KC earned their place in the North Midlands Shield Cup Final to complete the season. Edwardians having topped the league table were always going to provide doughty opposition. In the event Edwardians started with a lot of pressure and KC were held in their 22 for the first 10 minutes. KC showed how good their defensive tackling is by keeping Edwardians out. On what was the first time KC got into the Edwardians half, their pressure winning them a penalty, which was kicked by Harry Taft. Edwardians replied with a penalty score of their own.

KC won the ball in their own 22 and ran the ball, unfortunately a dropped ball was quickly picked up by Edwardians, who cut through to score a converted try. Soon after Edwardians scored a further try with a three quarter move and another penalty.

Edwardians were controlling the set scrums and KC were struggling to get good possession. Line-outs had been an area where KC had been winning good ball this season, today they were not delivering possession. KC came back winning a scrum and Henry Humphrey passed to Chris Pinner whose quick pass to George Tildesley allowed him to score a try under the posts, converted by Tom Dalton. Edwardians then moved into KC 22 and scored a converted try. In the scrums KC were pushed around and unable to get clean ball. KC forwards worked well in the loose, Hakeem Hussain and Ethan Keenan were noticed with good efforts in defence and making ground in attack. KC had periods when they looked to have opportunities to score however they were pulled back when the referee rightly saw a forward pass and then players crossing. KC came close with good efforts from Ryan Tiene, George Lloyd Jones and man of the match George Tildesley.

For the first time in the game KC won a set scrum against the head and a quick pass from Henry Humprey to Chris Pinner saw him score surprising the Edwardians defence. In the last quarter KC were getting more possession and kept trying to exert pressure right to the end but Edwardians kept them out. Then in the last minutes Edwardians had pressure in the KC 22 and scored a converted try.

It was unfortunate for KC to meet such a good side in the final, however Edwardians deserved their win as the better side on the day. KC must be pleased with their season and it has been exciting to see so many young players coming through and making vital contributions. Next year will be looked forward to with relish

Bob Davies