Another Victory Keeps Kings In Promotion Push

Kingswood were back in league action this week with a visit from Cheltenham Saracens. Kingswood's list of absentees grew larger this week and with 6 first team regulars now missing, there were several calls-ups including 2nd XV captain Sam Massey and a place on the wing for John Comer who last played for the 1st XV four years ago.

Kingswood started the game well and pressurised the Cheltenham defence from the kick off and within 5 minutes they had grabbed their first points. Cheltenham were penalised for coming in at the side and Ben Phillips knocked over the conversion attempt to give Kingswood a 3-0 lead

7 minutes later and Cheltenham had the opportunity to bring the scores level when they were rewarded a penalty for Kingswood not releasing. However, No. 13's conversion attempt was unsuccessful and the scores remained the same.

In the 22nd minute and after some sustained pressure, Cheltenham Saracens then took the lead when they were awarded a penalty deep in the Kingswood half and the resulting lineout was secured before a rolling maul made its way towards the Kingswood try-line and No. 2 finished off the move to grab Cheltenham's first try of the game. 3-5

4 minutes later, Kingswood were pressuring deep in the Cheltenham half and looked as though they were going to grab their first try, however a kick over the top was charged down and Cheltenham put together a counter attack involving one long pass out wide to the wing which left No. 11 with a easy run in to incredibly increase Cheltenham's lead to 3-12

Just after the half hour mark Kingswood were awarded a penalty and Dean Stephens secured a lineout 5m from Cheltenham's try-line. The catch and drive was powerful and Mike Oakley was on hand to break from the back to get the ball down over the line. The conversion attempt from Ben Phillips was unsuccessful and Kingswood had pulled the scores back to 8-12

Cheltenham then had another opportunity to increase their lead when they once again charged down a Kingswood kick and the ball was lofted up field from the floor, the bouncing ball was chased by Saracens No. 13 who only needed to pick the ball up for an unchallenged run-in but fortunately for Kingswood the ball was knocked on instead and Kingswood secured the resulting scrum and cleared their lines.

The last action of the first half went to Kingswood who spoilt a Saracens lineout and Mark Oakley was on hand to gather the loose ball and charge into the Cheltenham 22 before popping a lovely one handed pass behind him to the advancing Rob Lamb. A ruck was formed and the ball fed to Steve Trevelyan who powered his way over the line to grab Kingswood their 2nd try. Ben Phillips added the 2 extra points and Kingswood had grabbed the lead on the stroke of half time. 15-12

Half Time: Kingswood 15-12 Cheltenham Saracens

Kingswood started strongly in the 2nd half and it only took them 4 minutes to capitalise on the pressure. Kingswood were awarded a penalty in the Saracens 22 and a quick tap by Ben Phillips saw him break towards the Saracens try-line before being tackled just short. A ruck was formed and the ball was released to the backs and John Comber celebrated his 1st XV call-up with a try in the far corner 20-12

Kingswood then made their first substitution as an injured Ben Phillips came off and Sam Massey came on. Shortly after, Matt Davies made way for James Thorne.

With the hour mark approaching, Kingswood's forwards were beginning to dominate in the scrums and rolling mauls, making great ground with each one. Kingswood were awarded a scrum 5m out and the pack edged towards the Saracens try-line before Mark McGarrigle broke from the back and went over the line, however the referee deemed that the ball was held up. Kingswood tried again and Mark McGarrigle again broke for the line and this time to referee awarded the try. Ian Kirley took over kicking duties but could not make the long kick. 25-12

There was more of the same from Kingswood 8 minutes later as they put pressure on the Saracens defence and several crash balls took them closer to the Saracens try-line. The ball was fed to Dean Stephens who spotted a gap in the defence and broke through to come within inches of the line before being held up. Mark Oakley was on hand however to receive the offload and crash over the line to grab Kingswood's 5th try of the game. Ian Kirley missed the conversion attempt but Kingswood now held a 30-12 lead

Kingswood were now controlling proceedings and the majority of the action was being played out in the Cheltenham half. With 72 minutes on the clock, Kingswood secured a lineout which moved with ease towards the Saracens line. Kingswood were handed the advantage after the rolling maul was collapsed by Saracens and when the penalty was eventually awarded, Mark McGarrigle took the quick tap and flung himself over some attempted tackles to slam dunk the ball over the line. Ian Kirley was again unable to add the conversion 35-12

Due to the late kick-off the light was poor and the referee ended the game a few minutes early to make it 7 wins out of 8 for Kingswood and push them up into 3rd place. Kingswood play their game in hand next week at a tricky fixture away at Old Cryptians. Victory next Saturday would see them leapfrog Ashley Down into 2nd place.

Full Time: Kingswood 35-12 Cheltenham Saracens