Casuals 14 - 45 Kesteven

Casuals 2nd team failed to follow in the footsteps of the 1st's and 3rd's falling to a strong Kesteven 2nd team.

In conditions that could only be described as galeforce, with a strong wind blowing straight down the Casuals pitch, Casuals captain Rasmus "Schtop, this game is not ready yet" Jensen took the bizarre decision and faced the conditions in the 1st half (don't worry we've punished him since - the wind dropped at half time!!).

With play camped in Casuals territory for most of the half, Kesteven took the game by the scruff of the neck starting very strongly to score quick tries through a combination of lack of organisation from Casuals and poor defence, and looked to build a lead.

The wind forced the Casuals pack to keep the game tight and what followed the initial onslaught was a magnificent display of commitment and courage from a side pretty much thrown together before kick off. With new number 8 Tom Goodman forced off with a shoulder injury 5 minutes in, Casuals stalwart Andy Hollingsworth (only recruited Friday night to "sit on the bench") joined the affray and helped settle down the set piece and take the game back to Kesteven.

Casuals scored all their points in the second half through two Graham Robins tries (jug avoidance), both converted by Neil King, but looked more threatening as the game went on. The match saw a season debut for Ed Bridges (looking strong after the summer spent on beaches and in the gym) and a welcome return for Craig Adkins who impressive return to the fold only shortened by the old knee giving up on one run too many! Hopefully he'll be back soon.

In the pack Barry Harding showed strength and speed making endless tackles, with Robins and Martin Riddle constantly in support. Note should also be given to the 4th flanker King playing from fullback, who having seen enough took on the Kesteven forwards himself on many occasions.

All in all Casuals were beaten by the better side, but with a bit more organisation and practice (training Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm btw) there is no reason Casuals can't go to Grantham and reverse the result.

Thanks should also go to the referee who was officiating his first match. With a little more practice and confidence he will develop into a good referee and is always welcome at Casuals.