Kings Exit Cup After Defeat To Gloucester 1's Chipping Sodbury

This week Kingswood faced Gloucester 1 opposition in the way of Chipping Sodbury in the Combination Cup, however, a stag-do combined with several injuries meant Kingswood were missing 11 players from their normal selection. Rob Lamb (Prop), Damien Crosswell (Hooker/Prop), Captain Paul Allen (Centre), Steve Trevelyan (Flanker), Mike Oakley (Prop), Ian Kirley (Centre/Wing), Paul Bennett (Full Back), Ben Phillips (Scrum Half), Steve Ridgeway (Scrum Half) and Derek James (Centre) were all unavailable for the match. As a result, Kingswood were forced to start with 3 Hookers in the front row and there were several call-ups from the 2nd XV.

Despite the numerous changes to the team, Kingswood started the game brightly and were solid in the scrums and impressive in the lineouts. Kingswood had an early helping hand when Chipping Sodbury's No. 7 was sin-binned on 9 minutes after a trip on Dean Stephens after he attempted a kick through the defence. Chipping Sodbury were also marched back 10 and this gave Dean Stephens a chance to kick for the posts. Unfortunately the muddy conditions made the conversion attempt difficult and despite a ball steadying hand from Neil Ward, the conversion attempt drifted wide.

There was then more bad news for Kingswood as Anthony Davies was forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury but Bramwell Beecroft was on hand to fill his shoes.

Possession during the game switched during the opening 30 minutes with Chipping Sodbury attacking well to begin with and then Kingswood retaliating with some lovely play to get deep in the Sodbury half. Both defences were playing well though and the game remained scoreless.

Just after the half hour mark the game suddenly turned and saw its first points. Sam Massey finally fell out of favour with the referee and earned himself 10 minutes in the bin and from the resulting penalty, Sodbury put together a clever little move that seemed to confuse the Kingswood defence and No. 7 broke through the line to be left with a simple try under the posts. No. 12 converted and Chipping Sodbury now held a 0-7 lead.

Despite the set back, Kingswood continued to battle on well which saw them control the remainder of the half but they could not turn their possession into points and the half ended with Kingswood trailing.

Half Time: Kingswood 0-7 Chipping Sodbury

Kingswood started the 2nd half as they finished the first and were rewarded with 2 penalties in Sodbury's 22 but again they were unable to convert this into points.

There was a brief rest bite for Sodbury before Kingswood attacked once again and this time a further string of penalties meant they contained Sodbury in their 22 but agonisingly for Kingswood Sodbury's defence were holding firm and they could not find a way though.

The only substitution for Kingswood in the 2nd half was when Rob Edwards, who wandered up from the 2nd team game, was utilised by replacing an injured Gareth Pond.

The remainder of the half was an uneventful affair as both teams battled well and despite Kingswood deserving an equaliser, it sadly didn't come and Kingswood exited the cup upon the final whistle.

Despite the result though, Kingswood can take a boost from their performance given the circumstances. Kingswood now face their most crucial game of the season as they prepare for 2nd placed Ashley Down on Saturday. A win is paramount if they wish to continue their push to gain promotion into Gloucester 1.

Full Time: Kingswood 0-7 Chipping Sodbury

Quote of the week: "I've Seen Lots Of People Who Aren't Here Today“ A Beautiful Piece Of Insight From Adam Morris