Lincs Merit League

Kesteven 3rd XV 0 - North Hykeham 1st XV 41

With the Kesteven 3rd team running out for their first game of the season, it was hoped to put out a team that blended old age and experience with youth and enthusiasm. However following late call offs the 3rd team captain found himself with all the old age and experience in the pack whilst fielding a young and very inexperience back line, the late call up, to the 2nds,of Daz Blackley left Kesteven with no recognised players for the key 9, 10 and 15 positions.

From the kick off Kesteven's lack of experience and game time was apparent, and the home side found itself on the back foot from the kickoff. Although the Kesteven side battled hard a well drilled visiting side very quickly worked out the areas of weakness in the home side’s line up and were able to score several tries in the first half. Kesteven had only a few chances to reply including a penalty which drifted agonisingly wide of the posts.

The second half saw an improvement in the home sides performance but the visitors defence held and North Hykeham were able to were able to pounce on loose ball and break away back into the Kesteven half. Only an over eagerness from the visitors backs, resulting in several dropped balls or forward passes, prevented the visitors from breaching the 50 point mark.

Final Score :

Kesteven 3rd XV 0 - North Hykeham 1st XV 41

Kesteven Squad: Arnold(Capt), Davies, King, Cheetham, Slovak Jo, Barnard L(minor) Smart J (senior),Friel, Danford, Smart E(Jnr), Bunnings, Rowan, Ward, Barnard L (major) plus loan player from North Hykeham.

A disappointing result for the 3rd XV however all the player gave 100% and kept playing for their teammates for the full 80 Minutes. Youth in the backs showed potential and when blended with some more experienced seniors should develop into a potent force. It was also a pleasure to see Liam Barnard make his senior debut in an otherwise mature scrum. Next up on the 1st Oct sees the 3rd XV hosting Lincoln 3rds