Playing at Marlpool Lane KC probably felt confident before this game having comfortably won the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season.
KC began with good efforts which were hindered by the superiority of the Spartans pack whose wheeling earned them several penalty kicks. The first score came to KC, with a try from a forward move for Henry Humphrey, converted by Jack Evans.
Spartans replied with three points when they gained a penalty, soon after KC earned a penalty themselves which was slotted over by Jack Evans. The game was being played between the 22 metre lines with neither side able to get the upper hand.
KC forwards were working well in the loose, however they were set back by the Spartans superiority in the set piece and line out. In particular Morgan Maxwell and Simon Clarke continued their recent good drives to gain ground. Half time came with KC leading 10 3,
After the break KC were looking as if they would start to exert some control, unfortunately this did not last. Spartans scored the first try after six minutes and were able to continue to dominate through their forward pressure.
Whilst there were some good KC defence with some stand out tackles from Will Fallows and Man of the Match Harvey Kelsall, by and large the KC defence was sadly lacking. KC were under pressure in all scrums and resisting the pressure was difficult, scrum-half Henry Humphrey did a sterling job of trying to clean up behind a beaten pack. It was good to see Scott Connolly having a good run close to the left hand touch, doing well to stay in-field, however the attack was snuffed out by Spartans.
Spartans took the lead through their forwards with an unconverted try earned from a big push. The Spartans backs were sharp and gained ground, stopped on several occasions by their own errors and last ditch KC defence.
KC were awarded a penalty and successfully kicking it brought the scores level. KC would probably have been happy to get a draw, however with two minutes remaining, Spartans backs ran in a try wide on their right wing. They increased their winning margin with an excellent long-distance conversion to give them a 13-20 lead
Spartans deserved their win and KC need to ensure that they get back to the type of rugby they have played earlier in the season.

Bob Davies