Match Report

Cup Semi Final Match

Bristol Saracens Vs Kingswood

The Kingswood 1st XV of 2006/2007 had the opportunity to make KRFC history by taking the club to their first cup final, to do this however, they would need to knock out Gloucester One high-flyers, Bristol Saracens.  A cold Wednesday night under flood lights was the setting for what Kingswood hoped would be their passage into the final.

Kingswood started the game amazingly well and I think if Saracens were honest, they would admit they were not expecting what Kingswood had to offer.  Kingswood were to every break down with solid rucking and hard mauling and after only 2 minutes they were awarded a penalty which Ian Kirley converted, however this lead only lasted a minute as No. 9 slotted home a penalty kick for Saracens to bring the game level.

Kingswood did not let up though and continued to play at a blistering pace and with 9 minutes on the clock got there reward when after securing a lineout they hit Saracens with several crash balls, gaining great ground before Damien Crosswell got the ball down in the corner.

Kingswood were nearly in again straight after, but Liam Stinchcombe was adjudged to have fed a forward pass inside to an unmarked Mark Oakley after chasing an excellent downfield kick by Dean Stephens.

Kingswood never let up in the opening 20 minutes and were soon 3-15 up when Mike Oakley crashed over the line after a solid Kingswood scrum 5m out.

With Kingswood looking solid and with Saracens seeming star-struck there was a setback for Kingswood when Alex Green left the field with an injury, however a fired up Neil Ward happily stepped into the back row.

Saracens then started to play some impressive rugby and got themselves back into the game with a well worked try from a lineout in the Kingswood half, making the score 10-15.

There was then more bad news for Kingswood as Paul Allen was also forced to leave the field after suffering concussion from a collision.  Ben Lambert came on in his place.

With Kingswood shaken by the changes and the Saracens fight back, they then agonisingly conceded another try right on the stroke of half time after the Saracens backs put together another fast paced move which involved several switch plays.

 With the slight slope now against Kingswood in the 2nd half, they decided to take the game upfront and make ground through the forwards, their hard graft paid off when they were awarded a penalty but Ian Kirley's conversion attempt drifted wide.

Just when Kingswood started to look solid again, they were hit with yet another injury, this time from the front row when Mike Oakley had to be taken off with a hamstring injury.  Matt Davies came on and the pack had to be reshuffled to accommodate the loss of the prop.

Kingswood were resisting the Saracens attacks well but eventually the injuries and fitness showed when Saracens scored a try with 20 minutes left.  Kingswood looked dejected but dug deep to try and find the equaliser, but as they did they became stretched and Saracens backs took full advantage and ran in a further two tries.

Kingswood ended the game in possession but sadly they were unable to pull anything back and fell just short of reaching their Cup Final..... for this season at least. 

  Full Time: Bristol Saracens 34 - 15 Kingswood