Kesteven kicked off with the sun and wind at their backs and looked to make the most of this advantage in the first half. It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a battle between the large old pack from Mansfield and the younger quicker side from kesteven. K's looked to use the pace advantage well in the first half and but for some passes adjudged forward by the rotund referree could well have been 2 tries to the good in the first 20.

All they had to show for the pressure they exerted however was a well taken penalty from Micheal Coghill. Rather predictably mansfield large pack rumbled down field and eventually forced a Kesteven scrum on the 5 metre line. Mansfield played smart rugby and used their impressive scrum to push K's off their own ball for the first try. This was well converted by the unexpected kicking prop!

Undeterred by this set back k's again looked to push the ball wide but good Mansfield defence kept them out. Again Mansfield looked to gain the upper hand and looked set to add to their score after sucking in the Kesteven defence, however more out of despair that judgement Ian Charles stuck out his left hand and gratefully intercepted the pass to score an unlikely try under the posts. Coghill slotted the easy conversion.

Leading 7-10 at half time Kesteven hoped to push on from this but unfortunately lost number 8 Miles and centre Will Price who it appeared had both been carrying breaks to bones for a good portion of the first half. We wish them a speedy recovery! They were replaced by Tony Smith and Andy Price respectively with Brett Login moving to number 8 from the front row.

This set back seemed to suit mansfield as kesteven were slow to adjust and with uncharactaristic errors from misfielded kicks and spilt ball Mansfield were gaining some momentum with at times only tenacious goal line defence in particular from the impressive Sam Durrance keeping the home side out. Eventually the pressure told and Mansfield were able to rumble over for a try. the conversion was again made and followed up with a penalty to make the score 17-10 with 20 minutes left.

kesteven know a quick score would put them back in the game and it looked as though a clever chip over a scrum form Jack Danford had made the break though but the referree who was consistently behind the game adjudged that he had not grounded the ball so mansfield cleared their lines with a 22 drop out.

Again Mansfield worked up field and following some unforced errors were able to score 2 further tries to give the score a more comfortable look. Earlier in the season this might have seen the second string capitulate, but determined to finish the game on a high went looking for a further try, and produced what was without doubt the score of the game. Chris Jones spotted space in behind the mansfield back line and produced a perfect kick which Andy Price ran onto and hacked on for Richard Dolan to out sprint the home defence and face plant himself into the ground for the try.

Coghilll converted to leave the final score 27-17.

This was always going to be a difficult game with changes in personnel abundant but kesteven left thinking that but for some decisions the game could and maybe should have gone their way. The pack led by captain Dolan and experience Login coped well with the bulk and experience of the Mansfield 8 with Sam Durrance proving to be a constant nuisance to them on an impressive day for him. Coghill kicked extremely well n a difficult wind. in the backs Chris Jones made the most of the ball he got and used his centres well with Rich Dolan finishing his try well. Daz blackley adjusted well to playing on the wing with Eddie at full back making great yards on the counter attack.

Next week the second team host Notts casuals for what will be another tricky fixture.

Team C.King, B.Login, P.Dolan, M.Coghill, O.Hanson, R.Crowson, S.Durrance, T.Miles, J, Danford, C.Jones, I.Charles, W.Price, R.Dolan, D.Blackley, Eddie (?) Reps T.Smith, A.Price

Kesteven 2nds 37 - Sleaford 2nds - 7

With a change in climate this weekend kestevens second string welcomed Sleaford 2nds to woodnook. There were a number of changes to the side including welcoming Mark Dent back who slotted in at 10. Lead by Pete Dolan once again, The Plan for the day was simple, "i aint here to lose" were the highlights of his prematch speech.

Kesteven kicked off and immediately showed there dominance the forwards working well as a unit all day & bossing the opposition.

With Brett at 9 & Mark at 10 kesteven soon put sleaford under pressure. after a sustained period of pressure and with the forwards going close on several occasions but coming up just short the ball went wide to Daz Blackley who found himself with some space to work with and he went over for the try.

Confidence grew amongst a side who had suffered recently from several bad results. Knowing the the 2nds team went up a gear and with Burton and templeton at there bull dozing best it wasnt long before the opposition were breached once more. Denty take the ball of an extremely well worked line out ran the ball and put templeton through. with only 1 man to beat he took the short road straight over the top of him to score under the posts.

With Coghill kicking like a demon the 2nds started to rack up the points as the half went on.

After a period of pressure from sleaford who came close but solid defending from the 2nds close to there own try line. kesteven ran the ball out and only covering tackles kept the 2nds out. eventually Denty ran the same line that put templeton away but this time as sleaford thought they had read it went alone and popped inside to price who went over with not long to go until half time. Coghill converted.

At Half time a number of changes with Burton & Templeton being replaced by Jones & Rich (not sure on surname - wears a hat!! lol) and in the forwards young ryan came onto the flank and Max Haddad to the other.

The second half was a different game to the first with sleaford presurising the 2nds alot. eventually k's broke free and went over for the score (not sure too any help greatly appreciated). Coghill converted. After a long period of pressure coghill slotted the penalty. With an injury in the pack. Login moved to Hooker, Denty to 9, Jonesy to 10 & Max Haddad to 12.Tyrone Miles then came on into the number 8 slot.

As the game went on it became more fractured and bursting runs from both centres and Miles caused holes to appear. With a long period of pressure by the forwards who again were right on the oppositions try line. denty passed it out wide for Price to go over in the corner.

Coghill missed from outwide & was then replaced by Digger.

The Opposition eventually got on the score sheet with a consolation try late on.

Jabba made an appearance with 20 mins left but was sin binned for the final 10 for fighting with the opposition number 8. (Silly Boy)

Alot of positives from the game tackling & organisation being much improved on from the last few weeks.

Team was : Blackley , Price, Templeton, Burton, Windsor, Dent, Login, Herbert, Dolan (c), Ollie, Coghill, (not sure), Jordan Smith, Rich Dolan, Foster. Subs - Jones, Rich, Digger, Tyrone, Ryan, Jabba, Some others but i cant remember.

West Bridgford 83 - Kesteven 2nds 10

With Pete called up to the 1sts Carl Foster was stand in captain for the day & gave a simple yet effective team talk. Play to our strengths.

From the off it was obvious that West Bridgford were an extremely well drilled side and scored a number of tries in quick succession from the off. Missed tackles and organisation seemed to be kestevens undoing early on and heads soon dropped. In the Scrum & lineout kesteven held there own all game against a tough opposition so can take heart from that fact.

After a period of sustained pressure the black army started to show some self belief and showed bridgford it was going to be all one way traffic. the forwards collecting a line out and driving deep into the bridgford half, the call went wide & Ben Betts stormed through the Bridgford defence, he was held up just short but good support play from Coggy & Jordan allowed Jordan Hughes the get his hand on the ball and it was span wide quickly and Price was able to score in the corner. Conversion from out wide was missed.

That was the final act of the first half

The Second half started in much the same vain as the first and the opposition scored at will for most of the half, there number 9 was extremely effective & think scored at least 4.

Fozzy & Brett rallied the troops and kesteven started to put some good play together with the forwards fronting up and taking no prisoners in the loose.

Eventually the ball went wide and Tony Burton went on a typical abbrasive run taking 4 bridgford players to drag him down. Jordan Smith picked the ball up and beating 3 players himself dotted down.

the remainder of the game was very one sided with missed tackles creating spaces, which the opposition exploited.

Kesteven can take positives from moments of the game, but organisation was there main down fall.

West Bridgford were a very good side & a number of there players were obviously 1st team players, i doubt the 2nds will come up against tougher opposition the season.

im not 100% sure on everyone who played but i think it was below:

Tony Smith, Frankie Davies, Bill Davies, Carl Foster (c), Ryan, Jordan Smith, Coggy, Jordan hughes, Rob Windsor , Andy Price, Tony Burton, Ben Betts, Ian McAlister, Daz Blackley, Dave Davies.

Kesteven 2nds 5 Newark 3rds 31

Kesteven started off their Pennant Campaigm with a visit from near neighbours Newark.

It was a fine afternoon with a teasing wind blowing across the field.

The match got off to a terrific start. Kesteven kicked off bit seemed to still be warming up when Newark scored. The fielded the kick off and quickly moved the ball wide for their right wing to race in from half way for a try which was converted. K's were 7 - 0 down after 2 minutes. The response though was quick and effective and a couple of minutes later the home team were on the scoreboard. The forwards won good ball on the 22 and Jordan Hughes got good ball out to Dom Brister playing at fly half. Dom opened up a huge gap and strode over for a try. The conversion failed. The rest of the half Kesteven kept up the pressure but were unable to add to the score. Chances were created but none were put away and they were caught by a second breakaway by the same Newark wing who again ran in from distance for a try. This time the conversion failed.

Kesteven turned round to face the wind and spent most of the half defending. Newark sealed the game with a quick one - two mid way through the half. Both tries were converted and then the visiting scrum half finished the game with a neat chip ahead which he gathered to score.

Kesteven can take heart from the number of chances they created but they do need to work on thier finishing and have some belief that they can take players on and beat them. Brett Login led the side well and there were promising perfomances from Daz Blackley, Jordan Hughes and Richard Dolan in the backs. It was good to see Carl Foster back in action in the pack and Ryan Crowson showed glimpses of what the future holds. Jamie Flear also played well until he retired with an ankle injury. We wish Jamie well for a speedy recovery.

Team was D Blackley; R Windsor, R Dolan, B Betts, A Price; D Brister, J Hughes; F Davies, B Login, P Shields, C Foster, M Coghill, R Crowson, J Flear and T Myles Reps from B MacWanna, R Cann

8th October

Kesteven 2nds 37 - Sleaford 2nds - 7

With a change in climate this weekend kestevens second string welcomed Sleaford 2nds to woodnook. There were a number of changes to the side including welcoming Mark Dent back who slotted in at 10.

Lead by Pete Dolan once again, The Plan for the day was simple, "i aint here to lose" were the highlights of his prematch speech.

Kesteven kicked off and immediately showed there dominance the forwards working well as a unit all day & bossing the opposition.

With Brett at 9 & Mark at 10 kesteven soon put sleaford under pressure. after a sustained period of pressure and with the forwards going close on several occasions but coming up just short the ball went wide to Daz Blackley who found himself with some space to work with and he went over for the try. Confidence grew amongst a side who had suffered recently from several bad results. Knowing the the 2nds team went up a gear and with Burton and templeton at there bull dozing best it wasnt long before the opposition were breached once more. Denty take the ball of an extremely well worked line out ran the ball and put templeton through. with only 1 man to beat he took the short road straight over the top of him to score under the posts.

With Coghill kicking like a demon the 2nds started to rack up the points as the half went on. After a period of pressure from sleaford who came close but solid defending from the 2nds close to there own try line. kesteven ran the ball out and only covering tackles kept the 2nds out. eventually Denty ran the same line that put templeton away but this time as sleaford thought they had read it went alone and popped inside to price who went over with not long to go until half time. Coghill converted.

At Half time a number of changes with Burton & Templeton being replaced by Jones & Rich (not sure on surname - wears a hat!! lol) and in the forwards young ryan came onto the flank and Max Haddad to the other. The second half was a different game to the first with sleaford presurising the 2nds alot. eventually k's broke free and went over for the score (not sure too any help greatly appreciated). Coghill converted. After a long period of pressure coghill slotted the penalty. With an injury in the pack. Login moved to Hooker, Denty to 9, Jonesy to 10 & Max Haddad to 12.Tyrone Miles then came on into the number 8 slot.

As the game went on it became more fractured and bursting runs from both centres and Miles caused holes to appear. With a long period of pressure by the forwards who again were right on the oppositions try line. denty passed it out wide for Price to go over in the corner.

Coghill missed from outwide & was then replaced by Digger.

The Opposition eventually got on the score sheet with a consolation try late on.

Jabba made an appearance with 20 mins left but was sin binned for the final 10 for fighting with the opposition number 8. (Silly Boy)

Alot of positives from the game tackling & organisation being much improved on from the last few weeks.

Team was : Blackley , Price, Templeton, Burton, Windsor, Dent, Login, Herbert, Dolan (c), Ollie, Coghill, (not sure), Jordan Smith, Rich Dolan, Foster. Subs - Jones, Rich, Digger, Tyrone, Ryan, Jabba, Some others but i cant remember.

22nd October

Mansfield 3rd XV 27-17 Kesteven 2nd XV

Kestevens Dog Pack made the trip to Mansfield for what is alway a tough fixture against wiley strong and experienced opposition.

Kesteven kicked off with the sun and wind at their backs and looked to make the most of this advantage in the first half. It was clear from the outset that this was going to be a battle between the large old pack from Mansfield and the younger quicker side from kesteven. K's looked to use the pace advantage well in the first half and but for some passes adjudged forward by the rotund referree could well have been 2 tries to the good in the first 20.

All they had to show for the pressure they exerted however was a well taken penalty from Micheal Coghill. Rather predictably mansfield large pack rumbled down field and eventually forced a Kesteven scrum on the 5 metre line. Mansfield played smart rugby and used their impressive scrum to push K's off their own ball for the first try. This was well converted by the unexpected kicking prop!

Undeterred by this set back k's again looked to push the ball wide but good Mansfield defence kept them out. Again Mansfield looked to gain the upper hand and looked set to add to their score after sucking in the Kesteven defence, however more out of despair that judgement Ian Charles stuck out his left hand and gratefully intercepted the pass to score an unlikely try under the posts. Coghill slotted the easy conversion.

Leading 7-10 at half time Kesteven hoped to push on from this but unfortunately lost number 8 Miles and centre Will Price who it appeared had both been carrying breaks to bones for a good portion of the first half. We wish them a speedy recovery! They were replaced by Tony Smith and Andy Price respectively with Brett Login moving to number 8 from the front row.

This set back seemed to suit mansfield as kesteven were slow to adjust and with uncharactaristic errors from misfielded kicks and spilt ball Mansfield were gaining some momentum with at times only tenacious goal line defence in particular from the impressive Sam Durrance keeping the home side out. Eventually the pressure told and Mansfield were able to rumble over for a try. the conversion was again made and followed up with a penalty to make the score 17-10 with 20 minutes left.

kesteven know a quick score would put them back in the game and it looked as though a clever chip over a scrum form Jack Danford had made the break though but the referree who was consistently behind the game adjudged that he had not grounded the ball so mansfield cleared their lines with a 22 drop out.

Again Mansfield worked up field and following some unforced errors were able to score 2 further tries to give the score a more comfortable look. Earlier in the season this might have seen the second string capitulate, but determined to finish the game on a high went looking for a further try, and produced what was without doubt the score of the game. Chris Jones spotted space in behind the mansfield back line and produced a perfect kick which Andy Price ran onto and hacked on for Richard Dolan to out sprint the home defence and face plant himself into the ground for the try.

Coghill converted to leave the final score 27-17.

This was always going to be a difficult game with changes in personnel abundant but kesteven left thinking that but for some decisions the game could and maybe should have gone their way. The pack led by captain Dolan and experience Login coped well with the bulk and experience of the Mansfield 8 with Sam Durrance proving to be a constant nuisance to them on an impressive day for him. Coghill kicked extremely well n a difficult wind. in the backs Chris Jones made the most of the ball he got and used his centres well with Rich Dolan finishing his try well. Daz blackley adjusted well to playing on the wing with Eddie at full back making great yards on the counter attack.

Next week the second team host Notts casuals for what will be another tricky fixture.

Team: C.King, B.Login, P.Dolan, M.Coghill, O.Hanson, R.Crowson, S.Durrance, T.Miles, J, Danford, C.Jones, I.Charles, W.Price, R.Dolan, D.Blackley, Eddie (?) Reps T.Smith, A.Price

29th October

Kesteven 2ndXV 23-14 Notts Casuals 2nd XV

A confident full Kesteven dog pack entertained a young and enthusiastic side form Nottingham Casuals in what proved to be an exciting game.

The game began brightly on a warm sunny Woodnook afternoon and the Kesteven second string looked to begin from where they left off from the previous weekend. The Kesteven forward clearly had the upper hand in terms of bulk and experience and used the running of Hanson and Foster well to create good yards. this set up the position for the first try, where having used Tony burton on the crash the backline marshalled cleverly by Parker missed him and used Chris jones on an arching run who took ball and defenders over the line with him for the opening score. Conversion was missed.

This shocked Casuals who thought they would have an easier afternoon, and they fought their way back up the pitch and intent on using the pace (if not size) advantage they had in the backs struck back with a score of their own. Their conversion was well scored and they took the lead 5-7.

This saw the start of some very scrappy play mainly played out in the middle of the park which after some aggressive play from both sides lead to one too many indiscretion for the refferree who quickly sin binned a casual player and then Foster.

The Kesteven side coped better with this set back and managed to eventually give bulldozing Tony Burton the ball and after initially looking like he might be stopped took the would be tackler and 2 of his mates to the try line for the score. This gave Kesteven a 10-7 lead to half time. It should be mentioned that jack Danford had to leave the pitch with what could have been a serious back injury from an awkward tackle to be replaced by Jordan Hughes. Thankfully jack was ok.

The second half was more of the same with both sides trying to gain superiority. Casuals were always looking dangerous in open play and using their dangerous right wing at every opportunity, thankfully some fantastic scrambling defence notably by Jordan hughes managed to foil the majority of attacks, however, from one counter attack they did manage to score a converted try under the posts. This followed a Jones penalty to leave the score in the balance at 13-14 to casuals.

Kesteven had used their substitute advantage wisely and the last 20 minutes were all about replacement fly half Brian Macwanna, who took the game by the scruff of the neck. Finding themselves camped on the Casuals line k's were in no mood to come away empty handed and Macwanna took route one to fire his opposite number back 5 meters into the goal post and dot the ball down for the try. The conversion from jones was good.

This set Kesteven up well to see the game out and following an audacious 45 metre drop goal attempt Macwanna did slot over a long range penalty to seal the game for the black army second string.

A very well deserved victory over an undoubtedly well drilled and talented casuals side. The Kesteven pack were outstanding with the evergreen Login first to every breakdown. The back row of crowson, Jordan Smith and foster were able to match the dynamic Casuals back row. The 2 scrum halves of Danford and hughes both had outstanding games with the experience of Parker backed up with the inspired performace of Macwanna at fly half using the back line they had perfectly.

Next week sees the seconds travel to Derby for what will be another tough encounter.

Team will be published once the big dog sends me the list, because I'm old and forgetful!