So the first of three important matches for Kingswood was finally upon us. Victory over this weeks visitors, Cheltenham Saracens, and Kingswood would be guaranteed promotion in Gloucester 1 for the first time in their 56 year history. Kingswood’s Backs, who bagged 11 tries last week, lined up the same for the third week running. Kingswood’s Forwards welcomed back Vince Murrell and Alex Green. Dave Tomlin was also given the green light to start and there was a place on the bench for Joe O’Leary, Neil Ward and Nick Coe.

Unlike previous weeks, it was a while before this game saw its first points, fortunately though, they went Kingswood’s way. After 13 minutes and some sustained pressure, the ball finally crept beyond Cheltenham Saracens 5 metre line via the Forwards until Ben Phillips released a quick pass to Anthony Davis on the wing who powered forward, went through the attempted tackle of his opposite number and dived over the line, for his 4th try in two matches. Ben Phillips’ conversion from out wide struck the upright but Kingswood finally had points on the board. 5-0.

This try seemed to be the wake up that Kingswood needed as just 3 minutes later, Paul Allen broke clear in the centre of the park and made great ground for Kingswood before being halted deep in the Cheltenham half. Kingswood were awarded a penalty for their efforts and Ben Phillips slotted home the simple kick. 8-0.

Kingswood were now cruising and just 8 minutes after their last score, Dean Stephens sent a lovely little grubber kick into touch deep in Cheltenham’s 22. Kingswood stole the lineout and a devastating rolling maul trundled its way over the try-line and Dave Tomlin was on hand to get the ball down for the score. Ben Phillips slotted home a great conversion to make the score 15-0.

6 minutes later and Kingswood were now hitting the sort of rhythm that made them so devastating last week. Forwards and Backs combined well as a rolling maul sucked in opposition Forwards before the ball was spread simply through the hands of the Back line. Just like last week, Flanker Mark Oakley was on hand to deliver the final pass to James Willmott on the Wing who skipped his way (not literally) over the try-line and under the posts. Ben Phillips added the simple kick and Kingswood were now 22-0 up. This proved to be the final action of the half and Kingswood went into the turn around one step closer to promotion.

Half Time: Kingswood 22 – 0 Cheltenham Saracens

Kingswood knew that if they kept their composure for 40 minutes, then the promotion that had eluded them for the previous 3 seasons would be theirs. Fortunately for Kingswood, they were being gifted possession from the restarts, as on several occasions, Cheltenham failed to even get the ball 10 metres. With 8 second half minutes on the clock, Kingswood were pressuring well in Cheltenham’s 22, but forced hands led to a knock on and possession was turned over. Cheltenham’s No. 10 sent the ball flying towards touch but it fell just short, straight into the hands of Paul Allen, who relishes in the opportunity at running at a disorganised defence. With the whole wing at his mercy, Allen opened up his legs and powered up the line. A defensive call of “You’ve got him” was slightly premature as Allen danced over the outstretched arm of the Cheltenham wingers attempted tackle before spectacularly diving over the line to secure another 5 points for Kingswood. The touchline conversion was missed by Phillips, but Kingswood could hear the fat lady clearing her throat. 27-0.

Just 4 minutes later and Kingswood were awarded the put-in at a scrum situated in Cheltenham’s 22. Vince Murrell broke from his No. 8 position, making good ground before offloading to Mark Oakley in support who dived over underneath the posts. Ben Phillips added the extras and Kingswood now led 34-0.

Kingswood then made their first substitution on 55 minutes with Anthony Davies coming off and Joe O’Leary coming on.

2 minutes after the substitution and 3 minutes after the last try, Kingswood were awarded a scrum just inside Cheltenham’s half. Ben Phillips spun the ball out to Fly Half Dean Stephens who sent Paul Allen clear in the centre. Allen couldn’t resist using his sidestep as he generated space that left him with a 2 on 1 with the Full-Back. Joe O’Leary’s little face lit up as he realised his first touch could be carrying the ball over the try-line, but he was soon brought back down to earth as Allen dummied his pass to Joe and grab his 2nd of the game. Ben Phillips added the extra 2 points and helped Kingswood to a 41-0 advantage.

Whether it was due to Kingswood falling asleep, or Cheltenham firing into life, Kingswood then found themselves desperately trying to keep Cheltenham from their try-line. Ruck after ruck, Cheltenham picked up and drove towards the Kingswood line, making it to within 6 metres, and it seemed that a try was inevitable, that was until Vince Murrell smashed his way into one such ruck and turned over possession for Kingswood from which they cleared the danger.

Kingswood then made a double substitution with Mark Oakley and Damien Crosswell coming off and Nick Coe and Neil Ward coming on.

Injuries to Cheltenham Forwards and a mass brawl meant that we were well into injury time and uncontested scrums were required for the remainder of the game. A simple attack for Kingswood saw the Backs break away and James Willmott was sent clear up the wing. Incredibly, despite being tackled 15 metres from the line, Willmott was not held and managed to stand back up and run the remainder of the way to grab his 2nd of the match. Ben Phillips could not kick the conversion but Kingswood had another impressive score line. 46-0.

And then the sound that everyone had been waiting for, the referee blew the final whistle and the players and supporters erupted with delight as Kingswood had deservedly booked their place in Gloucester 1 next season at the 4th time of asking. It doesn’t end there for Kingswood though, next week they travel away to Tetbury where victory will see them crowned as Gloucester 2 Champions. Thanks to everyone who packed the sidelines this week, we hope to see you all next week too!

Final Score: Kingswood 46 - 0 Cheltenham Saracens