KC 33 Stafford 5
Return to Winning Ways
This was a great team effort against a talented Stafford outfit who ran the ball at every opportunity, however the KC performance was characterised by an impressive defence. KC earned a penalty in the first few minutes near to the half-way line, this was expertly kicked by Jack O’Hagan. KC quickly followed up by getting close to the line near the left-hand touch and the forwards made repeated attempts to get over and eventually the try was grounded by Lee Wilkes.
The rest of the half was equal as both sides shared territory; Stafford being dangerous when they had possession. KC defence was the highlight of the game, superb tackling kept Stafford out even when they were camped on the KC line. While the team defence was immense particular mention must be made of the tackling of Harvey Kelsall and Hakeem Hussain who stopped many opposition forays.
Half time came with KC leading 8-0 and as the second period started Stafford were looking threatening with their threequarters using their good possession and handling skills.
KC came back with a break from full back George Tildesley. He fed Jack O’Hagan who gave a quick pass to Malcolm Herbert for him to make a powerful 25 metre run to score near the left-hand touch. KC went very close with another great move however a misunderstanding under the posts lost what would have been a certain try.
The game was marked by a series of penalties to both sides which did interrupt the flow of the game. Stafford had their moments and came back with a well worked try to score wide by the left-hand touch. KC were awarded a penalty under the Stafford posts and decided to spurn the opportunity of three easy points, which would have meant Stafford having to score three times to take the lead. As often happens in these situations KC came away with nothing and Stafford had their best five minutes of the game with territorial advantage and repeated darts at the KC line, however the defence continued to hold firm.
KC made ground in the Stafford half and earned a penalty which Jack O’Hagan kicked to secure the points. KC forwards were looking formidable, Morgan Maxwell using his strength to gain valuable yards and Nathan Ward being prominent in attack and defence. KC were now dominating and a move by the backs across the field in the Stafford half was finished by the pacey George Lloyd Jones, this was quickly followed by a try from Beau Archer in the right-hand corner to secure the bonus point.
Just before the end Stafford dropped the ball near to their own 22 line and the loose ball was picked up by the alert Ryan Tiene who, looping round the defence, scored under the posts. Tom Dalton added the conversion to take the final score to 33-5.
A game where KC took their chances well and were very solid in defence.
Bob Davies