Close but no Cigar

This weekend saw return of competitive rugby to North Hykeham with an air of enthusiasm and anticipation for what the season ahead is going to offer the acorns, despite the rain trying to dampen the festive mood.
Keyworth arrived with their usual dominant pack everyone knew it was going to be a good time had by all. The visitors where soon on the front foot against a smaller and less experienced Hykeham pack, and after some early exchanges in midfield, Danny Brown getting distracted by the wendy ball whistle in addition to some over eager defence; Keyworth opened their account pushing over from 5m out. Hykeham 0 Keyworth 7.
Not letting the dominance of Keyworth’s 8 get the better of them, Hykeham where able to get hands on the ball resulting in some exciting backs play, brought the game level when Mark Munton supplied Paul Bud to go over in the corner. Josh Dandy with the conversion. With Hykeham starting to put the pressure on in midfield leading to some frantic passing from Keyworth, Josh White was able to intercept and run in from half way to score under the posts. Converted by Josh Dandy. More pressure from a highly dynamic back line and organised pack, Hykeham were able to force more error by Keyworth and led to Danny Brown hoping for the corner. Coming up short he was able to pop it to Greg Sutton who went over giving Hykeham a 19-7 lead. Returning with the dominance of the scrum, Keyworth found purchase on the game and after a line breaking run by the winger they were soon camped out on the Hykeham 5m line. The heavens opened again leaving a damp ball and handling errors in this wake, Keyworth putting their pack dominance to good use again going over to bring the scores to within 7. Half Time Hykeham 19 – 14 Keyworth.
A bright start by Hykeham in the second half saw Man of the Match Adam Self break the line with some tenacious stepping from 9 and Paul Bud using the more direct approach, they were unable to turn the pressure into points allowing the referee to award back to back scrums, killing off the momentum and allowing Keyworth back in the game. An injury to Josh King changed the dynamics of the Hykeham scrum with Andy ‘Jock’ McClelland stepping into the second row and Ben Thomas coming into the back row. Not perturbed by the loss of the big man, Hykeham started to build the pressure again with some excellent running by Paul Bud and Mark Munton; but not able to exchange the pressure and field position into points.
Keyworth fought back and after a dubious line out decision was able to work a well yearned score in the corner bringing the scores level. Pressure on the Keyworth Fly Half to add the extras, he was not found wanting slotting a great kick from the touch line to give the visitors the 2 point advantage. With 4 minutes to go on the clock, over eagerness to bring the game back under Hykeham control resulted with Keyworth slotting a penalty over to give them the victory 19-24.
Hykeham may not have been granted the fairy tale ending for the return of competitive rugby to the memorial fields, their determination is not spoilt and the Pig raising the spirits even higher.