KXP’s first encounter with Shaw Cross Sharks came last season, when they were soundly beaten 32-18 by a well drilled, clinical team, who played expansive rugby and seemingly capable of scoring a try from any area of the pitch. Indeed, when KXP played the Sharks earlier this season, although the score-line was much more respectable at 12-8, the Sharks continued to set the benchmark at a level where KXP hoped to perform on a more regular basis. Today’s encounter proved to be a completely different story with a try in the final minute making the win all the more sweeter.

KXP got the game underway and kept the Sharks penned in their own 10 yard line for the majority of the first half, forcing handling errors and draining the Sharks energy levels as a result of them having to defend repeated sets of six on their own try line. Yet, like all good teams, they possess the ability to soak up pressure and strike at will, evading tackles and scoring under the posts just before the half time break. The additional two points sending them 0-6 up.

Half-time

The Sharks started the second half the much brighter of the two teams and poor defence allowed them to score early in the half, with a successful conversion extending their lead to 0-12. Experience suggested that the KXP’s boy’s heads would drop at this point but a combination of desire and strong words of encouragement from the touchline lead to a remarkable comeback.

Firstly, Todd Horner touched down and Louis Inman converted the extra points to reduce the deficit to 6-12 and moments later, Kyle Bottomley crashed over the try-line to score his first try in a KXP shirt, with Todd Horner coolly despatching the two points to level the scores at 12-12. It was nothing more than KXP deserved, yet it looked as though all of their hard work to get back in the game had been undone, as with a minute to go, the referee harshly awarded the Sharks a penalty right in front of the posts. They opted to go for goal, scored and went ahead once more 12-14.

There was surely no time for KXP to get anything out of the game now but KXP’s newfound unwillingness to accept defeat drove them nearer and nearer to the Sharks try-line, culminating in Todd Horner scoring on the fifth tackle and deservedly being mobbed by the whole team. A neatly converted kick by Louis Inman brought an end to a pulsating game of junior rugby league, with KXP winning 18-14.

As with every week, individual certificates were awarded to players within the team and I couldn’t argue with any of the awards given but for the first time this season, every player contributed to today’s win, be it keeping their shape, putting their body on the line or gaining valuable yards, making it the complete team performance.

Opposition Man of the Match: Louis Inman
Man of the Match: Louis Inman
Best Defensive Performance: Thomas Amer
Magic Moment: Todd Horner
Coaches Award: Kyle Bottomley