Kirkby find it tough at Waterloo

Kirkby travelled south again to a Club steeped in history who in the past played in the higher echelons of the game. Following their win last week, Kirkby were looking to replicate their success but were missing one or two of their regulars.
Waterloo kicked off and showed their pace in pinning the visitors down in their own half. The ensuing ruck saw Kirkby holding onto the ball giving away a penalty followed by a line out 15 yards from their line. Won by Waterloo, they moved the ball along their back line to score with 5 minutes into the game. 7-0. The following 5 minutes saw both sides weighing each other up before the home side knocked on. Bamforth released the ball to Barton who moved it back to the forwards where Burrow made a break backed up by the pack before releasing the ball along the backs to Oates who put in the visitors first unconverted try. 7-5. The next 15 minutes saw both sides giving away penalties before a move by Waterloo gave them an overlap on the wing for the third try of the game moving the scoreboard to 12-5. Kirkby came back on the attack with the backs showing some pace before a break away against the run of play saw the home side over the line which moved the score to 19-5. With their tails up, another try came within minutes, due to missed tackles by Kirkby, giving Waterloo 7 more points. Kirkby were rattled and before half time they gave away penalties to give the home side a lead of 35 points. Coaches Hadwin and Hughes gave instructions before the second half commenced.
Kirkby restarted the game and managed to secure the ball but a knock on gave advantage to the home side. From the penalty and line out their swift winger secured a further 7 points with the Board showing 47-5 and only 7 minutes of the half played. From the restart Kirkby attacked drawing two penalties taking them to within 5 yards of the line. A try in the corner by Edmondson doubled the visitors score. Again Kirkby attacked but an intercepted ball saw an easy try for the home side. Waterloo increased the score further when their pack went over and the home supporters saw the score move to 61-10. Kirkby saw Brown replaced due to injury but need to get their heads round the new tackling laws as they repeatedly gave away penalties. Before full time arrived Kirkby’s backs showed some class as they moved the ball with Oates releasing Lawson for their third try. Converted by Higgs the final score was 61-17.
Again, as against Crew and Nantwich, the score flattered the home side but Kirkby keep battling against big packs and the rewards will come. At present we have played the best teams in the league away from home but the spirit is still there. Away again next week at Winnington Park where this team could see the next win of the season.

DJH

Photos courtesy of John McCabe, Firwood Waterloo