League leaders toppled . . .

Kirkby travelled to Barrow for the long awaited game against league leaders Hawcoat Park, formerly Vickers Sports Club. It was the first time the two clubs had played each other since 2006, so not many of our players were 'around' at the time.
Both teams appeared closely matched, and an evenly fought first period, with the home team taking the lead with a penalty. Kirkby then gained territory and winger Charlie Oates scored two tries, one converted to put Kirkby 3 - 12 up, and just before half time Hawcoat pushed forward to score a converted try, to make it 10 - 12 at half time. Although with Kirkby having most of the possession, and territory at the start of the second half, indiscipline and errors saw no change in the scoreline, until a passage of play close to the touchline finally saw prop Sam Parkinson cross for a try, with a fine conversion by Jake Stewart to make it 10 - 19. Kirkby then scored a further converted try by James Billington to make it 10 - 26. However the home team rallied and fought back, and had opportunities to score before a fine pushover try under the posts, brought the score to 17 - 26. This being the final score. Kirkby move up to second place in the league, just one point behind Carlisle, with Hawcoat Park in third place.

Pictures courtesy of Robin Ree