Knutsford 2nd XV continue their strong 21/22 campaign to win the league

Captained by Paul Robinson- Knutsford 2’s good balance of emerging youth mixed with old boys experience hosted Wythenshawe.
Like the new James Bond movie- retired players dusted off their boots to return for the mission which was to get the 2nds back on track following the loss the previous week.

Despite miserable weather forecasts the conditions were moist and firm- setting up a good contest.
Solid propping by Steve Barlow and Jan provided a strong foundation for the makeshift second row of Johnny Spencer and Paul Robinson to bed in and find their feet as the game progressed. Cameron Smyth and Chris Isherwood’s stepped up from the backs and bolstered the back row alongside Bear at 8. This provided good support to Irvine at hooker.

Gianluca Edwards, Brad Hargreaves and Grant Pollard and Tom Lowe all provided great energy throughout the game in the back line to support Olly Mooney at 9 and the Centres of Ric Jones and Iain Morris.

First points went to Knutty with a penalty kick 3-0. Olly Mooney slotting between the posts. After 15 minutes play, recognising that playing out to wider channels gained better territory rather than through the congested middle- the First try went Knutsford’s way- Dave Gol and conversion by Olly Mooney- 10-0. Second try came from Bear powering over the line. Half Time- 15-0. Playing downhill second half and with Dom Anglin replacing Bear, Knutsford were confident the momentum would continue.

Fair play to Wythenshawe they responded with 2 tries in the second half bring the game to 15-14. Enforced changes due to injury, indiscipline in the ruck and dangerous high tackles led to sin bins for Wythenshawe helping Knutsford maintain territory advantage. Clever scrum half work from Tom Copsey kept Wythenshawe camped in their 22 during the final 20 minutes.

A third Knutsford try came from man of the match Dave Gol who commanded 10 throughout the game. Knutsford saw out the game 20-14, meaning both the 1stXV and 2ndXV came away with double win for club and the town.