Match Report

2nd XV Merit Table

Kingswood Vs Bishopston

Another chance to follow the 2nd XV this week with their Merit Table game against high-flyers Bishopston.

Kingswood made a great start to the game and were very strong upfront in the forwards, controlling the scrums and rucking and mauling well. 

With only 5 minutes on the clock, Kingswood were awarded a penalty from which they secured a lineout and setup a rolling maul which marched towards the Bishopston try-line and Neil Ward broke from the back and dropped over the line to give the game its first points. 5-0

3 minutes later and Bishopston were awarded a scrum 5m from their own try-line but the solid Kingswood pack drove well and turned the ball over.  Neil Ward picked up the ball and with a strong hand off made good ground but was tackled just short of the try-line.  From the ruck the ball was sent inside to Mike Oakley who crashed over the line. 12-0

Neil Ward then came off injured and was replaced by Rob Lamb

The game then became bogged down in the middle of the pitch for the next 20 minutes as both teams battled strongly, however it was Kingswood that made the next breakthrough.  On 25 minutes, Bishopston had a lineout in their 22 from which the ball was knocked back, however, emerging from the back of the lineout was Mark Oakley who scooped the ball up and had an easy run in as everyone else stood still. 17-0

Bishopston then had a good spell of pressure and came close to scoring, however Kingswood's defence was solid and they managed to come away without conceding any points.  Right on the stroke of half time, Kingswood worked a lineout well and Mike Oakley broke free after an excellent switch with Matt Mealing.  Mike Oakley then made excellent ground with a strong run before being brought to the ground.  Brother Mark was on hand to receive to pop pass from the floor and fell over the line to grab his 2nd try of the game. 24-0

Half Time: Kingswood 24 - 0 Bishopston

At half time Kingswood were forced into another substitution when Steve Trevelyan came on for an injured Bramwell Beecroft.

The start of the 2nd half was a bit slow from Kingswood and they were asleep on 45 minutes when Bishopston were awarded a penalty which they tapped quickly and the ball was sent out to No. 13 who ran the ball in under the posts. 24-7

It only took 5 minutes though for Kingswood to hit back.  Kingswood were attacking well and made it into Bishopston's 22 and a ruck was formed, however Kingswood were turned over and the ball ran loose on the Bishopston's side, but before it could be stolen, Rob Edwards ran through and kicked the ball up field and with excellent control, scooped up the bouncing ball and ran in under the posts. 31-7

5 minutes later and Kingswood were in full flow.  I was distracted by some free McDonalds fries and turned around just in time to see Mike Oakley scoop up a loose ball before running out wide and up the wing avoiding several tackles to have an easy run in. 36-7

On 60 minutes, Bishopston's No. 8 was sinned for aggressive rucking and then Paul Allen made his return from injury to replace Ian Kirley.

69 minutes gone and Kingswood scored again as they secured the ball on their scrum and Steve Trevelyan picked the ball up at 8 and ran through several attempted tackles to place the ball under the posts.  Matt Mealing, without the aid of a kicking tee, sent a lovely drop kick between the posts to grab the extra two points. 43-7

On 73 minutes, Bishopston were awarded a lineout but the throw was too long and Kingswood secured the ball.  Some quick hands released Paul Allen who showed some excellent pace and he was untouched as he cruised up field and under the posts.  Allen then bagged the extra 2 points by converting a drop kick right under the posts. 50-7

Kingswood finished out the game in control and boosted their Merit Table position with an excellent victory.

*A special reminder to tune in mid-week to read the report of the 1st XV's Semi Final Cup Match with Bristol Saracens*

  Full Time: Kingswood 50 - 7 Bishopston

Quote Of The Week: "Should I Be On?" - Bramwell Beecroft