Blues: Alfred, Olly, Ryan K, Ryan C, Ethan L, Will, George, Tyler
Browns: Olivia B, Lily, Zane C, Ethan J, James, Jack F, Ben

The Knights faced a big and well-drilled North Bristol team. Ethan L and George worked well early on, both in the tackle and driving forward with the ball in hand but the Knights were unable to keep possession in the face of a quick press from North Bristol and found themselves 0-5 down. The Blues rallied at the end of the first half, keeping the ball and moving it much better, but possession was turned over as they bore down on the try line. The Browns faced a similarly tough task, and were penned back in their own half for much of the second period. Lily was particularly committed in trying to halt the visitor’s progress, and James put a in a series of smashing tackles to prevent further scores, but this first game ended 0-9.

The coaches gathered the knights for a rallying call before the second game. Importantly, heads were not dropping and there were more promising signs from both home line-ups at the end of each half.

The Blues were back on and more resolute, holding the line and forcing a knock-on. Ryan K drove forward, then Olivia, over the half way line and on before the visitors could push the attackers out of play. North Bristol raised their game and responded with a terrific try, working the ball quickly out wide left. Kingswood would quickly strike back though. Ethan tracking a North Bristol break away made a great tackle, and again when the ball was moved again. The ball was lost and Ethan broke forward quickly, then deftly moving the ball, ahead of the tackle, to Olly who was on his shoulder. He nearly found the line, but had plenty of support. The Knights recycled the ball a couple of times, and fitting Ethan L found the line, 1-1. Alfred tackled his man and pushed him out of play. Kingswood were off again, Ryan C and Olivia pushing for the line and Olly over. Kingswood held a good line again, Ethan L and Ryan K putting in some solid tackles. 2-2 at half time.

The Browns, with Ethan L helping make up numbers, started on the front foot, carrying the ball well into contact and working through phases up the pitch, and James registered the try. He then did some valiant defensive work with a terrific tracking tackle, but the visitors just managed to get the ball over. He then grabbed a loose ball and stormed forward, shrugging off a last ditch tackle for another score. The visitors came back and looked like they had levelled things up, but the ball wasn’t grounded and no try given – the Knights moved quickly to capitalise, passing the ball to the right flank and giving Ethan L the room he need to bomb down the line for another score. North Bristol got one back, but this time Ethan L found himself on the left wing. He had defenders in front of him but dodged their tackles and squirmed his way down the line and over. Kingswood were pressing possession much better in this game, and again forced a loose ball. This time Jack F grabbed it and tore forward into North Bristol territory. Swift passing saw the ball moved from one sideline to the other and Ethan L was over again to cap a fine performance. 7-5 in this second game, a highly creditable turnaround.

Ethan Lee was named player of the day, terrific tackling, passing and runs with the ball in hand.

Thanks as always to Nick Hackett for the report.