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Moor 1st XV 22 Keswick 18 |
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Written by Mike McDermott
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Wednesday, 25 February 2009 |
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A return to winning ways - but only just!
The first ever visit by Keswick was keenly anticipated as both sides prefer to play open rugby, something that was sadly missing in their earlier encounter in monsoon conditions. The visitors made their intentions clear from the start, but lost possession on their 22 to give Moor the chance to spread the ball wide for centre Martin Snidal to score. Moor increased their lead when full-back Chris Ogden-Smith joined the line at speed and the ball was passed along the back line for winger Ivan Smetana to score in the corner, for a 10-point lead. Keswick came back into the game when their fly-half, broke blind to suck in the cover defence for a supporting flanker to force his way over in the corner to make it 10-5 at the interval.From the re-start, early pressure gave the visitors two penalty chances, one of which cut the margin to 2 points. Moor re-asserted themselves in the third quarter, but a knock-on from an attacking scrum gave Keswick the chance to reduce pressure, but a failure to clear their line saw fly-half Martin Shelley pounce for a try. A quick response put Moor under pressure, eventually conceding a drop goal, but a long drop-out was quickly gathered by winger Zander Claassen, making a welcome return to action, who scored in the corner for Shelley to convert. With the clock ticking down, Keswick threw caution to the wind by running the ball at every opportunity and eventually their left winger and MOM, scored wide out, which was converted and made the final score 22-18 to Moor.The score line could have been double for both sides had it not been for a combination of final passes going astray and excellent defensive work by both teams. Nevertheless, an entertaining game for both sets of supporters. |
© Heaton Moor Rugby Union Football Club 2005 | design by Doug
Bennett
