1st Team Match Reports
Match reports for the 2010 / 11 season
Kesteven 54 vs President's XV 15
Anyone looking at the score in this match would think it was an easy win for the 1st XV.The truth is somewhat different!
Captain Nick Clarke led the side out in his final game as Captain to face a President's side led by retiring 2nd team Captain Simon Oakes.
K's started strongly looking to run the ball at every opportunity and were rewarded with an early try as James Goodrich ran strongly from half way to show that he has learned the art of finishing. This early lead set the scene on a period of domination by the blacks. They showed thatthey were takingthe match seriously when they opted to take points from the penalties awarded. Danny Turner was successful with 2 kicks. But the President's men were not going to lie down and using tactics designed to keep the ball away from the dangerous opposition backs. This proved successful as they scored two tries of their own. First was from Richard Midgely with a trademark burst for the line and this was followed by one form Paul Shields. The half ended though with two tries by Hallam O'Brien when he picked up a loose ball to sprint clear and go in at the posts. Turner converted both to take the half time score to 25 - 10.
The president's team had the wind behind them in the second half and had teh 1st team on the retreat for the first 15 minutes. They caused the 1st team to concede penalties and Midgley forced his way over for a 2nd try.
The 1st team were able to freshen their side by brining on Grant Ward and he it was who set them on their way again. Finger tip passing involving Phil Jordan released the young wing who sprinted in. The President's team were starting to tire and the 1st team backs were startingto cut loose with Nathan Turner creating openings for Whittaker to run in two tries before Ward got his second. Goodrich finished the game with his second try to take the score over 50. Even then the President's men were not finished and ably led by Martyn Parker at this time came close to scoring. The defence held and referee Mark sayle brought proceedings to an end.
The way the 1st team played in their final three games showed what might have been. The talent in the excellent young back division finally shown through. It augurs well for next season.
Kesteven 33 vs Melbourne 14
Kesteven played host to Melbourne for their final league game of the season. The home team knew that they had to win to be sure of avoiding relegation and they started out where they left off last week.
Kesteven once again had to change their team as Chris Jinks and Faolan Lidstone replaced Dom Brister and Nathan Turner. K's started off well pushing Melbourne back into their own half right from the start. The pack were determined to get on top and they created the first try after five minutes. Chris Jinks had forced his way over from short ranged but the referee was unsighted and couldn't award the try. From the resulting scrum Dan Turner picked up and when he was stopped Jinks and Woolerton drove over and Woolerton was credited with the try. Turner converted and then scored straight from the restart. Brown fielded the restart and fed Turner who broke through. Goodrich was on his shoulder and Turner used him as the perfect decoy as he sold an outrageous dummy to race in for the try. His conversion made the score 14 - 0 after 8 minutes.
It was all Kesteven at this time as the forwards took control and the backs used the ball well. Melbourne were forced into conceding a number of penalties and the referee sent one of their number to the sin bin for repeated infringements. Kesteven took advantage of their numerical superiority and Whittaker was next to score when he twisted and turned and stretched to put the ball down for a try which hardly seemed likely when he was crowded by the defence. Then Ward used his pace to score one of his typical tries when he finished off a move down the right with a try at the posts. Turner's conversion took the score to 26 - 0 and the fourth try earned the vital bonus point.
Melbourne recovered after they were restored to full complement and gradually got into the match. The Kesteven defence held firm and they turned round at half time without any addition to the score.
In the second half Melbourne forced the game and were causing the home side to make mistakes particularly in some misdirected clearances. The defence however was strong and held out until 15 minutes from the end. The hard ground was taking its toll and skipper Nick Clarke was replaced by Will Pert.
Melbourne eventually got their reward with a couple of converted trries but the Kesteven response to the second of thise was swift and direct, Turner was first up to win the ball from O;Brien's kick off. The ball was worked out to the backs where Phil Jordan straightened and created space for the supporting O'Brien to slip over for the try at the posts. Turner's conversion made the final score 33 - 14.
For the last few minutes Paton and Peabody replaced Brown and Woolerton.
Clarke led the side well particularly when the pressure came on from Melbourne and the experience of Jinks and Woolerton held the defence together. Turner had another good game enjoying the freedom of the park he gets from number 8. In the backs Goodrich ran strongly, Jordan tackled with his usual strength while the back three of Ward, Lidstone and Whittaker were always a threat. Special mention of Odams who covered vast acres as he helped out in cover defence in the second half.
Team was: F Lidstone; G Ward, P Jordan, J Goodrich, A Whittaker; H O'Brien, O Wood; S Odams, A Brown, P Shields, N Clarke, J Cowley, C Jinks, A Woolerton, D Turner Reps W Pert, M Paton, A Peabody.
Kesteven 84 vs Worksop 0
Woodnook was bathed in beautiful sunshine as Kesteven nd Worksop faced in each other in a relegation match.
Worksop kicked off deep into the Kesteven 22 and Nathan Turner immediately showed that Kestteven meant business with a fine run which took him to half way. It was clear from the start that the home sifde were intent in seekeing revenge for their recent defeat at Worksop and were plnning to run the bll at every opportunity. The forwards were providing good ball and the fast backs were eager to test the visitors defence.
It took Kesteven 10 minutes to open the scoring and it was Dan Turner who got the first try breaking from a scrum on the 22 to score at the posts. He converted this to give a settling 7 - 0 lead. This was the start of a steady procession to the Worksop line as the visitors had no answer to the pace in the home backs. The second try came when Nick Clarke was first to react to a loose ball leading a kick and chase which ended with Grant Ward scoring. Then Hallam O'Brien broke through on half way and used his great speed to score a fine individual try before Ward got his second to earn the bonus point as early as the 25th minute. Worksop heads were down as Ward completed his hat trick and James Goodrich Aaron Whittaker and Dan Turner added tries. Ward converted one and Turner a further three to bring up the 50 points at half time.
The second half started more quietly as Kesteven settled on their lead. Worksop did have a bit more possession but were unable to score and eventually the home side broke out of defence and they finished the game well on top. Dan Turner added to his score after his brother broke through before passing inside to his brother, then Grant Ward got his 4th and 5th tries before Dan Turner, again, Olly Wood and James Goodrich completed the rout. Dan Turner coverted two more to bring the final score to 84 - 0 - a new club record score.
It was a fine exhibition of total rugby from Kesteven with outstsnding performances from Ward with 5 tries and Dan Turner with 4, but with notable contributions from the rest of the team. Skipper Nick Clarke again fought his way through thepain barrier to lead by example, before giving way to Andy Peabody after the break. James Goodrich took his two tries very well, especially his first half effort which saw him take a pass form Phil Jordan and half way to storm up the wing with great determination, and Whittaker scored one try only because the ball did not flow to his wing as often as it did fro Ward.
This win takes Kesteven out of the relegation zone on points difference from Southwell. They have one game left against Melbourne at home on Saturday.
Team was N Turner; G Ward, P jordan, J Goodrich, A Whittaker; H O'Brien. O Wood; S Odams, A Brown, P Shields, N Clarke, J Cowley, T Woolerton, D turner, D Brister Reps M Paton, A Peabody, R Cooper.
Kesteven 34 vs Grimsby 25
Kesteven progressed to the semi-final of the NLD Shield with a fine win over Grimsby.
There was a brisk wind at Woodnook as Krsteven kicked off. Grimsby continued where they left off last week trying to dominatte through their forwards but it was a more resolute Kesteven XV this week. However the visitors drew first blood with a penalty on thier first visit to the home half, and they added a second shortly after to take a 6 - 0 lead.
Kesteven were intent on playing the game at a fast pace, not allowing the visitors to settle and got their reward when Phil Jordan finished off a move with a try under the posts. Dan Turner converted. K's added to their tally when Hallam O'Brien scooped up a loose ball on half way and sped to the line without a hand being landed on him to score. Brett Login stepped up and steered the conversion over the bar to give K's a good lead of 14 - 6.
Grimsby were proving to be doughty opponenets and forced their way over for a try following some broken play. The conversion closed th agp to one point before Dan Turner added a penalty just before the break.
K's turned round with the wind and a 17 - 13 lead. Discipline was becoming a problem with both sides testing the patience of the referee. Nick Hardy-Gillings was unlucky to be picked out as an example to be shown the yellow card for the team conceding too many penalties. This set back did not deter the Black Army and the short-handed team werenext to score when Dan Turner finished off a move started by Olly Wood. Turner added the goal points with a great conversion, then Nathan Turner scored his second try against Grimsby in two weeks when he raced over. Brother Dan continued his perfect kicking record with the conversion to extend the lead to 31 - 13.
Grimsby were not finished and put some pressure on to force Kesteven back in defence. They were rewarded with a try which was not converted. The game became stop start now with injuries. Andy Brown and Marc Paton were forced off with injuries and when replacement Frankie Davies was injured it took time to patch up Marc Paton to enable hime to return to the front row, Ian Charles and Grant Ward came on to replace Rupert Jordan and Aaron Whittaker.
K's showed great maturity when they were awarded a penalty 40 metres out and called Dan Turner up to kick the goal to seal the game. Grimsby did get a final converted try but it wasn't enough to prevent a home win.
This was a fine result for Kesteven after their struggle in the league. This will give them heart as they try to win their two remaining league games.
Team was N Turner; R Jordan, P Jordan, J Goodrich, A Whittaker; H O'Brien, O Wood; S Odams, B Login, M Paton, J Cowley, N Hardy-Gillings, R Dolan, D Turner, A Brown Reps I Charles, G Ward, F Davies, T Wooleron
Kesteven 5 vs Grimsby 31
Kesteven suffered again from lack of availability for the journey to Grimsby. Those who travelled gave their all.
The weather was dry and there was a cool breeze blowing down the field as Grimsby kicked off. It was clear that they were intent in taking the game on through their forwards, testing Kesteven's close defence. The early pressure paid off as they crossed for the opening try after 5 minutes. This was converted to give them an early 7 - 0 lead.
The Kesteven response was good as they worked to their game plan of keeping the ball moving well. The handling was good and the backs asked questions of the homw defence. They got their reward with a fine try. The forwards won good ball on half way, Charles came off his wing to take O'Brien's pass before feeding Phil Jordan. Jordan drew his man and gave Nathan Turner the ball 30 metres out. Young Nathan had a lot to do but used his pace and the space ahead to go over for a fine try. The conversion failed, but K's were happy with their play.
Grimsby tightened their defence and despite some good breaks K's were unable to add to their tally. Just before the break the Grimsby pack engineered 2 more tries to go in for a flatterung 19 - 5 lead.
Kesteven had the use of the wind in the second half. Grimsby defended well and kept their line intact. They also attacked well and scored two further tries but in a strange way they suffered some indiscipline which saw two players in the sin bin. They were able to run out winners by 31 - 5.
The Kesteven players deserve credit for sticking to the task and special mention must go to the Dolan brothers, Keiran Arnold and Darren Blackley who stepped up to the mark. Nathan Turner took his try well while Hallam O'Brien had a lively game at fly half. Dan Turner was on the flank and as usual was into everything but special mention to Andy Brown who played through the pain barrier with an ankle injury.
Team was A Whittaker; R Jordan, N Turner, P Jordan, I Charles; H O'Brien, O Wood; S Odams, P Dolan, M Paton, W Pert, J Cowley, R Dolan, D Turner and A Brown Reps D Blackley K Arnold
Kesteven 12 vs Worksop 23
Kesteven had to ring the changes again as injury and unavailability hit hard. Phil Jordan led the side with James Hamilton in at hooker and Jordan Smith and Danny Turner forming a new back row with Andy Brown. In the backs Ian Charles came in on the wing in place of Grant Ward while Aaron Whittaker and Hallam O'Brien formed a new half back partnership.
Kesteven got off to a good start holding the powerful home pack while trying to spread the ball wide. K's were first on the score sheet 0 Dan Turner kicked to the corner and forced Worksop to carry over. From the scrum Turner picked up and stretched his long arm out to dot the ball down for the try.
Worksop responded with a try of their own when their strong fly half broke through to score and convert. Kesteven had their best spell of the match now whem James Goodrich used his strength to get almost to the line. Although he lost the ball the Worksop clearance went straight to Rupert Jordan who set off on a mazy run, and sent Hallam O;Brien in for the try.
Worksop took more control of the game just before the break and were rewarded with 2 penalties, both converted to go into half time with a narrow 13 - 12 lead.
In the second half Worksop extended their lead with a try in the corner before Kesteven hit back. The Kesteven backs were lively with good breaks from teh Jordan brothers, Cooper and Goodrich but they were unable to breach the defence and Worksop sealed the game with a final try just before the end.
Kesteven team was R Cooper; R Jordan, P Jordan, K Goodrich, I Charles; H O;Brien, A Whittaker; S Odams, J Hamilton, M Paton, W Pert, J Cowley, A Brown, J Smith, D Turner Reps N Hardy-Gillings, I McAllister, F Davies
Kesteven 15 vs Dronfield 36
Kesteven welcomed Dronfield to Woodnook for an important match on Saturday. Kesteven desperately need points but were up against a well drilled side.
The pitch was in excellent condition as Dronfield kicked off. Early exchanges were tight but Dronfield seemed to have greater control through their forwards. They gained a hold in the Kesteven half and scored after 20 minutes when they worked their way over the line for a try which was converted.
Kesteven responded well with a couple of great runs by Grant Ward. Only last ditch tackling kept him out but the position created allowed James Goodrich, playing in the unaccustomed position of scrum half, to use his strength to go over for a try. The conversion slipped past the post but K's were well placed as half time approached. Dronfield however had other ideas and raised their game to run in two tries just before the break to take a 19 - 5 lead.
In the second half Kesteven got more into the game but were hampered by injuries to Doug Hayward and Grant Ward, being replaced by Frankie Davies and Nathan Turner respectively. Tyrone Miles came on for Andy Brown as well. Kesteven were pushing hard and Phil Jordan scored a great try coming round the blind side at pace to get over. This gave the home side heart and they were now running well. The backs were racing through on a loose ball when it was picked up by a defending Dronfield player who turned tail and broke away to set up a try at the other end. That was heartbreaking for the home side but still they came back and Jordan was again in the move that led to the 3rd try. He was stopped just short but Tyrone Miles was on hand to get the try.
Dronfield again got back upfield and forced a scrum close to the line. As they went for the pushover the Kesteven side kicked the ball out and the referee awarded a penalty try. This gave Dronfield a comfortable lead by 36 to 15. Kesteven however came back at them and forced Dronfield into desperate defending to prevent K's getting the bonus point try. They lost one player to the sin bin and at least one more should have followed but they held out and all Kesteven had was a spirited finale but no points to show for their effort.
Team A Whittaker; G Ward, P Jordan, R Cooper, H O'Brien; M Parker, J Goodrich; S Odams, D hayward, M Paton, W Pert, J Cowley, A Peabody, T Woolerton, A Brown Reps F Davies, N Turner, T Miles
Kesteven 50 vs Mellish 5
Kesteven welcomed Mellish to Woodnook on a fine Tuesday evening and produced their best display of the season in this rearranged NLD Shield match.
Kesteven's team had an experimental look about it with Scott Odams and Dan Turner in the back row but were pleased to welcome back Skipper Nick Clarke and the experienced Chris Jinks to the side.
Dan turner enjoyed the freedom playing at number 8 gave him and he was a huge influence on this match. He opened the scoring by somehow srtealin possession on the touchline 30 metres out and racing in to score. He followed this up by latching on to a smart kick by Wood to go over for a second try.
From the kick off James Goodrich got possession and made for the line. He was stopped short but was able to feed the supporting Martyn Parker who scored, then Doug Hayward crossed after K's took a quick line out on half way and Dougie found the defence all at sea as he crossed over with a huge grin. Turner added the conversion, Mellish who contributed to the game by playing open rugby got on the score sheet when they robbed a Kesteven heel at a scrum to go over for their try but Turner had teh last word of teh half when he finished offa flowing move to score at the posts. The cnversion made the score 31 - 5 at the break.
Mellis came back at Kesteven in the second half and pounded the home line but the defence held firm even after Jinks was sent to the sin bin after the team conceded a number of penaltues in quick succession.
Ksteven kept trying to play expansive rugby and were rewarded with apenalty try when Turner was hauled down illegally with the line at his mercy. Parker added the goal points. This seemed to finally break the spirit of Mellish and Kesteven poured through again with Turner making the break for Cooper to score. This time Cowley added the goal points before Turner brought proceedings to a close with his 4th try right at the end to give Kesteven a memorable victory by 50 points to 5
Team was R Cooper; A Whittaker, P Jordan, J Goodrich,I Charles; M Parker, O Wood; F Davies, D Hayward, M Paton. N Clarke, J Cowley, S Odams, C Jinks, D Turner Reps R Jordan, M Sayle, W Pert.
Kesteven 12 vs Ashbourne 46
It was a wet and muddy day at Woodnook for the Annual Old Boys reunion and it seemed that the occasion got to the home team as they were very slow to start indeed Ashbourne were 15 points up in no time at all through 2 early tries and a penalty. It looked to be a long hard afternoon in store for the black army.
After that start K's started to get a hold on the game and were pleased to get on the scoreboard when Dan Turner knocked over a penalty. This was followed up with a very good try. Dan Turner got possession about 40 metres out and broke right. Cooper was up in support and he sent Grant Ward off for the line. The wing still had a lot to do but he feinted inside then out and found a clear run to the line for the try.
This should have given Kesteven heart but were undone when Ian Charles was penalised for collapsing a maul just yards from his own line and was yellow carded for his sins. That proved costly as Ashbourne ran in 2 more converted tries while he was off. A 29 - 8 defeicit at the break meant that Kesteven had a lot to do in the second half,
Ashbourne resumed where they left off and kept the pressure on. Grant Ward also saw yellow when he kicked the ball out of a ruck in the five metre area and again the visitors cashed in with a couple of tries. They added another to extend their lead but Kesteven still played with great spirit. They managed to put Ashbourne under pressure to the extent that they too had two players in the sin bin and Andy Peabody brought the game to a close when he forced his way over for the final try. Final score was Kesteven 13 Ashbourne 46.
Ashbourne are a good side and are not at the top end of the league for nothing. They took their chances well taking advantage of Kestteven errors. It was to Kesteven's credit that they never gave up. In the pack Hayward led the side well always trying to keep the ball moving whiile Myles in the back row had some storming runs. In the backs Simon Oakes who came in to the side at the last moment kicked well and was able to take some of the workload off Dan Turner. Dan was always asking questions of the defence and set up Ward's try very well. Younger brother Nathan had a great game at full back fielding the greasy ball faultlessly and was very lively in running the ball back.
Team was N Turner; G Ward, P jordan, R Cooper, I Charles; D Turner, S Oakes; S Odams, D Hayward, F Davies, J Cowley, W Pert, A Brown, A Peabody, T Myles Reps M Coghill, H O'Brien, M Paton
Kesteven 19 vs Amber Valley 24
Conditions at Amber Valley were dreadful - a very soft muddy pitch and constant rain - but somehow the teams managed to produce a thrilling game of rugby. The Kesteven side welcomed back Tony Woolerton to the back row with Michael Coghill and Jordan Smith also coming int the side. Marc Paton was at prop and in the backs Ian Charles and Hallam O'Brien came in on the wings.
The early exchanges were tight with the home pack winning most of the ball but with the Kesteven backs living on scraps looking the more likely to score. The speed of the Kesteven threequarters was important as they tried to capitalise on mistakes by the home backs. This led to the first score after 20 minutes when Dan Turner picked up a loose ball and quick as a flash he fed James Goodrich. James cleverly drew his man before sending a well timed pass to Phil Jordan who straightened hi line of running to go over for the try at the posts giving Turner an easy conversion.
Kesteven's desperation to spoil the Amber Valley possession led them to conceding penalties and just before the break this led to Hallam O'Brien being shown a yellow card. He was unlucky in that he paid the penalty for the team's errors.
From this penalty Valley kicked to the corner and took advantage of their numerical advantage to score. The conversion tied the scores at the break.
Valley added to their total just after the break with a second try through their forwards before O'Brien returned.
Kesteven responded well to this and kept trying to make the most of what little possession they had. They did this to good effect when the forwards won loose ball and fed the backs. Godd simple passing out to the wing sent O'Brien clear to squeeze over in the corner. The conversion failed but a couple of minutes later K's regained the lead. Turner was firts through on a dropped pass. He scooped up the ball, broke the tackle and had a clear run to the posts for a try which he converted to give K's a 19 - 12 lead with 20 minutes left.
Andy Brown and Frankie Davies replaced Jordan Smith and Marc Paton as the game entered the final quarter. As expected Amber Valley's pack through everything at K's and eventually they scored. The try came from a smartly taken tap penalty five metres out to narrow the gap to 2 points with 10 minutes left.
Conditions had a part to play in the final try. Amber Valley won possession near halfway and kicked into space at the corner. Justin Dingley covering back dived on the ball and slid over the line. As he did so the ball slid out from under him and the pursuing Amber Valley player touched down and the referee awarded the try. The conversion was good and Amber Valley had conjured up a 24 - 19 win, leaving Kesteven with yet another losing bonus point for their efforts.
Team was A Whitaker, I Charles, P Jordan, J Goodrich, H O'Brien; D Turner, J Dingley; S Odams, D Hayward, M Paton, J Cowley, W Pert, J Smith, T Woolerton, M Coghill Reps A Brown, F Davies, E Dovey
Kesteven 13 vs Southwell 12
Another week another dramatic conclusion and a one point win.
This week Kesteven were short of their four young players turning out for Nottingham Academy. This allowed Martyn Parker Mark Dent, Rob Windsor and James Goodrich to come in to the back division. In the pack Dom Brister Marc Paton and Brett Login came in.
The first half was a tight affair with neither side able to get on the scoresheet with some good positional play. Parker's experience was important in keeping Southwell hemmed in their own half. The interval came with no scoring.
In the second half Kesteven had the benefit of the wind and stepped up their game. They were able to vary their play well and Whitaker cam close to scoring. Dan Turner who had raced back from playing for Nottingham Academy to take his place on the bench came on to replace Windsor, while Andy Brown replaced Login.
Kesteven were starting to make inroads and were rewarded with a try. Dent took possession inside the Southwell 22 and broke for the line. He found Odams up in support. The young prop used Whitaker as a decoy runner to go in for the try. The conversion failed and K's had the lead.
It wasn't to last long as the Southwell 10 made a good break to go over for a try which he converted to take the lead by 7 - 5.
The game entered the final quarter with Kesteven trying hard to reclaim th egame. The speeded up play and were keen to run at Southwell. Dom Brister got the ball in a maul on the 22 and used his strength and speed to race over for the try . Now 10 - 7 to Kesteven.
It was Southwell's turn now to put pressure on. They foeced kesteven into conceding a penalty in front of the posts. The simple kick would have tied the scores but they chose to run. The Kestevn defence repelled the foirst charge but could not prevent Southwell winning the ball and feeding their backs and in the last minute Southwell scored a second try to regain the lead. Crucially the conversion was missed.
There was just time for Martyn Parker to kick off - and for Southwell to hold on to the ball illegally. To compound this error they were marched back 10 metres for talking back to the referee making the penalty just a bit easier. Dan Turner stepped up and with ice cool nerves steered the ball through the posts and Kesteven had won by 13 - 12. This time Kesteven had the benefit of the dramatic injury time winner!
Team was J Dingley; A Whitaker, P Jordan, J Goodrich, R Windsor; M Parker and M Dent; S Odams, D Hayward, M Paton, J Cowley, W Pert, R Midgeley, B Login, D Brister Reps A Brown, M Sayle, D Turner
It was a huge sense of relief when Danny kicked that penalty at the end and the feeling was one of the luck turning for K's. It was a gutsy performance and took a lot to come back from what appeared to be the crushing blow of another last minute loss.
Kesteven 19 vs Sleaford 20
Kesteven made the short trip to Sleaford keen to get revenge for the last minute win by Sleaford when they visited Woodnook earlier in the season. Read to the end of the report for the dramatic outcome.
It was a grey afternoon as Sleaford kicked off. Kesteven enjoyed the best of the early part of the game playing some good controlled rugby. Turner and Dingley at half back mixed play up very well with some good telling kicks and using the speedy backs to make ground, The pack were winning good bal with Pert and Peabody prominent.
It took 15 minutes to get the breakthrough when Dan Turner took a giid pass frm Dingley to ghost past his opposite number to go in for the first try. His conversion slid over courtesy of the post to give K's a worthy 7 - 0 lead.
Ths spurred Sleaford whi now had the chance to take play into the Kesteven half, Some direct running from thier scrum half tested the K's defence but they held and responded with an excellent try involving forwards and backs. Clever interpassing sent Rob Cooper clear. He drew the home full back and sent a perfect pass to Grant Ward and the youngster added to his impressive try tally with one behind the posts. Dan Turner again converted to give the visitors a 14 - 0 half time lead.
The second half however was a different story. Sleaford raised their game and were scored with a penalty after 2 minutes. The wind had strengthened after the break to Sleaford's advantage and they kept K's pinned back for the next 25 minutes. The Kesteven defence was terrific with Nathan Turner tackilng well at full back and with the pack holding their own. Peabody retired with a leg injury to be replaced by Sayle. Sleaford's pressure eventually told and they eventually scored a try which was converted to narrow the score to 10 - 14. This actually relieved the preessure for K's and they got a foothold in the Sleaford half for the first time since half time. Dan Turner put a penalty kick to the corner and from the line out Pert won possession. The forwards kept the ball and worked it out to the backs. Dan Turner made abreak for the line and when he was stopped Grant Ward appeared off his wing to score a well worked try. The conversion failed but with a 9 point lead and 10 minutes left it was looking like K's would prevail. Sleaford had other ideas and at last released their backs for a try in the corner. The conversion from far out was successful to narrow the gap to a crucial two points. K's made two more changes as O'Brien and Bennett left the field to be replaced by Whittaker and Bellamy.
Sleaford had their tails up now. A penalty kick to the corner set up a good position and when they won the ball tgeir stand off showed great skill and awareness to drop a goal to win the match. Kesteven had suffered a last minute defeat for the second week in a row and indeed had earned a losing bonus point for the 5th time this season.
Team was N Turner; G Ward, P Jordan, R Cooper, H O'Brien; D Turner, J Dingley; S Odams, D Hayward, P Bennett, J Cowley, W Pert, R Midgeley, A Peabody, M Coghill Reps M Sayle, I Bellamy, A Whittaker
Kesteven 25 vs Notts Casuals 28
Kesteven welcomed league leaders Notts Casuals to Woodnook for their first home game of the New Year.
The home team welcomed back Grant Ward, Andy Peabody, Dom Brister and Richard Midgely to the team and it was Peabody who made an immediate impact. He fielded the kick off, made 20 metres and from the first scrum Casuals were penalised to give Danny Turner an early shot at goal. He used the wind well to slot the goal. 3 - 0 after a minute was just the start needed.
The game settled down with K's using the wind to pin Casuals back and Casuals running the ball through good running and inter passing. Kesteven were mixing up the game well and exended their lead after 20 minutes. The forwards turned over good ball in the Casuals half. Wood fed Dan Turner on the right. Dan feinted to cut inside then fed a pefect pass to Grant Ward on the wing. The youngster squeezed in at the corner for a fine try. They were to adda 2nd try minutes later. Turner found a good touch 10 metres out and from the lineout Hayward charged for the line. He was hed up but Odams was on hand to force his way over. Turner added the goal and was instrumental in setting up the 3rd try shortly after. K's fielded the restart and found Turner deep in his own half. Again the Turner - Ward combination came good. This time Ward took the pass on half way and shaped to go inside but swereved outside and used his pace to race in. Turner's conversion was caught in the wind and drifted wide, however Kesteven had a useful 20 -0 lead with half time looming. Casuals had one last effort in the half and worked over for a try just before the break. Half time score was 20 - 5.
Casuals had the use of the wind in the second half and kept K's in their own half for long spells. They inched their way back into the game with a penalty and 2 tries to close the gap to 2 points with 15 minutes lefft. Kesteven rang the changes as Brister, Cooper and Odams were replaced by Coghill, Windsor and Paton. Kesteven had few chances but were always ready to run out of defence. Natham Turner at full back was creating chances and one such break release Ward again. The situation did not look promising but the youngster again created space out of nothing and was able to complete his hat trick to extend the lead to 25 - 18 and to earn a bonus point with 10 minutes left.
Casuals however again responded with another try wide out to close the gap to 2 points again. They threw the kitchen sink at K's and got their reward with a winning try when their forwards forced their way over in the last minute to break Kesteven hearts. Final score was Kestteven 25 Notts Casuals 28.
It was a thrilling game of rugby played in good spirit. Kesteven were decidedly unucky not to win this game.
Team was N Turner; G Ward, P Jordan, R Cooper, H O'Brien; D Turner, O Wood; S Odams, D Hayward, P Bennett, W Pert, J Cowley, R Midgely, A Prabody, D Brister reps M Paton, M Coghill, R Windsor
This was a fine display by K's against the team at the top of the league. The 2 bonus points were scant reward for the effort put in. Ward's performance was outstanding but the pack worked their socks off. Peabody set the tone in the first minute with his take of the kick off. Wood was iively at scrum half serving Dan Turner well. Dan used the wind well in the first half and he was instrumental in creating space for Ward's first two tries. The spirit in the camp was good despite the blow of losing in such a manner. They need to keep that spirit alive for the visit to Sleaford next week.
Kesteven 10 vs Mellish 48
Kesteven set off for Mellish for their first game of 2011 showing a number of changes. Hallam O'Brien came in for his first start of the season whl Brett Login and Jordan Hughes forming the back row.
It was a cold sunny afternoon with a strong crossfield wind as Mellish kicked off. Mellish had the better f the opening exchanges and were soon ahead. Their nippy flyhalf found an inside channel cutting back to create the opening try. They followed up with a second shortly after to take a 10 - 0 lead.
Kesteven had some good play and Danny Turner came close to scoring with a good break but he was hauled down just short. Mellish broke away again and added a third try which was converted for a 17 - 0 lead. K's did have one more chance before the break when O'Brien kicked through and was late tackled.
K's turned round with hopes of overturning the deficit. They raised the pace of their game and took play to Mellish but were unable to score. Mellish however broke away again to score another converted try.
K's kept pressing and were at last rewarded when a hurried clearance from the home defence was picked up by Cooper who shot over for the try. This should have been the spur for a Kesteven comeback but again defensive frailties led them to concede a penalty try. Kesteven now realised they had nothing to lose and were playing the game at pace. Odams took a tap penalty to himself to score before Mellish took advantage of this looseness to run in 3 more tries and finish convincing winners.
Kesteven.
A Whittaker; P Jordan, N Turner, R Cooper, H O'Brien; D Turner, O Wood; S Odams, D Hayward, P Bennett, W Pert, J Cowley, J Hughes, B Login, M Coghill Reps M Sayle, M Paton, I Charles.
Kesteven 15 vs Grimsby 19
The winter snow cleared in just enough time for this game to go ahead.
Kesteven had the benefit of the elements in the first half and started well. The forwards were on top and created the position which allowed Dan Turner to open the scoring with a penalty. Both sides were keen to play running rugby and such play saw Grimsby take the lead. A missed tackle allowed the vvisiting full back space out on th eright wing and he was able to run in for a try which was converted.
Kestevn had the misfortune to lose Scott Odams to a shoulder injury. This saw Will Pert come on with Andy Brown moving to prop and Tyrone Miles to number 8. This reverse did not upset the Kesteven team who continued to play good flowing rugby to such effect that they were able to run in two tries before the break. First the forwards won good ball on the right. The passing was crisp and Justin Dingley timed his pass to Jordan perfectly for Phil to go in at the corner. Dan Turner converted with a fine effort. Then Peabody fielded the kick off and stormed up field. Dan made a great break but was held however the Kesteven forwards won the ball and fed it out right for Whitaker to score. That made the half time score a worthy 15 - 7 to Kesteven.
Grimsby clearly were stung by this and upped their game in the second half. Their forwards started to get on top and were asking questions of the home defence. k's were starting to concede penaties and once too often for the referee who awarded Grimsby a penalty try when Miles stopped then in the act of scoring. He also suffered by being sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. Life got harder for K's as shortly after Phil Jordan was sent off following an altercation with his opposite number. Despite being reduced to 13 players for a time the Kesteven defence held out with some fine tackling. Pressure told eventually and Grimsby got their third try when their forwards powered over. The conversion failed.
At this time Dingley and Whitaker both retired with injuries to be replaced by Cooper and Ward respectively showing the quality of the Kesteven squad. The final 15 minutes showed that Kesteven have great character as they never gave up. Dan Turner, Cooper and Ward all had chances to turn the game round but just failed to finish them off. Grimsby also had chances but they too could not add to their score and the haeld out to win a tight match by 19 - 15. In truth Kesteven deserved more out of the game than a losing bonus point.
Team was J Dingley, A whitaker, N Turner, D Turner, P Jordan; F Lidstone, O Wood; S Odams, D hayward, P Bennett, T Miles J Cowley, A Peabody, T Woolerton, A Brown Reps W Pert, R Cooper, G Ward
Kesteven 10 vs Mellish 48
Kesteven set about getting thier season on track after a few disappointments as they faced Ashfield.
It was a grey day as the home side kicked off and soon they were settling in with the pack quickly getting on top. It seemed that the young team were trying to play the game at 100 miles an hour instead of taking their time.
Ashfield had a struggle to get into the game but they did take the lead when K's were penalised for holding on in the tackle. Ashield kicked the goal to take a 3 - 0 lead.
Kesteven responded with agood break whihc saw Jordan go over in the corner but he was pulled back for a forward pass. He was not to be denied as a few minures later he came off his wing at just the right angle to beat the defence and go over at the posts for a fine try which Dan Turner coverted to give the home team a 7 - 3 lead at the break.
The second half started with Ashfield's kick off failing to go 10 metres. From the scrum Olly Wood broke left, ,fed Dan Turner who sent Grant Ward racing down the wing for the youngster to goin for the try.
K's switched off for a minute and allowed Ashfield to gain a foothold in the home half. The visitors took advantage and forced their way over for a try which was converted to narrow the gap to 2 points. Ashfield gained confidence from this and came into the game more puttingthe home defence under pressure. The young hoem defence did npt panic and kept the visitors out. One such clearnce saw Dingley at full back eschew the clearing kick and feed the ball inside. Dan Trner got the ball under his own posts and broke out to near half way. He kicked ahead for Grant Ward to chase and the wing shwed great presence as he checked to gather the ball. As he did so he was caught but he kept his wits about him and looked inside for support and there was Dan Turner coming up at pace to take the pass and complete the move he started. He added the conversion to take Kesteven into a 19 - 10 lead. K's were playing with much more freedom now and added a bonus point try when Ward again got the ball in space to score. This was his final act as he was injured in scoring. He was replaced by Windsor, and Paton and Pert came on to replace Shields and Miles.
To their credit Ashfield never gave up and added a second try with 5 mminutes left. The conversion failed giving Kesteven just enough of a cushion. Ashfield were awarded a penalty in the last minute and mindful of the bonus point on offer kicked the goal to finish the match at Kesteven 24 Ashfield 18.
In truth this was an untidy match whihc had four great Ketseven tries to brighten the afternoon.
The young team took time to settle but all the youngsters played their part. Dan Turner as always was a huge influence being at the heart of most of the good play. His try was a fine example of that. Elsewhere Ward took his tries well. Dingley settled into his favourite full back position while Phil Jordan showed great enthusiasm as always and took his try well. Nathan Turner tackeld and supported well on his first team debut. Jason Lamb at fly half used his experience well while Olly Wood, also making his first team debut settled to a fine game.
In the pack the new second row pairing of Cowley and Miles brought some strength to the scrum while the front row of Odams Hayward and Shield kept on top. It was good to see Peabody back to his foraging best while Brown and Woolerton put in some big hits
Team was: J Dingley, G Ward, N Turner, D Turner, P Jordan; J Lamb, O Wood; P Shields, D Hayward, S Odams, T Miles J Cowley, A Peabody, T Woolerton, A Brown Reps W Pert, M Paton, R Windsor
Kesteven 10 vs Ashbourne 72
The usual story of injury and unavailability saw a much changed 1st XV take to the field against high flying Ashbourne on Saturday. A long journey for all including hold ups along the way saw a less than perfect preperation for the side.
With Danny Turner arriving late due to work commitments Kesteven were forced to start with 14 and this told from the off as Ashbourne tore into the 22 and scored an opening try within the first few minutes. With Turner now on the field Kesteven looked to start building patterns but were all too easily turned over and Ashbourne used their quick backs and mobile pack to quickly score 3 more tries seemingly at will and without reply.
Kesteven never stopped trying things out and eventually worked up field and from a tap prenalty from Odhams the ball was delivered from Jordan to Turner who slipped the tackle and scrambled over for the try. The conversion missed but K's at least knew that if they kept the ball and played to their strengths they could put points on the board.
This try only reinvigourated Ashbourne and they scored more tries towards the end of the half to take a demoralising half time lead.
With Skipper Clarke and coach Sayles words together with on the pitch skipper Haywards words ringing in their ears K's threw every last bit of energy they could at Ashbourne in the first 20 minutes of the second half and following near misses from Turner and Ward they were eventually rewarded with the first points of the second half as Turner spotted a gap and fed a perfect pass for Charles to run in the simple finish.
This was to be the last hurrah for a fatigued and drained team who had now given everything and Ashboune seemed to up the pace and scored some great flowing tries to put the game in no doubt at all with a sobering 72-10 end scoreline.
This was a hard game for the bare squad of 15 who made the long trip to Ashbourne to come away with no reward but every player 1-15 never gave up. The entire club needs to step up to the plate for what are now extremely important league games coming up if they are to stem the tide of defeats and live up to the potential that we all know is there.
Team was: Odhams, Hayward, Bennett, Cowley, Pert, Midgeley, Coghill, Myles, Dingley, Jordan P, Williams, Turner, Ward G, Charles, Dolan R
Kesteven 21 vs Amber Valley 22
Once again K's had to make changes, bringling Simon Oakes into the team for his first ame of the season. Dom Brister was at fly-half and Paul Shields brought his strength to bear in th efront row.
K's started brightly and soon had the scoreboard ticking over. A loose clearance found Danny Turner out on the lesft touchline. He qucikly sized up the position and threw a long pass in to Rob Cooper who fed the ball on to Aaron Whitaker for the youngster to cross in the right corner. The conversion failed but K's were on top with their quick backs causing Amber Valley all sorts of problems. The second try came shortly after when Danny Tuurner spotted Rob Cooper unmarked and threaded a perfect kick through for rob to gather and score.
Amber Valley were not going to ilie down and added a try of their own as their pack forcced their way over but once again K's responded. A long kick thorough by Turner almost led to a try but Amber Valley's clearance kick went straight to Whitaker who sped dpwn the left wing to go in at the corner to give Kesteven a healthy 15 - 5 lead at the break.
In the second half K's looked to dominate again and came close to adding to their total. Danny Turner was dragged down just acouple yards short. Valley conceded a penalty and Turner popped it over to extend the lead to 18 - 5 with about 20 minutes left. that should have been that but Amber Valley never gave up and when their pack scored a second try to narrow the lead to 18 - 12 K's should have heeded the warning. Unfortuneately a minute later Valley had gained an improbable lead when K's failed to deal with a speculative kick ahead and the visitors scored another converted try to take the lead by 19 - 18.
K's response was good and forced Valley to concede another penalty. Turner again kicked the goal to regain the lead.
However once again Valley were given the chance when a high tackle near half way was penalised. Valley kicked the penalty and K's lost Dom Brister to the sin bin for the final 10 minutes. That was the final score and Amber Valley had snatched an unlikely victory by 22 - 21. All K's had to show for theor effort was a losing bonus point.
For Kesteven Turner was at the hear of most of the good play by Kesteven but Whitaker was a threat every time he got the ball. It was a measure of Amber Valley's approach in the second half that Whitaker hardly saw the ball.
In the pack Peabody Brown and Woolerton worked hard winning some good ball in the loose. A special word though to Simon Oakes and Jason Lamb who stepped up to the call for the first team and gave their all.
Team was A Whittaker; I Charles, R Cooper, D Turner, R Jordan; D Brister, S Oakes; S Odams, D Hayward, P Shields, W Pert, J Cowley, A Peabody, T Woolerton, A Brown Replacements J Lamb, R Midgely, P Etherington
Kesteven 12 vs Southwell 22
Kesteven travelled to Southwell with a team showing 10 changes from the previous outing. Not surprisingly the team took a little tie to settle but were able to withstand early pressure from the home side. The forwards were holding their own well while the backs tackled strongly so it was disappointing to concede a try after 20 minutes when teh Southwell number 8 broke out from a maul to run in for a try. The conversion was good. K's responded well and charged down a clearing kick. The pack swooped on the ball and it was spun out through the threequarters for Rupert Jordan to sboop up a pass off his toes to go in at the corner. Justin Dingley landed a great conversion from out wide to tie the scores. The lead was to change hands again five minutes later. Aaron Whittaker was having a fine game at fuulback and set off on a fine run deep into the Southwell half. The ball ran loose and Southwell realising that the full back was upfield hacked through to score.
Once again K's rose to the challenge and again put the home defence in trouble with fine first time tackling. Agin the ball was won and again Rupert Jordan was able to finish the move with a try in the corner to tie the scores at the break at 12 all.
In the 2nd half Kesteven started well and were again pressing, looking likely to score but again were undone when the Southwell number 8 intercepted a pass and ran in from 70 metres to score. The conversion was good and Southwell added a penalty to take them into a 10 point lead. K's now took the game to Southwell through some direct running by Midgely and Hughes but they were unable to score. Southwell had one final chance for a bonus point try but they lost the ball in the act of scoring at the end. Final score was Southwell 22 Kesteven 12.
Although the result was disappointing there were stillsome good performances. In the backs Rupert Jordan took his two tries well while Aaron Whittaker gave a very assured performance at full back. Jordan Hughes gave his all in the unacustomed position on the wing while Gallacher and Midgely formed a useful partnership at centre. Phil Jordan came onto a good game at flyhalf while Justin Dingley continues to develop at scrum half.
In the pack Odams Hayward and Etherington did well while Pert won some good lineout ball. Cowley continues to display some great strength while Brown and Peabody also tackled well. Mile uses his strength well at number 8. Matryn Parker came on at fly half when Brown retired, causing a reshuffle which broght Midgely back into the pack and Richard Dolan replaced Whittaker.
Team was A Whittaker; J Hughes, K Gallacher, R Midgely, R Jordan; P Jordan, J Dingley; S Odams, D Hayward, P Etherington, W Pert, J Cowley, A Brown, A Peabody, T Miles. Replacements M Parker, R Dolan M Sayle.
Kesteven 22 vs Sleaford 24
Kesteven welcomed near neighbours Sleaford to Woodnook for the first time for a few years on league business. The home team is beginning to take on a settled look and Skipper Nick Clarke made a welcome return to the side.
There was a cool breeze as Danny Turner started the game with a measured kick off. K's won possession and seemed set for their usual good start but carelessness with possession allowed Sleaford to gain an early foothold in the Kesteven 22. K's got offside and Sleaford took a quick penalty and ran in the first try. The conversion was successful. The game was quite open as both sides tried to move the ball and Sleaford scored a second try after good interpassing. This also was converted to give them a 14 - 0 lead after 20 minutes. Sleaford lost thier promising centre with damaged ribs after a powerful tackle from Aaron Whitaker.
Kesteven did not panic and just keep playing a steady game gradually getting on top. First Danny Turner kicked a penalty then he broke through for a try after a neat pass from Matt Harland. The conversion narrowed the gap tp 14 - 10. They were lose to adding a second try just before the break as Cooper kicked through but the ball just rolled out of play. Sleaford had been warned about their penalty count just before the break and early in the second half the referee sent one of their number to the sin bin after one off-side too many. K's were quick to take advantage and built up pressure in the visitors 22. After a succession of scrums Justin Dingley made a neat half break and delivered a super flip pass to Matt Harland who skipped in for the try. Turner's conversion gave K's the lead by 17 - 14.
Sleaford responded to the return of their 15th man with a couple of good attacks and were rewarded with a penalty to tie the scores again. Kesteven were stung by this and raised their game. The pack were now dominating and Andy Brown finished off agood move with great determination to score. The conversion failed and with 10 minutes left K's had a 5 point lead. The final 10 minutes were played at a hectic pace as Sleaford tried to regain the lead. Kesteven defence got more and more desperate and they conceded a number of penalties cloee to thier own line. In the ned they gave awya one too many and Sleaford were able to score a try with the last move of the match. The conversion was put over nervelessly to win the game by the narrow margin of 24 - 22. It was heartbreak for the home side who had played their part in a good match.
For Kesteven young Justin Dingley was awarded man of the match for a fine performance, mixing up his game well with good service to Matt Harland as well as taking responsibility for some good clearing kicks. Harland took his try very well while Turner was dangerous as always, while Whitaker gave a super display at full back both in tackling and handling. In the pack the front row of Odams Hayward and Bennett again were dominant while Cowley and Clarke were strong as always. In the back row Woolerton tackled as he always does, Miles made some huge hits and Brown kept the ball alive very well. There was huge disappointment in losing a match they could and should have won.
Team was A Whitaker; R Jordan, R Cooper, D Turner, P Jordan; M Harland, J Dingley, S Odams, D Hayward, P Bennett, N Clarke, J Cowley, A Brown, T Woolerton, T Miles Reps. W Pert, P Etherington, D Williams
Kesteven 7 vs Notts Casuals 39
Kesteven made the short trip to Nottingham to meet promotion favourites Casuals. Skipper Nick Clarke had to drop out with a knee injury, being replaced by Will Pert and James Hamilton replaced the unavailable Doug Hayward. Aaron Whitaker came in at full back
Once again K's started well takng the game to the home side and looked to continue the good form they showed against Mellish. Casuals however had done their homework and picked out Danny Turner as the danger man. Dan did escape their clutches once to score and convert but Casuals were able to score themselves before the break.
In the second half Casuals were helped by some slack defending as they built up their score. Kesteven did have some chances, notably a fine run out of defence from Whitaker which should have brought a try but the final pass did not go to hand.
The pack did work hard with Paul Bennett giving a man of the match performance. Will Pert worked hard and Tony Woolerton gave his all as usual. In the backs Danny Turner was shackled well by the opposition who had two men on him every time he gt the ball. This made it very difficult as the others were denied the time to exploit the extra space.
This week K's will be looking to get back on track against local rivals Sleaford at Woodnook, kick off 3 00.
Team: A Whittaker; R Jordan, R Cooper, D Turner, P Jordan; M Harland, J Dingley; S Odams, J Hamilton, P Bennett, J Cowley, W Pert, R Midgely, T Woolerton, A Brown Reps M Paton, R Windsor, M Coghill
Kesteven 36 vs Mellish 8
Kesteven were smarting after their trip to Melbourne last week and took the field determined to get back to winning ways. They mae several changes in the backs with Lidstone, Turner, Cooper and Dingley coming in, while Brown and Brister came into the back row.
Kesteven came out of the blocks with a bang and soon had Mellish defending. Sometimes they were over eager and gave away penalties allowing the visitors to relieve the pressure. It didn't take them long to get on the score sheet with the first try. Harland made a diaganol break, drawing defenders before sending a neatly timed pass to Cooper who ran in. The conversin failed. This spurred Mellish who took advantage of some indiscipline in the home ranks and created space for their winger to go in at the corner for the equalisisng try.
Kesteven continued to play the game at pace and with nice variety. The mid firled of Harland Turner and Cooper was working well and it was Turner who added the 2nd try. Brister took a quick tap penalty and a neat deft flip pass to Turner saw the centre burst through under the posts for a try which he converted.
It was all Kesteven now and further breaks by Lidstone at full back had the crowd on their feet, One move nearly set Turner free but he was tackled just short. The xcore was only delayed as Turner again broke through. This time he had support from Cooper who raced in for the try. Turner converted and added a penalty before a brief rally by Mellish saw them convert a penalty on the stroke of half time to make the score 22 - 8 to the homeside.
Kesteven faced the wind in the second half but it did not faze hem at all. They were able to keep Mellish penned in their own half for most of the time. Miles Midgely and Etherington replaced Brister, Brown and Odams The visitors did try to play themselves out of trouble but too often their handling let them down. One such dropped pass was pounced on by Cooper who kicked through and won the race for the touchdown. to earn K's their first bonus point of the season Turner converted. Melish indiscipline led to a penalty at the restart and Turner pnished them with a kick to the corner. This kept the pressure on and Turner completed teh scoring a few minutes later when he collected a pass outside the 22 and sped through without anyone getting near enough to make the tackel. His conversion brought his tally 21 out of the 36 to 8 win.
This was a fine recovery from Kesteven after the disappointment of the first week. As always the foundation was set by a dominant pack. The front row of Odams Hayward and Bennett was solid while Brister ensured a good supply of line out ball. Woolerton and Brown were tireless in the loose play with Woolerton's tackling again creating havoc.
In the backs Justin Dingley took to the role of scrum half well and served Harland with good ball whcih gave the flyhalf time to vary his game inteligently. He made breaks, put in some telling kicks and kept his centres supplied with good ball. The centres Cooper and Turner responded with 5 tries between them while behind Lidstone sparkled at full back and the Jordan brothers worked tirelessly. Clarke as always led by example while young Cowley's impact grew as the game progressed.
Team was F Lidstone; R Jordan, R Cooper, D Turner and P Jordan; M Harland and J Dingley; S Odams, D Hayward, P Bennett, N Clarke, J Cowley, A Brown, T Woolerton, D Brister Reps P Etherington, R Midgely, T Miles