A cool and dry, if cloudy, day dawned and we embarked on a trip through to K-L for a hastily arranged match (thanks Matt). What a difference to play on a field that is not under water and that turns to mush after the passage of a few boots!

Our boys showed what could be possible given some more match time. On only their second run out this season they came close to holding out against a much more experienced squad.

Our first game started with Billy, Garrick, Bailey (Capt), Archie, Sam, Tom F, Ethan and James took to the field and spent a majority of the half camped in the K-L half of the field. Sustained pressure from the lads was rewarded by a try by Ethan. K-L quickly replied with a try of their own. Ethan returned the favour with a cheeky run from the restart taking the score to 2-1.

K-L equalised bringing the score to 2 all. Both Sam and then Garrick were pushed into touch on good runs on either side of the field. Both of the boys had a good clear run behind them and were mere paces from the try line, but it was not to be. K-L stole a quick try from the throw in after Garrick’s bundling into touch. Half time score 2-3.

The second half started with Billy, Archie and James being replaced by Tom D, Marcus and Ben. Ben had a good run up the middle of the field before being brought to ground. The ball was cleared from this ruck, going to Ethan who touched down, bringing the score to 3-3.

After another try by K-L, Marcus went for a good run up the left quarter for the field. He was stopped short of the line, but off-loaded to Bailey who went over to score. (4-4).

Two tries by K-L brought the score to 4-6.

After the restart, Bailey picked up the ball, and with scant regard for the opposition, ran in another try from the halfway line. Tom F became another victim of the touchline, being bundled out while heading for the try line. K-L ran in another try bringing the score to 5-7.

K-L knocked on, resulting in a scrum, which saw the ball passed to Ethan who added another try to his tally. K-L seemed to learn from this, and scored a try after winning a scrum of their own. (6-8).

Ethan finished the match by scoring a last minute try and bringing the score to 7-8 in favour of the home.

Second Match

Starting this match were Billy, Tom D (Capt 1st half), Archie, Tom F, Ethan, James, Marcus and Ben. The boys had already played a match and went on to meet a new set of fresh players. The first half was one way traffic with K-L putting over 5 tries against a tired squad, with Ethan finishing the half with a solitary try for Fleetwood.

The second half saw Tom F, Billy and Ethan replaced by Garrick (Capt 2nd half), Bailey and Sam. It must be mentioned that given we had 11 players, and 4 halves to play and 8 players a side, the maths worked out that somebody had to sit out for an extra half. Billy was the lad who volunteered to sit the half out. Nice one Billy. In another half dominated by the hosts who ran in 5 tries against a very tired bunch of lads, our defence let us down, and the tackles were failing on timing and execution. James managed to score the only Fleetwood try of the half after a penalty. Archie was caught in a tackle and got a bit of a bump bringing Ethan on for the last few minutes. Sam also got a bump on the leg just before the final whistle. Final score for the second game, Fleetwood 2, K-L 10.

For his two tries, excellent support play and some telling tackles, Bailey was awarded the Player of the Day medal.
Given that the boys second match this season their play has come on in leaps and bounds, and to hold the experienced K-L squad to only a one try deficit , speaks volumes of the potential we have in our small squad. The second game saw a set of tired boys against a fresh set of legs, and it showed..

TRY SCORES
Ethan 5
Bailey 2
Ethan 1
James 1

Fleetwood RUFC

Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Location