Match Report

League Match

Ashley Down Vs Kingswood

Kingswood travelled to Ashley Down this week to try and maintain their strong league position.  The journey up was sunshine all the way, however when Kingswood neared the ground, the sky went black and a strong downpour of rain forced everyone inside and the pre-match team talk had to be given in the showers!  The rain continued to pour throughout the game and as a result it was very difficult for either side to build a strong attacking platform.

Despite the rain and the uphill disadvantage, Kingswood largely dominated the first half, too many errors though meant that Kingswood could not get close enough to the Ashley Down try-line.  Kingswood missed a penalty early on and then were forced into an early substitution when Mark McGarrigle suffered a boot to the head and a deep gash which meant Dan Nicholls came on as a blood replacement and then as a permanent substitution.

Ashley Down then missed a penalty also before Kingswood missed another kick.  The weather was not helping either side and as a result the scores were level at half time.

Half Time: Ashley Down 0 - 0 Kingswood

Kingswood started strongly in the 2nd half and now with a slight down hill advantage, it wasn't long before they capitalised.  With 44 minutes gone, Ashley Down had a scrum on their own 5m line but due to the rain, a strong Kingswood hit and drive forced the Ashley Down pack into their own try area and Stan Bailey dropped on the ball to give the game its first points.  The wind was still not helping the kickers and Kingswood could not get the conversion. 5-0

3 minutes later and Kingswood had a lineout just outside their own 22.  A brilliantly worked lineout was popped to the front and Rob Lamb set off down the wing before popping the ball inside to Damien Crosswell who made ground before passing the ball to Stan Bailey, Stan drew in the Ashley Down fullback before passing the ball inside to Mike Oakley who raced clear and finished a great move off to give Kingswood another try.  Again the kick was missed but Kingswood held a 10 point lead.

Ashley Down then had a good spell of pressure and were nearly over but a strong Kingswood defence forced a knock-on and they survived.  However, on 65 minutes, Ashley Down were awarded a penalty just short of the Kingswood tryline and a quick tap kick was sent out to No.3 who was allowed to cross the line unchallenged.  No. 15 converted and suddenly the game was a lot closer at 7-10.

8 minutes later and their was another scrum just short of the Ashley Down tryline but this time it was Kingswood's put-in, Ashley Down held firm and started to wheel the scrum around but Stan Baileys quick thinking saw him pick up the ball before it was lost and he took a few steps and dived over the line to grab his 2nd try of the game.  Ben Phillips successfully kicked the conversion and Kingswood now held a 17-7 lead.

The remainder of the game was played out in yet more rain and neither side could create anymore chances.  A soaking Kingswood held on and grabbed their 6th league win of the season, setting up a interesting top of the table clash next week with Dursley.

Full Time: Ashley Down 7 - 17 Kingswood