Longton 15 KC 40
Good Start to the Season

After missing out on promotion last season an RFU re-organisation meant that KC started the season in Midland 1 West, North Division; moving from the South Division to the North Division will mean meeting some sides for the first time, Longton from the Stoke on Trent area being one of these new opponents.
The game started with early pressure from KC such that Longton were pinned into their 22 for the first 15 minutes. Unfortunately, KC were unable to get any points from this territorial advantage. Probably both sides were affected by the summer relaxation. Eventually KC, after winning the ball in the loose, fed Ryan Tiene who with a curving run opened the scoring and Jack O’Hagan added the conversion.
On a rare visit to the KC half Longton replied with a penalty. KC kept up their pressure and after a number of phases passed out to Ryan Tiene for him to score a second try without being touched. Longton came back with a move from the half way line to score a converted try and bring the score to 10-12 to KC, this close margin was not a reflection on the game.
KC forwards had a good day, winning plenty of line-out ball and working well in the loose. Harvey Kelsall and Matt Jones did good tackling throughout the game helping to restrict the Longton attacks.
KC then had a great move in the Longton 22 when first team debutant Harry Taft made a break and passed to Jack Dayus who twisted himself through the defenders tackles, Taft adding the conversion. KC stayed on the attack with Chris Pinner from inside the KC half quickly making ground and with a long pass launched Tiene who galloped down the touch line to get his hat-trick. Taft added the conversion.
A good move by the backs was finished by Harry Taft and should have resulted in a try to Taft However as he went over to score he was tackled, the referee adjudged to be a high tackle and in consequence awarded a penalty try. This was rough justice for Taft who received no credit for his efforts. The high temperature was affecting both sides and several players were slowed by their earlier efforts. Then deep into injury time Longton added another try. Just before the whistle KC replied with Chris Pinner gathering the ball near the half-way line and with a swerving run beat the defence all the way to the line, Taft adding the conversion.
It ended up a good performance by KC and the team must be pleased with the eventual score, however the early stages of the game need tightening up, this would be particularly important when meeting the stronger sides in the league. There were occasions when KC should have run the ball through the three quarters and use their strengths rather than competing with the experienced forwards.

Bob Davies