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Gibbos report - KRFC 1XV vs LYDNEY
John Pearce26 Nov 2021 - 22:00
Match report from 20th November 2021
The relatively small number of spectators at the Crown Fields on Saturday saw an even game of rugby, fiercely contested by two well matched teams who were intent on playing attacking rugby. What should have been an exciting afternoon turned out however, to be somewhat lack-lustre apart from the last frenetic four minutes. This was entirely due to the success and fortitude of two magnificent defences, combined with the ability of both sides to be profligate with their chances in the “red zones” and poor game management.
The opening plays saw Lydney going back and forth across the field inside the home 22 but getting no joy. Then it was Keynsham`s turn; same out-come. The visitors finally broke the deadlock with a converted try from a rolling maul after 14 minutes. Keynsham held a slight advantage for a short time and then it was back to cut and thrust between the two 22`s from one side of the field to the other, not a lot of progress either way forward. The Black and Ambers were down to 14 men at 27 minutes as Fennell saw yellow but, as it transpired, had their longest period in semi-control. A break by Button put them on the front foot and they were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks. By this time Callum was able to return hence, they opted for a scrum instead and were eventually rewarded with a try. The attempt at a push-over was withstood, then Olly Sayer was held up short, near the corner, before Pearce sneaked over from short range. Unfortunately, the conversion was charged down. The half ended shortly thereafter with the score at 5-7.
Linton was not well (aah, bless – but it was cold!) and was replaced by George Harris at the start of the second half. After just 2 minutes Keynsham missed a penalty but Button was able to make amends 2 minutes later with a successful kick to edge the home side ahead. The visitors gave the boys a favour by missing a penalty almost immediately but 2 more successive penalties pinned Keynsham to their line but to no effect. Keynsham were penalised for a high tackle and the resultant penalty saw the visitors creep back in front after 15 minutes. An immediate response saw the boys take a quick tap penalty and scuttle off in search of an elusive try, only for Sayer to be bundled into touch, rather too vigorously in some views. After 25 minutes Fakola gave way to Alex Hill and Kieron Ethridge took over from `Sumo`. A converted penalty on 36 minutes was expected to button up (get it?) the win but the two teams had other ideas. Lydney threw the works at the lads and a mad 4 minutes took place. Lydney made a hash of several catch-drives and rolling mauls, Keynsham offended, the visitors took the wrong options, Keynsham broke away and yet failed to even attempt to find the neighbouring football pitch and gave the ball back to the visitors. Their final thrust brought them a penalty and the last kick of the match soared between the uprights for a thirteen points to eleven win.
From Keynsham`s point of view 4 points lost rather than a point gained. Who`d be a coach – it`s got to be frustrating?
The opening plays saw Lydney going back and forth across the field inside the home 22 but getting no joy. Then it was Keynsham`s turn; same out-come. The visitors finally broke the deadlock with a converted try from a rolling maul after 14 minutes. Keynsham held a slight advantage for a short time and then it was back to cut and thrust between the two 22`s from one side of the field to the other, not a lot of progress either way forward. The Black and Ambers were down to 14 men at 27 minutes as Fennell saw yellow but, as it transpired, had their longest period in semi-control. A break by Button put them on the front foot and they were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks. By this time Callum was able to return hence, they opted for a scrum instead and were eventually rewarded with a try. The attempt at a push-over was withstood, then Olly Sayer was held up short, near the corner, before Pearce sneaked over from short range. Unfortunately, the conversion was charged down. The half ended shortly thereafter with the score at 5-7.
Linton was not well (aah, bless – but it was cold!) and was replaced by George Harris at the start of the second half. After just 2 minutes Keynsham missed a penalty but Button was able to make amends 2 minutes later with a successful kick to edge the home side ahead. The visitors gave the boys a favour by missing a penalty almost immediately but 2 more successive penalties pinned Keynsham to their line but to no effect. Keynsham were penalised for a high tackle and the resultant penalty saw the visitors creep back in front after 15 minutes. An immediate response saw the boys take a quick tap penalty and scuttle off in search of an elusive try, only for Sayer to be bundled into touch, rather too vigorously in some views. After 25 minutes Fakola gave way to Alex Hill and Kieron Ethridge took over from `Sumo`. A converted penalty on 36 minutes was expected to button up (get it?) the win but the two teams had other ideas. Lydney threw the works at the lads and a mad 4 minutes took place. Lydney made a hash of several catch-drives and rolling mauls, Keynsham offended, the visitors took the wrong options, Keynsham broke away and yet failed to even attempt to find the neighbouring football pitch and gave the ball back to the visitors. Their final thrust brought them a penalty and the last kick of the match soared between the uprights for a thirteen points to eleven win.
From Keynsham`s point of view 4 points lost rather than a point gained. Who`d be a coach – it`s got to be frustrating?
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