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.
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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. Â 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. Â Keswick, who themselves have bags of ability and were a match for Carlisle in other areas, have a lot less power available, but stayed with Carlisle for the first of three 20 minute ‘thirds’. As possession dried up and tackle fatigue set in Keswick found Carlisle simply too hot to handle. Seeing the way Carlisle imposed their will on this match makes Keswick’s away win against the same side in November seem even more of a brilliant achievement than was realized at the time.
This was Keswick’s first defeat of the season but no team should beat themselves up for losing against someone better and like the good side they are Keswick will bounce back at the first opportunity.
Keswick’s tries were scored by Alvin Tsoi and Dan Stephenson. Robet Bland kicked a penalty.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 11 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 16.
Keswick’s victory at Kirkby Lonsdale in October was the result of the season and one which elevated Keswick to their highest ever league position. Since then a series of mishaps have stalled further progress. A flood, a freeze up and at least two additional postponements which could best be described as unnecessary, have meant Keswick have not only lost a bit of form but have become the C.N.L.L side who have played the fewest matches.
This match promised much and was eagerly awaited. All Keswick’s matches against Kirkby Lonsdale are tough and usually close. It is generally recognised that Kirkby are a better side which is why so much value is attached to beating them. Both sides dipped into the reserve pool for this match but recognised the inadvisability of letting this be known. Keswick weren’t sure whether playing last week, when Kirkby didn’t, gave them an edge or not. It was good to pretend it did.
Keswick had every intention of taking the game to Kirkby but were given no chance to do so as Kirkby began with a flourish. Everywhere Kirkby looked sharper and by the progress achieved ‘in close’ by their loose forwards, by hard straight thrusts of their centres, and the high box kicks expertly launched by their scrum half, Keswick endured particular exposure. The tackling and fielding of kicks was sound but achieved under pressure. There was no escape, – Keswick couldn’t get near the ball, a problem exacerbated by Kirkby’s early statement of a rock solid set piece and the visitor’s try after six minutes play bore the hallmark of inevitability.
Kirkby returned to the attack and although Keswick’s appreciation of the dangers of over-manning at lost rucks became more apparent and successfully slowed Kirkby, Kirkby continued to hog the ball and denied Keswick  the chance of further improvement with fast defensive advances and accurate tackles. Keswick’s attacks arrived in isolation, Harry Hancock found a bit of space on the right and achieved Keswick’s most advanced position with a good run. On the left Keswick released Jamie McKenzie who ran hard and straight and helped create the position from which John Hine was able to kick Keswick back into contention with a tricky penalty shot. The last act of a fast and generally one way first quarter was a successful penalty by Kirkby.
Then the game changed, and for no other reason other than the creation of that indefinable spark, this time provided by scrum half Matty Roper. For once Keswick made ground on the short side of a ruck and Roper exploded between two defenders before an accurate pass to the right released Hine into more appreciable space. Hine’s good work was completed by a beautifully weighted offload hit at full tilt by Joe Roper. Roper only achieved a short gain in ground but in doing so attracted three defenders responsible for policing adjacent areas. It was Keswick’s first forward momentum and when the ball eventually arrived, via Roper, in the hands of extra centre Dave Ray, Kirkby were spread too thinly to challenge. Ray made a rapid 30 metre diagonal break after which his pass to McKenzie was delivered with such precision that what could have been a tricky finish was made to look easy. Keswick worried Kirkby for the rest of the half and could have scored again after developing further forward momentum and improved fluency across the pitch.
Half time came at a bad time for Keswick and Kirkby benefited more from the break. Like the good side they are they re imposed their earlier grip and achieved this not by the kind of all out attack demonstrated in the game’s early stages but by a slower more methodical route based on maintaining territory. Keswick lived off scraps and even though there was much to admire in Keswick’s defensive efficiency and eye for a breakout opportunity Kirkby oozed a confident air.
There was still much to suggest a greater closeness; both sides narrowly missed penalties at goal, there was less assurance and composure when Kirkby moved the ball wide, and both sides were diminished by sin binnings. However, this too worked against Keswick and during the period when the scoreline became a close 11-13, it was Keswick who would have benefited most from the permanent presence of 15 men.
There was thrills and spills all the way to the end of a good game. Kirkby went further ahead with an easy straight penalty which meant Keswick needed a try to draw, or a conversion or two penalties to win. Despite a  good determined effort neither seemed likely against a Kirkby side made to work for their success but too seldom asked questions they were unable to answer.
CUMBRIAN SHIELD.
ST.BENEDICT’S 12 points – KESWICK ‘A’ 6.
Keswick looked as if they were having a struggle to raise a side but plenty effort was invested in the pursuit and as suspected the players were there all the time. Inconsistent availability has become such a feature of club rugby below 1st team level that it is never now the case that Tuesday selection can take place in the confident knowledge that the players who were available for the last match will be available to play in the next one. The predicament is further complicated by the inconsistent availability of opponents and disruption to the programme created by floods and freezes. Some matches where Keswick were thick with players have been postponed and that headache hurts most when precious time has been spent sorting out a side. As usual Keswick ‘A’s loyal hard core were raring to go and from their ranks a new captain, Tom Partington, rose to the challenge and plugged various gaps with chums from the School team. A patched up side, top heavy with forwards, left Davidson Park with 15 players but Tom had a hunch that a ‘maybe’ — that is a player who at the last minute decides he will play rather than decides he won’t, could be waiting at the venue. Keswick also knew that student Josh Graves, the sort of bloke you need between a rock and a hard place, was home for the weekend and ‘gagging for a game’.
As expected the game was hard from start to finish and Keswick’s predominantly inexperienced side stood up well to a searching physical test. Like Keswick, St Benedict’s take the Cumbrian Shield competition very seriously and both they and Keswick are well capable of threatening Silloth’s position as competition favorites. Despite the presence in the side of so many forwards Keswick set out to play as they always do and throughout the match tried to do more with the ball than their opponents. Where St Benedict’s excelled was in the close quarter exchanges where they drove hard and low and exercised their superior muscle. Keswick were exposed in this area and in the words of their captain ‘got away with a lot less’.
Keswick never gave up and created try scoring chances which more than once failed on the last pass. When they had to defend, which they did  for long periods Keswick made some great tackles and did well to restrict St Benedict’s to only two tries one of which was converted. Paul Ireland making a long overdue and very welcome comeback has lost none of his kicking prowess and he scored Keswick’s points with two successful penalties.
Keswick’A’ have no match scheduled this Saturday but one is being sought in the hope of building upon the promise demonstrated in this match. The situation is complicated by the requirement to play away from home (again) because of preparations for the Sportsman’s Dinner at the clubhouse.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
KESWICK 11 points – KIRKBY LONSDALE 16.
.
Keswick’s victory at Kirkby Lonsdale in October was the result of the season and one which elevated Keswick to their highest ever league position. Since then a series of mishaps have stalled further progress. A flood, a freeze up and at least two additional postponements which could best be described as unnecessary, have meant Keswick have not only lost a bit of form but have become the C.N.L.L side who have played the fewest matches.
.
This match promised much and was eagerly awaited. All Keswick’s matches against Kirkby Lonsdale are tough and usually close. It is generally recognised that Kirkby are a better side which is why so much value is attached to beating them. Both sides dipped into the reserve pool for this match but recognised the inadvisability of letting this be known. Keswick weren’t sure whether playing last week, when Kirkby didn’t, gave them an edge or not. It was good to pretend it did.
January 21, 2010
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
NETHERHALL 15 points – KESWICK 21.
The game took place at one of only two playable Cumbrian North Lancashire venues but Keswick’s appreciation of such privilege  was tempered by an unusual level of anxiety. Keswick were way below their best in the matches which preceded the big freeze and six weeks of postponements did not disperse memories of bad away days at Wigton and Upper Eden. Effective rehabilitation has been complicated by spasmodic training, and for this return to action there were seven members of the regular squad unavailable for selection. Despite their current league position Netherhall are notoriously difficult opponents who never appear to need much motivation to up their game against Keswick.
Keswick failed to sustain the promise of a very bright opening which saw the efficient movement of ball from the early breakdowns and a powerful midfield line break by Carrick Wharmby. The ball was moved left and debutant centre Harry Hancock continued the move. There was a succession of untidy heaps caused by Keswick’s failure to deliver effective offloads but Netherhall were penalised for hands in the ruck and John Hine successfully kicked Keswick into a 3-0 lead.
Keswick had the start they wanted but were turned and suffered an immediate loss of concentration when minutes later Netherhall placed an angled kick deep into their 22. At first there appeared time to clear the ball but Keswick opted to mount a counter attack. Labored passes lacked the necessary accuracy and Netherhall’s chase further reduced Keswick’s options. While Keswick dithered Netherhall regained possession, moved first right and then left, beat a slow drift with a simple but accurate last pass and crossed the line for a try, duly converted.
This score changed the mood of the game with Keswick alerted to the possibility of defeat and Netherhall, encouraged and enthused by their success ever more ready to take advantage of further lapses. The game became faster with David Ray at the cutting edge of Keswick’s gradual recovery. This improvement was briefly disrupted by a successful Netherhall penalty achieved against the run of play, and by Keswick’s failure to establish true passing accuracy. There was no lack of effort and this was finally rewarded by a well executed try. A good move was finished under pressure by right winger Bruce Rigby but had its origins in a well won turnover by Ben Bentham well used by Ashley Gaskell. Gaskell’s explosive break down the narrow side was embellished by a superb dummy which fooled the only defender likely to make the necessary tackle. Hine’s conversion tied the scores.
Netherhall threatened whenever they had possession and their set scrum looked increasingly strong. Despite more uncharacteristically iffy short passing Keswick retained the initiative and scored next after further pressure inspired by Matty Roper’s blind side break and Hancock’s dribble to within inches of the Netherhall try line. Keswick were awarded a 5 metre scrum from which thrusts by Aaron Thompson and Ray created space sufficient for Bentham to drive over the line.
After such an underconfident performance Keswick would have welcomed a half time lead but their concession of a second soft try in stoppage time meant the interval score was tied at 15-all.
The score served it purpose as a wake up call and Keswick started the second half with a strong attack which nearly brought a try for Thompson. The flow of play was in Keswick’s favour mainly due to a superior performance by their back row forwards and the promptings of Roper. A penalty kick by Hine found the target and although Keswick looked more comfortable having achieved an 18-15 advantage they still lacked the appearance of a side for whom victory was certain.
There was less to worry about than there might have been had Netherhall been able to find a higher gear and fully develop their advantage at the set scrum. Keswick’s high defensive line and offensive tackling was sufficiently efficient to keep the home side at a safe distance. Netherhall’s best progress was achieved by big kicks from stand off and full back but none of these threatened serious damage. Netherhall did not exploit Keswick’s only real sticky second half period during which time action men Bentham and Thompson both left the action through injury.
Keswick took 60 minutes to fully appreciate that their best means of  back footing  Netherhall was to raise the match tempo and that this was best achieved with well supported short drives. From one drive led by Gaskell and Wharmby a ball was provided for Rigby who was then obstructed after kicking ahead. A penalty was awarded and Hine kicked successfully for the reward of a further three points.
The game was still not safe and Netherhall, whose spirits would most certainly have been damaged by a further score by Keswick, continued to be inspired by thoughts that the game was still winnable. For a worryingly long five minutes during the final quarter Keswick  showed signs of dodgy nerves and the concession of unnecessary penalties during this time was indicative of a side riddled by ring rust. In the end Keswick’s best form of defence was to attack and kicks to the corner by Hine and Brian Storey pinned Netherhall in their own half where the Keswick pack exerted enough control to contain Netherhall’s ambition.
More than anything else Keswick welcomed a return to action and it was good that the team emerged largely unscathed from a challenging assignment. There was lots of mitigation for a less than brilliant performance and a win is a win however it is dressed. Keswick’s long  awaited return to Davidson Park takes place on Saturday with a potentially even tougher match against Kirkby Lonsdale.
CUMBRIAN / NORTH LANCASHIRE LEAGUE.
NETHERHALL 15 points – KESWICK 21.
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The game took place at one of only two playable Cumbrian North Lancashire venues but Keswick’s appreciation of such privilege  was tempered by an unusual level of anxiety. Keswick were way below their best in the matches which preceded the big freeze and six weeks of postponements did not disperse memories of bad away days at Wigton and Upper Eden. Effective rehabilitation has been complicated by spasmodic training, and for this return to action there were seven members of the regular squad unavailable for selection. Despite their current league position Netherhall are notoriously difficult opponents who never appear to need much motivation to up their game against Keswick.
Keswick failed to sustain the promise of a very bright opening which saw the efficient movement of ball from the early breakdowns and a powerful midfield line break by Carrick Wharmby. The ball was moved left and debutant centre Harry Hancock continued the move. There was a succession of untidy heaps caused by Keswick’s failure to deliver effective offloads but Netherhall were penalised for hands in the ruck and John Hine successfully kicked Keswick into a 3-0 lead.
January 5, 2010
As you have, no doubt, realised, there has been no rugby matches during the recent cold spell much to the frustration of players, officials and supporters alike. This included the annual Boxing Day match at Penrith and the reverse fixture at Keswick on New Years Day. The First XV have now had five matches postponed in the current season so it is going to be a packed schedule from now on in.
Two matters to report on and off-field:
First, the start of the work to install the floodlights on the first team pitch is imminent. More details will be provided as work commences.
Second, there is a fundraising event on the evening of Saturday 30th January when Doddie Weir, the former Scotland International will be the guest speaker at a Sportsmans Dinner. Both gentlemen and ladies are welcome. There are tickets still available although going fast with more information from the Club Chairman, Richard Atkinson on 017687 73936 or info@shemara.uk.com.
December 8, 2009
David Etherden, special projects co-ordinator of Keswick RFU, Cllr Stewart Young, Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council, and Richard Atkinson, Chairman of Keswick RFU
Spot The County Council Press release error !!
who’s more upset Alan or Richard ?
and yes that is tie dave is wearing
Cumbria County Council has agreed to a request from Keswick RFU Club to sell it the freehold to the club’s playing fields at Davidson Park so that the club can invest nearly a quarter of a million pounds in new facilities.
The club previously had a 99-year leasehold on the 3.47 hectares (8.57 acres) of land, which was due to expire in 2091, but asked the county council if it could buy the land to give it more long-term certainty and security.
At a meeting of the County Council’s Cabinet in Carlisle today, councillors agreed to the request to sell the freehold for its market value of £21,500 – meaning the club can press on with its exciting plans to improve the pitches and facilities.
The sale of the freehold still contains the conditions that the pitches can be used by Keswick School and still gives the county council the right to buy a strip of land for future road widening if necessary. The deal also protects the interests of Cumbrian taxpayers by ensuring that, if Keswick RFU did decide to sell the land for development at any future date, the county council would have the first option to buy the land back.
The club has assured the county council that it has no intentions of selling the land either now or in the future. Keswick RFU Club has been in existence since 1879 and has gone from strength to strength, recently gaining national recognition for its work with youth players. The club has agreed to establish a charitable trust (with a County Council trustee) that will hold all its property assets and so protect the playing fields and their use.
Cllr Stewart Young, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for finance and resources, said:
“I’ve been very impressed with how committed this club is and how much it brings to the local community in Keswick and surrounding areas. The club has a firm financial footing, is clearly prospering and has big plans to improve the quality of the pitches. It’s right that they should press ahead with the plans safe in the knowledge that they own the freehold to their pitches.”
David Etherden, special projects co-ordinator of Keswick RFU, said:
“Keswick rugby club has just one ambition – to have the best possible rugby facilities at Davidson Park. Our commitment, tenacity and determination as a club has been proved in recent days, when our club house was up and running again and open for business just seven days after the floods hit and left the club house five feet under water. I’d like to thank the county council in helping us take this important step forward.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332
Under-17
Northern Tri Counties Championship.
Result: Gateshead 22 points – Keswick 19.
Under-16
Penrith 49 points – Keswick 7.
This was a tough match, not arranged until 9-30 am, for a Keswick side stripped of star players otherwise deployed in the under-17s. However it was better than no match at all, which looked to be the case after Keswick were told by Wigton that their pitches were unfit for play and Penrith were similarly and simultaneously jilted by Kendal. There was some juggling by phone, and manually in the car park, but at least the chaos was well organised.
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Cumbria/North Lancashire League.
Upper Eden 21 points – Keswick 3.
Having returned to ‘normal’ training and survived a return via the deep end at table topping Wigton the previous Saturday, this match was seen as an opportunity to further re-orientate. The priority was to re-discover a comfortable groove, re-establish the form which, pre-flood, achieved second place in the table, and, through a return to a familiar and identifiable style claim the two points which would elevate the team to the top third of the table.
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UNDER-17.
NORTHERN TRI-COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP
Blaydon vs Keswick.
Keswick arrived at Blaydon’s impressive spread during a heavy rain shower and were told that the Blaydon 1st XV pitch that had been earlier designated for use was now due to be inspected within the next half hour. At the time the pitch in question could only be inspected from the side line because it was hosting an under-13 match between Blaydon and Gateshead.
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Flood Recovery.
Just when it was important that a bit of morale boosting took place on the pitch Keswick Rugby Club endured a weekend of extremely unfortunate events. Nothing compares with the initial agony, messy aftermath and subsequent inconvenience of a big clubhouse flood but Keswick,  protected by the certain knowledge that ailing spirit is best lifted by that which provides the reson d’etre, then became the victims of additional and equally unwelcome weather related misfortune.
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