Burntwood 30 KC 10

KC came in to this game following three consecutive defeats, however having had a convincing win at home against Burntwood six weeks earlier they were confident of a good result. KC had a much changed side, continuity being an issue. Unfortunately, KC are definitely a ‘top of the ground‘ team and do not adjust when conditions are difficult. The pitch at Burntwood had several muddy patches and a strong wind from one end.

In the first half KC were camped in the Burntwood 22 for the first fifteen minutes without scoring. Burntwood defence was sound and withstood everything KC threw at them including forward drives and wide three-quarter moves. There was a Burntwood breakout and a try saving tackle by Ryan Tiene kept the line secure. Another Burntwood move against the run of play was saved by a great tackle from Simon Clarke who made an amazing amount of ground to get to his man. Clarke was also prominent in several forward moves.
Burntwood scored the first try with a score in the left-hand corner. KC replied just before half-time with a Harry Taft penalty. KC had spurned two penalty opportunities earlier in the half.

KC strength was in the line-out where even if the throw was variable KC manged to win their own ball. Set scrums were a different story where KC were pushed about and winning their own ball was a lottery. Throughout the game Hobey Heycock was noticed putting in a good shift.
As the second half progressed the game became more and more bad-tempered with a plethora of yellow cards for both sides and a red card for a Kidderminster player.

KC dominance of the first half was not repeated particularly when they were reduced to 13 or 14 players and Burntwood’s pacey backs were able to run in a succession of five tries. This put KC onto the backfoot and for the first time this season heads dropped and they lost heart. Finally in the closing period KC put together a great move of perhaps four phases earning a try for Will Fallows which was converted by Harry Taft. Too little, too late.

Let us hope that KC use their final league game of the season to halt the losing sequence. Much of the KC problem is fielding a much changed side week to week, injuries and non-availability has exacerbated the problems.

Bob Davies