateshead’s big forwards drove over the line to score.
This episode confirmed Gateshead’s best way to play and Keswick had to be defensively sound to keep their opponents at bay. Keswick were not helped by the concession of penalties which helped Gateshead make good ground down the touch lines where their superior lineout became increasingly productive. Prominent in the tackle stakes, as usual, were loose forwards Harry Rigby and Joe Quail and when Gateshead showed that their backs were also able, and not, as had been suspected, merely there to make up the numbers, Hancock and Peter Weightman the Keswick centres were both called upon to make vital tackles. Keswick never stopped working and although the penalty count against them remained a concern, an excellent breakout by Rigby gained a lot of ground, and a follow up break by scrum half Will Crossley provided Hancock with a try in the left corner.
What remained of the half was dominated by Gateshead who applied more pressure and mostly allowed Keswick no escape from their ‘22′.
Twice Keswick were outflanked but were saved firstly by a superb  cover tackle by Jack Hancock and then, with only seconds of the half remaining, Gateshead’s failure to exploit a very obvious overlap opportunity.
Keswick had played well but not well enough. The team’s response to a suggestion that they should pull their socks up was positive and the delivery of a more pacey and dynamic third quarter effectively sealed the match. At Keswick’s cutting edge was skipper Quail who led numerous forward rushes aimed at the heart of Gateshead’s defence. Good support led by flanker Tom Kitching and lock Will O’Donnell advanced the ball further still and their consistent positive movement produced a more regular stream of possession. Half-backs Crossley and Harry Garner and later Andy Muir, moved to ‘10′ from fullback used the ball well and the momentum was rewarded with well finished tries for Weightman and Hancock.
Gateshead remained a force to be reckoned with and a mere drop goal seemed a poor reward for some good ball retention and a brief flurry of dominance. Keswick changed some players and finished the game strongly. There was improvement in defence as well as attack, – replacement full back Greg Horswill was a safe pair of hands and offered some counter attacking quality. Keswick’s lighter but fitter pack looked more competent in the set scrums and when they were defending driven lineouts. The Keswick backs always remained a threat; Crossley made a fine break which was stopped about a foot short of the line, winger Will Ruggles ran 50 metres and 30 metres in successive runs and on the other side of the pitch James Smith linked well with Horswill and made substantial yardage every time he had the ball. Â Weightman’s pace and eye for a gap split Gateshead’s midfield to register Keswick’s fifth try and this was the last decisive action of a very tough and enjoyable match.
Keswick’s next Tri Counties match is on Easter Sunday against Darlington Mowden Park.
UNDER-17s.
NORTHERN TRI COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP
KESWICK 31 points – GATESHEAD 8.
Keswick are currently top of this high calibre and competitive league and with four more matches to play, and three of those against sides who can overtake them, every game is important. Keswick lost narrowly at Gateshead in December and during an even first half Keswick were relieved to escape with a narrow 12 points – Â 5 lead.
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CUMBRIAN/NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
Keswick 6 points – Wigton 36.
If evidence were needed that Wigton’s position at the top of the League was justified then it was provided here. Wigton beat Keswick comprehensively and by a margin as wide as the scoreline suggests. Â Wigton’s victory can in no way be undervalued by the fact that Keswick were not themselves and floundered in their search for the type of inspiration which drove against-the-odds victories in previous, recent big match encounters with Wigton.
From a high start point Wigton have improved, – enormously; their players clearly understand the brief, play to their strengths, and, with a combination of muscle and intelligence demonstrate a ‘no mercy’ grinding pragmatism. This works because it’s concentrated intensity is mistake free, emphasises complete control of the ball, and so preoccupies opponents defensively that those opponents demonstrably offer less when they eventually achieve some possession. Keswick were so comprehensively tied up that if a second ball had been introduced, just for Keswick to attack with, there could have been no body spared to exploit such advantage. Wigton began with the  edges, but soon expressed their preference towards attacks at the heart of Keswick’s conscientious defence. Keswick stood firm, spread out when necessary, didn’t over deploy and generally tackled well. Wigton didn’t deviate, scored two tries from drives and increasingly, Keswick’s effort was sustained at a greater and greater cost in manpower.
Before the contest was decided some turnovers were achieved by Keswick and Carrick Wharmby and David Ray were prominent in the toughest tackle zone of the season so far. John Hine’s long passes twice released full back Andy Wallace in the outside centre channel but the frustrating culmination of their best first half attack was a lost scrum under the shadow of the Wigton crossbar. Wigton didn’t even wobble when their best player did time in the sin bin. The 14 men played like 16 and when the banished player returned refreshed by a 10 minute rest he became even more influential than he had been before.
At half time, losing 6 points – 15 Keswick believed that they were still in the game, but mistakenly believed that they had already seen the best that Wigton had to offer. Keswick also mistakenly believed that they would soon locate their own attacking spark, absent for most of a first half when they stayed in touch thanks to isolated counter attacks and two Brian Storey penalties. But, Wigton are immeasurably better than Oldham and Aldwinians and had additionally done a bit of homework. This meant that when Keswick’s main movers attempted their plays there was organised resistance  and an emphatic put down critically boosted by a killer third try at the start of the second half.
Keswick never stopped trying but partly because of this neither did Wigton. Keswick moved their occasional possession well but Harry Hancock and Brian Storey the Keswick centres were policed by effective drift and line breaks were difficult to achieve. Keswick were given no alternative escape routes and Wigton were good enough to boost their victory margin with two further tries.
CUMBRIAN/NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
Keswick 6 points – Wigton 36.
If evidence were needed that Wigton’s position at the top of the League was justified then it was provided here. Wigton beat Keswick comprehensively and by a margin as wide as the scoreline suggests. Â Wigton’s victory can in no way be undervalued by the fact that Keswick were not themselves and floundered in their search for the type of inspiration which drove against-the-odds victories in previous, recent big match encounters with Wigton.
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Keswick played very well and won both matches by 48 points – 0 and 29 points – 5 respectively. Keswick were dominant in the forwards and were, by some distance, faster in the threequarters. Centres Robert Bland and speedster Louis Cornforth were the major beneficiaries of the possession and momentum guaranteed by a forward effort led by Alvin Tsoi and James Addyman, and the accurate service of fly-half Jim Creighton.
Keswick scorers were Louis Cornforth 4 tries, Alvin Tsoi 2 tries, Robert Bland 4 tries, Matty Atkinson, Mike Hope and James Sibbit one try each. Conversions were scored by Robert Bland, Harry Holme, Oliver MacPherson, Matty Atkinson and Jim Creighton 2.
UNDER 16
COUNTY LEAGUE
KESWICK 38 points – BARROW HAWCOAT PARK –  10.
UNDER-14
3-team round robin
KESWICK vs WIGTON and UPPER EDEN.
Keswick played very well and won both matches by 48 points – 0 and 29 points – 5 respectively. Keswick were dominant in the forwards and were, by some distance, faster in the threequarters. Centres Robert Bland and speedster Louis Cornforth were the major beneficiaries of the possession and momentum guaranteed by a forward effort led by Alvin Tsoi and James Addyman, and the accurate service of fly-half Jim Creighton.
Keswick scorers were Louis Cornforth 4 tries, Alvin Tsoi 2 tries, Robert Bland 4 tries, Matty Atkinson, Mike Hope and James Sibbit one try each. Conversions were scored by Robert Bland, Harry Holme, Oliver MacPherson, Matty Atkinson and Jim Creighton 2.
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
St Benedict’s 66 points – Keswick 13.
In the build up to this match injuries widened the existing holes in the selected side and an already fragile looking Keswick ‘A’ was looted more comprehensively than at any other time this season. A plea to out-of-towners and irregulars bore no fruit and consequently Keswick visited St Benedict’s with a patched up and inexperienced side. As the scoreline suggests they paid a heavy price. The absence of 10 regular first teamers was a debilitating handicap emphasized most emphatically during the 65 minute milling endured after St Benedict’s became aware of the completeness of Keswick’s shortcomings. Â Keswick’s young stand -in players did well and never gave up but, with some asked to play out of position, a yard off the pace at best, and required to do more than just their own job, no amount of bottle and endeavor could paper over such big cracks.
Keswick began well and claimed the early territory with a couple of hoofs down field augmented by good chases. Stand in centre Phil Smith carried the ball well on both the occasions it came his way and so to did fullback Andy Wallace. Wallace’s run through the thick traffic was well supported by Harry Rigby and rewarded with the award of a penalty. Â Brian Storey’s well struck effort was no more than a foot wide of the target. The early lineouts went with the throw and when there was absolutely no movement in the early set scrums Keswick’s Jonny Hume fired good ball away with customary pace and accuracy.
Storey was successful with his second kick at goal but this was followed closely by St Benedict’s first try scored  against the run of play. Keswick confirmed their presence with another good sequence led by  props in tandem Graeme Marshall and Joe Roper and Storey landed a second penalty with a great kick from a difficult distance. Keswick were clearly ‘in the game’ and would remain so for as long as St Benedict’s conceded penalties and for as long as Keswick maintained their go forward approach and so healthy a share of available possession. Things started to go wrong towards the end of the first quarter when in the space of 5 calamitous minutes two tries were conceded and influential lock forward Richard Fletcher was lost as the result of an ankle injury. Both were ominous signs of impending bad fortune. In the case of the tries both were as a result of quick advances by loose forward combinations, the ultra quick release of clean ball, and the skilled execution of killer cut out passes which exposed a confused defence. In the blink of an eye Keswick were 30 points behind and, worse still, St Benedict’s had discovered the best route to the Keswick try line.
There was no mention of damage limitation but it was a fact that by half time Keswick were faced by a situation where performance had to take precedence over result. Mostly there was a need to advance more quickly in defence, tackle hard, slow the ball and not over deploy at breakdowns. The insurmountable problem  was that an inexperienced and untried defence was being asked to deliver a complicated strategy that constantly represents a learning challenge to players of much greater experience. So, despite Keswick’s failure to affect an adequate defensive strategy at any time during the second half, and St Benedict’s tries which arrived at regular intervals, there was stuff to admire in the performance of individuals. In the absence of collective organization personal performance had to be raised even further. There was an added test when Aron Thompson the Keswick no 8 and stand in pack leader was forced to leave the field injured and with no replacements available the match had to be completed with 14 men. Mostly the effort was dedicated to the tackle where the efforts of Rigby, Hume, Storey, Ben Bentham and Paul Henderson partially and temporarily helped stem the flow directed at the Keswick goal line. Keswick continued to battle for a share of possession and St Benedicts’ continued willingness to concede penalties  helped ease some of Keswick’s burden of pressure. Between tries from passing  moves which avoided Keswick’s tackles, and took the score to forty, fifty and then sixty points, Keswick gave notice of their continued defiance with some  belligerent carries out of defence, notably by Wallace, Rigby, Stephen Hodgson Marshall, James Hinkley and Roper. The onset of tackle fatigue, evident as the half wore on, was a contributory factor in Keswick’s inability to support well some of their best line breaks. The one and only reward was a deserved consolation try for Hinkley, converted by Storey, but there was no time for a repeat and St Benedict’s tenth try of the match concluded the painful proceedings.
Cumbrian North Lancashire League.
St Benedict’s 66 points – Keswick 13.
In the build up to this match injuries widened the existing holes in the selected side and an already fragile looking Keswick ‘A’ was looted more comprehensively than at any other time this season. A plea to out-of-towners and irregulars bore no fruit and consequently Keswick visited St Benedict’s with a patched up and inexperienced side. As the scoreline suggests they paid a heavy price. The absence of 10 regular first teamers was a debilitating handicap emphasized most emphatically during the 65 minute milling endured after St Benedict’s became aware of the completeness of Keswick’s shortcomings. Â Keswick’s young stand -in players did well and never gave up but, with some asked to play out of position, a yard off the pace at best, and required to do more than just their own job, no amount of bottle and endeavor could paper over such big cracks.
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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. Â 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.
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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.
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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. Â 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.
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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.