Spartans 18 KC 29
KC with a good performance collected their third consecutive win on the trot and maintained their third place position in Midland Counties 1 West.
Spartans enjoyed territorial advantage in the early exchanges, re-cycling the ball well and looking dangerous. Against the run of play George Tildesley intercepted a stray pass in the Spartans 22 and his powerful run cut through the flat Spartans defence; his initial acceleration taking him clear of the trailing defenders so that he could coast to complete his try, Will Fallows making the conversion.
Spartans made some good runs eventually stopped by last ditch defence from KC. They earned themselves a penalty just in the KC 22 which they kicked. KC replied with a successful penalty of their own. Spartans had a good period in the second quarter, firstly with a clever cross kick in the KC 22 touching down to score close to the left-hand touch-line, the conversion missed. Then KC defence was lacking when the Spartans’ next move was end to end stuff moving the ball with good passes to score, again missing the conversion.
KC forwards were working well, it was particularly good to see hooker Lee Wilks and forward Tom Kerrigan combining to secure safe KC line-out ball. Jesse Burgess, Ryan Wainwright and George Tildesley were making good tackles.
KC then woke up and put pressure on the Spartans line, earning a penalty, taking it short and after two or three close efforts scored a try through Tom Dalton who also kicked the conversion. The first half finished with KC leading 13-17.
The second half opened with Ryan Tiene making several forceful runs, using his power to carry defenders along with him, and scoring an unconverted try. Spartans had their turn and came back with good possession and scored an unconverted try through their forwards.
KC were getting some good possession unfortunately lack of concentration meant that they were unable to convert some of their good moves into points due to a succession of unforced errors. A disappointing feature of the game was that both sides unnecessarily gave away 10 metres at penalties because of back-chat to the referee. Certainly not a way to get the referee on your side!
Possession for KC just in the Spartans half led to a powerful break by Ryan Tiene, Tom Dalton was there when Tiene was stopped and he hacked the ball on almost to the Spartans line. Dalton followed up quickly , dispossessed a defender and scored the bonus point try for his second in the match which he also converted.
This was a valuable win for KC coming in a game which at times Spartans threatened to control. All players must be complimented for sticking at the task and ensuring that KC kept going to the final whistle.
Bob Davies