Kirkby back in the frame

Kirkby first XV and supporters headed down the motorway for the last time this season for their game at Bowdon RUFC. Their opponents are fighting for the promotion spot so a tough encounter was on the cards.
Kirkby, who were missing one or three players, started and Bowdon were soon on the attack but strong tackling kept them at bay. However during this defence, Oates went for the interception but lost the ball and was rewarded with a yellow card. The 14 men were under the cosh but knock on’s by the home side relieved the pressure and play moved up field. On the attack with good handling by Kirkby’s backs saw a kick forward charged down and against the run of play Bowdon ran on to score the first try of the game in the 14th minute. 5-0. The next ten minutes saw the visitors moving play back into Bowdon’s half and a kick down the line by Nicholson saw a chase for the ball forcing a home touch down to give Kirkby a five yard scrum. Collapsed by Bowdon their number eight received a yellow. From here Baines went over to equalise with 15 minutes of the half remaining. Tails were up for the visitors with the home side under attack but a move by their backs brought play back into Kirkby’s half. The ball was lost and Nicholson kicked downfield and gained a 50-22 to put Kirkby on the attack. Infringement by Bowdon’s inside centre drew another yellow card. From the line out Kirkby pack drove over the try line with Baines touching down for a brace of tries as last week. Half time the score read 5-10.
Bowdon kicked off the second half and from the first attack, Kirkby’s Bradshaw received the ball and scored to give the visitors a 10 point lead. Somewhat rattled, Bowdon seemed to lose their shape and the visitors took full advantage moving the ball from well before it eventually found Oates on the wing and from 25 yards out he scored Kirkby’s bonus point try. Uncharacteristically, Higgs was not on song and the visitors score moved to 20 points with only 10 minutes played. This jolted the home side into action with some good moves along their back line but knock on after knock on foiled their attack. The Kirkby 15 however gave as much as they got and looked to increase their score but holding on in the ruck gave the penalty to the home side. Winning the line out, Bowdon managed to not spill the ball this time and their wing man scored in the corner to bring the score line to 12-20 with 25 minutes played. Having found their shape again, the home side piled on the pressure but the Kirkby defence held. Bowdon’s attack continued and again their backs did the damage as their third try was scored with only 10 minutes of the game remaining. 19-20. Both teams saw a tense final period with Bowdon trying to emulate Birkenhead Park last week with a last minute score that denied Kirkby a win. A scrum to the home side 10 yards out saw the Kirkby pack hold and win the ball with Cleary kicking it out of play as the final whistle blew. A exciting game to watch and with Kirkby’s final league game on the 6th April at Underley Park against Crewe and Nantwich, which Kirkby need to win, will draw the season to a close. Put this date in your diary. Happy Easter to you all.

DJH
Pictures by Robin Ree