Keyworth 54 Gainsborough 12
Gainsborough travelled to Key worth on Saturday to start their season with the first round game in the EDF Energy Vase. The two sides have not played each other for a number of years and this game was to be a clear indicator of any progress the team may have made and what the expectations of the coming season will be.
From the kick off the All Blacks showed their usual style kept the ball in the forwards and out mauled their opposition, unfortunately the forward dominance did not produce a score, a kick at goal was missed and Keyworth ensured that their superior backs inflicted real damage on the Gainsborough side.
Despite the forward dominance the All Blacks could not deny the home side backs sufficient ball to prevent them from running in trys and Keyworth soon established a 34 points lead without reply. With 5 minutes remaining before half time The All Blacks showed typical spirit again dominating the ball at the rucks and mauls, put Keyworth under constant pressure and following a number of Keyworth infringements were awarded a penalty try, this was converted by Shaun Parker.
To give even more hope excellent work by Vernon Goude saw him crash over for a try and make the half time score 34 – 12.
The second half was more keenly contested Gainsborough worked hard, good kicking out of hand by Shaun Parker and attacking play especially from the base of the scrum from Mark Hildred did not result in any further scoring and Keyworth ran in additional trys to make the final score 54 – 12.
Keyworth awarded the Man of the match award for the Gainsborough side to Howard Russell, just reward for a hard tackling display at wing forward.
Gainsborough are in the pool next week and it is hoped that the positives from this game can be carried forward and see the side develop.
