Nott’m Casuals 30 Kesteven 8

Saturday 27th Feb 2010

Midlands 3 East

Nott’m Casuals 30 Kesteven 8

Another week another double. The win keeps Casuals in very close contention in third place, but has opened a gap between them and Kesteven in fourth.

Casuals took a time to get started again, but eventually were value for money.
With a much improved game plan, and tactical kicking out of hand that put pressure on Kesteven’s defences, Casuals were on top for most of the game.The forwards provided a solid platform on which the backs could practice their moves, and not much possession was wasted.
Some very determined tackling and a very focused defence, both in the forwards & backs, never gave the visitors an inch of room. Chris Brelsford, in particular, had a much improved game,earning him man of the match, and James Austin, on the wing, fitted in well.

Casuals had the opportunity to take an early lead when Brodie Howatson was denied a try after a long kick and chase.
Then a simple penalty kick went off target.

It was left to Kesteven to open the scoring, when they were awarded a penalty.

With half time approaching, Dave Mellor won a loose ball at the back of a scrum, quick hands from Mark Higgins to Chris Brelsford put Howatson through for his first try.

Shortly after half time, a horribly mis-directed Casuals pass went loose and it was hacked on by Kesteven, and they won the race to the touch down.

Casuals then stepped up a gear in pace and determination, and began to score at regular intervals.

Casuals won a lineout, Jon Ackroyd cleaned up, and simple passing down the backs to Ben Wilkinson who went round the first line of defence and finally took the short route through the last man in his way, touching down in the corner.

Casuals followed that up, starting a move from deep in their own 22, initially they lost possession, but managed to regain it,and a frantic pass to Howatson saw him take off downfield. He changed pace several times bamboozling the Kesteven defenders before touching down.
He then took on the goal kicking duties, but unfortunately hit the upright.

The Kesteven full back, bless him he tried hard all afternoon, put in a horrible clearance kick, which Casuals ran back, and from the resulting breakdown on the visitors line, Leon Jackson gratefully "cruised" over the line.
Howatson was successful with the kick this time.

Kesteven were then penalised for a late tackle, and Howatson was again successful with the kick.

A tap penalty was taken on by Ackroyd, who put in a slick round the back pass to give Ben Hallam a straightforward run in for the try.

Next week Casuals travel to 5th placed Amber Valley.