Casuals go down at Kesteven

The casuals boys came into this one high on confidence following a storming victory last week against Coalville, and with a largely unchanged squad it was an upbeat team that travelled away to Kesteven, newly promoted this season and struggling to find form.

Unfortunately Vice-captain, James Wood, sustained a nasty looking head injury making his first tackle of the game and played no further part in the game. The loss of another senior influence looked to be the straw that broke the back of this youthful casuals side, as Kesteven began to find far too many gaps in the defence and exploited these to score some a number of long range try's in the first half. The opposing fullback looked particular sharp and will be a handful for most defences if he continues to counter attack with such verve.

Coming out for the second half Casuals looked to push the attack with more width and more pace, the energetic jack Weedon moving from 7 to 9. On the few occasions our wingers got some ball in space they managed to make useful ground, Rhys Allin particularly showing good balance and feet to pass defenders. But unfortunately the midfield shape was lacking, the defensive energy was far below the standards we set ourselves and the pace we played the game at will have disappointed the coaches, who worked so hard with the players during the week. Kesteven managed to steal another couple of scores against the run of play, without breaking much out of 3rd gear, and a few penalty kicks from the boot of Barney Sears were all that could be registered by the travelling side.

A few choice words were said from the captain about our desire to improve, both individually and collectively, and then the lads set off for a well needed drink and a bit of R&R.

Have a great Christmas, switch off and refocus and I look forward to seeing you all down in the new year with a new attitude, a new energy and a new desire to turn the season around.