KC 50 Coventry Welsh 8
KC were excited by this game, as it was their last league fixture of the campaign. Depending on results elsewhere KC could end the season in either first, second or third in the league
Early pressure came from KC such that Coventry Welsh only got into the KC half twice in the first 20 minutes. KC opened their scoring with a forward move completed by Jack Barrett and converted by Jack O’Hagan. The next score came when Jesse Burgess chipped the ball along the right-hand touch and it was gathered by George Tildesley who scored a good try and the conversion was completed by Jack O’Hagan.
KC scored their third try when Chris Pinner chipped the ball up field to be collected by Ryan Tiene to score, again the conversion by Jack O’Hagan. KC defence was up to its normal standards with good tackling from Jesse Burgess, Chris Pinner and George Lloyd Jones amongst others.
KC pressure gained them a penalty near the half-way line however back-chat to the referee caused the penalty to be reversed. CW put themselves on the score sheet with an unconverted try and a penalty to close the gap. So, the hallway whistle went at 20-8 to KC.
In the second half KC defence was again solid, man of the match Jesse Burgess tackling well and prominent in other facets of the game. The three-quarters combined for the next score. First Ryan Tiene collected a loose ball, passed to Jack O’Hagan who in turn gave a good feed to Ted Morgan. Ted unselfishly drew a defender and passed to debutant Byron Halford for him to score, Jack O’Hagan adding the extras. Later another KC move was successful when Ted Morgan collected the ball from near the half way line and ghosted his way through three defenders to score, the conversion failed as it glanced the upright.
The forwards played very well throughout, Ryan Wainwright, Morgan Maxwell, and Alfie Smith showed real flair with attacking moves. KC added to their lead when George Tildesley gathered the ball close to the KC 22 and with a great run showing a change of pace and several sidesteps was able to confuse the CW defenders to score an impressive individual try. Further joy for KC came when George Lloyd Jones was passed the ball near the KC half-way line and with his fleetness of foot was able to beat several defenders, Chris Pinner with the conversion.
The KC dominance was completed by Byron Halford’s second try , this took the KC score at the final whistle to 50-8 and one point behind the league leaders. KC should be very pleased with their performance, not just in this game, but in the development journey through the season when many of the replacement players slotted in well into team ethos.

Bob Davies