Loughborough 24 KC 22
This was a big game for KC with the winners going into the last eight of the PapaJohn cup with the final at Twickenham, KC travelling support outnumbered the home side.
Loughborough started with big pressure gaining good possession through their forwards to camp in the KC half. Loughborough gave away a penalty close to the KC line and from the resulting penalty kick which did not reach touch ran the ball back at KC and scored close to the left-hand touch. KC then replied with two attacks close in and were unable to breach the very good defence. KC gained a penalty five yards inside the Loughborough half and Jack O’Hagan kicked a very good penalty. KC came back with a great score, George Tildesley gathered a clearance kick; passed to Ted Morgan who in turn passed to George Lloyd Jones who scored close to the left-hand touch. The difficult conversion attempt failed hitting the upright.
Loughborough forwards were starting to gain the upper hand in the set piece where their weight was difficult to defend against and they also had the majority of line-out ball from two very tall second row forwards. KC fought manfully in loose play, both in attack and defence. Harvey Kelsall’s tackling stood out, other forwards of note were Scott Turner, Jack Barrett and Ryan Wainwright who had several of his trade mark runs to gain territory. KC were reduced to fourteen men when Ryan Tiene was yellow carded, unfortunately he was injured and took no further part in the game.
Early in the second half KC made ground in the Loughborough half and a good three-quarter move was finished by the forwards as Morgan Maxwell drove over to score, Jack O’Hagan successful with the conversion.
As the game went on Loughborough realised that KC had no answer to their drive in the set scrums and scored another try from a push over, this was converted. Loughborough were reduced to fourteen men through the disgraceful conduct of a Loughborough player who punched a KC player in front of the referee and thus received a red card.
Loughborough re-took the lead with a converted try which beat the KC defence. KC forwards worked well in the loose, however when scrums or lineouts took place Loughborough were able to regain possession and move forward. Loughborough forwards pushed over for another try; the conversion missed.
KC fought hard in the last five minutes and drove through the forwards for Ryan Wainwright to score a try, converted by Jack O’Hagan. Alas time ran out for KC as Loughborough won 24-22; a close game however the score reflected the dominance of the Loughborough forwards who denied KC good possession.
KC played well and took their opportunities from limited possession. The Twickenham dream was over however the side must reflect on the very good season they have enjoyed; the squad has proved strength in depth as players came in to cover injuries and non-availability.

Bob Davies