Keynsham go into the Christmas break with 4 more points....

Keynsham RFC 16 –  7 Matson RFC 

​A game to forget: a win to savour!

An attritional game at the Crown Field, sparsely attended (Christmas shopping?) saw KRFC edge past Matson.  Playing like blocked drains the local lads still managed to add 4 points to their season’s tally and deny the visitors a losing bonus, which they would have deserved.

10 minutes in Keynsham were awarded a 5-metre penalty; a quick tap and feed from scrum-half Pearce to skipper Weston to barge over for the first points (5-0). Several promising Keynsham moves were spoilt by wayward/panic passing – a trend that was to continue throughout the game. On the half-hour, prop Harvey retired from the fray, replaced by Matt Coghlan.  A further attacking opportunity within the visitors’ 5 metre-line was nullified by the concession of a penalty. At half time Matson edged in front with a well taken try ( abetted by a couple of missed tackles) by centre Keating, converted by scrum half, Boughton.

Thus, the first half concluded, Matson having had the majority of territorial advantage. The highlights from a Keynsham view-point were the 4 steals Brad Newton had in the line-outs and a 30-metre burst from second row Edwards. Keynsham were guilty of trying to play over-expansive rugby and their choice of options – run/kick short/ kick long/ keep possession - were almost catastrophic.

Following the first action of the second half, Jack Evans replaced Calum Fennell at wing forward.  After 8 minutes Keynsham pit together 8/10 phases to pressurise the Matson line, but again conceded a penalty to relieve the situation. 10 minutes thereafter Challenger slotted another penalty to nudge Keynsham into the narrowest of leads, 8-7. On 25 minutes a double substitution saw Fennell return for Tom Lewis (Evans shifting to hooker) and Rob Breckon for Joe Davis (Gaz Bradnock switching to full-back). 5 minutes from time Keynsham notched their second try. It followed a catch and drive from a line-out on the 5-metre mark, with Evans claiming the score (13-7). Matson’s hope of a bonus losing point were dashed by a last minute penalty from Challenger.

Have a good Christmas break fellas.