12:30 kick off in bright sunshine and slight breeze, the ground was rock hard and like a dust bowl, the lads would be blowing black snot for two days after this one.
Keswick had kick off and Consett ran it straight back applying pressure from the start, within the first five minutes Consett had a scrum inside the Keswick 22 for them takin the ball over their own try line (maybe it should have been a drop out, but hey ho). Scrummaging was very good and an excellent smash by Alex M gave Consett the momentum and put Keswick in a flap, the ball was then played out wide right along the backs for Ste P to cap it with a try in the corner, Dougie P put over an excellent conversion and the scoreboard was moving in the right direction 7-0.
The game continued with some good mid-fields tussles, Keswick making breaks and Consett defending well and counter attacking, some tactical kicking from hand by Dougie P kept Keswick under pressure. A nice fly hack from broken play by Dougie saw some lovely link play by Alex M to eventually free up Lee T to go in at the corner for an unconverted try 12-0.
Keswick didn’t like Consett being in front, and some strong running by their backs saw them make lots of good ground as Consett had to compose themselves and sort out their defence. Dougie again took the wind out of their sails by kicking great field position. Solid lineout from Mad Dog saw Consett threatening again, but a determined Keswick hit us on a good break to let their backs in under the posts right on half time 12-7.
The 2nd half got under way with a great break by Pricey and a teckers pass out the back of his hand to Mad Dog who then fed to Alex M to go over – and excellent team try 17-7.
Alex then gave away a penalty for dumping a Keswick player over his back and Consett ended up undet the cosh in their own 22. Strong forward play managed to turn it over in the ruck and lines were cleared for a line out. We didn’t challenge for the line out as Mad Dog was told to adjust his position and Keswick took the throw allowing them to go in at the corner 17-12.
From the restart Adam U went over the try line, but it was pulled back for a knock on and scrum 5 to Keswick. The solid scrum saw Consett take it against the head and allowed Rob G to go in with his classic off the back of the scrum move 22-12
A few minutes later from almost the same position Consett pulled off another great scrum which saw Trotty drift through the throng of Keswick defenders on a mercurial ducking run (he didn’t know where he was going so how could they) 27-12.
The game ended with a minor skirmish of a brawl after their number 20 threw a punch and then ducked out of the melee he had started.
The lads treated big Trotty to a beer shower after the end of the game and the end of an era, he looked good in his bright yellow wet t-shirt, nipples erect and bristling physique – you could see the women react and move away as they tried to contain themselves
An excellent end to what has seemed like a very long couple of seasons, but it has been a real privilege to watch some great rugby, see the lads grow both physically and mentally, share the highs and lows that come with supporting Consett. Every one of the lads has brought something to the team and contributed, players have come and gone but in the end one of the best under 18 teams has emerged after many hours of training and hard work by all of the coaches.
Good luck lads in whatever you decide to do and wherever your rugby may take you.