Berkswell & Balsall Heath 17 KC 10
This match between the top two sides in the league was always going to be a close contest. The weather and the muddy pitch making handling difficult contributed to the result. In the first half KC played down the sloping pitch with a very strong wind behind. The opening score came after KC forced their way into the Berkswell half and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts converted by Tom Dalton. KC continued to pressurise in the Berkswell half and with a good drive into the opposition 22 were able to force a penalty, Berkswell having a man yellow-carded. From the resulting quick penalty KC made ground through the forwards and Simon Clarke twisted over to score an unconverted try. KC were playing well with real commitment in defence and stopping any meaningful attacks from Berkswell, good tackling coming from captain Ryan Wainwright, Ted Morgan and Jack Barratt.
A good KC move came from Ted Morgan who broke down the right-hand touch making 50 metres into the Berkswell 22, beating several defenders and somehow keeping his feet in the muddy slippery conditions. Unfortunately Berkswell were able to recover possession. KC came close to scoring on several occasions, however the difficulty in retaining the ball and good defence from Berkswell prevented any further score. KC were leading by 10 points to nil at half time, possibly ten points short of that needed to defend up the hill against the wind.
In the second half Berkswell were using the advantage of the slope and wind to pressure KC; however good defence was keeping them in the middle of the field. The first Berkswell score was a gift from KC; a poor pass was pounced on and Berkswell made 50 metres to score, KC kept the scorer to the right-hand touch and they were unable to convert the difficult kick which hit the upright.
KC, although playing well in the forwards, were finding it difficult to throw the ball in straight in the windy conditions, from the resulting scrums Berkswell were able to take control with their dominance in the set piece. Berkswell using their strength in the forwards forced their way over for their second try to bring the scores level. This time they converted a difficult kick to take the lead 12-10.
KC tried manfully to get a score in reply but were unable to get the clean possession needed to get the backs working. KC defence is good this season and was pretty solid, several players making good tackles including George Tildesley, Tom Dalton and George Lloyd Jones who came on as a replacement.
Just before the final whistle Berkswell pressure earned them a third try, a carbon copy of their second try, this unconverted, giving them a 17-10 win.
KC contributed much to the game however should not be too down hearted, because although beaten by a better side on the day could point to the conditions not suiting the top of the ground pace of the KC side.

Bob Davies