KC started well with pressure in the Longton half as their forwards worked well. They scored a try from a ball won against the head in the scrum when the ball was fed to Chris Pinner for him to score under the posts, conversion by Harry Taft. The second try came when Ethan Keenan picked up at the base of a scrum and fed Will Fallows who made a lovely break and passed to George Tildesley who cut through to make 50 meters to score, Taft making the conversion.

Forward pressure took KC almost up to the Longton 22, after several phases the ball was fed to winger Rowan Dickinson who scored close to the right-hand touch. KC fourth try and bonus point came from a George Tildesley move from the Longton 22 into the right-hand corner. Harry Taft kicked a great conversion almost from the touch-line.

Longton replied with a converted try. KC continued to dominate the game and when Longton kicked ahead the ball was collected by George Tildesley on the half way line, he made 10 metres and passed inside for Tom Dalton to score, again converted by Taft.

KC defence then went to sleep when Longton received a penalty on the KC 22 and scored a easy converted try. KC came back with a good line-out win with Henry Humphrey feeding Jake Perks who in turn passed to Chris Pinner who showed his pace to score close to the posts. Harry Taft converted. KC forwards worked well in the loose and were successful in the line-outs, however the set scrums were a continuing area of weakness.

KC were looking good with the score 40-14 at half-time. The second half was a different game, as often happens confidence can cause a lack of concentration., Longton were getting more possession and KC tackling was somewhat erratic. Longton scored a try through their forwards under the posts and unluckily the conversion hit the upright.

KC did get onto the scoresheet when Henry Humphrey quickly reacted to a short penalty and scored, Taft converting. Longton helped themselves to a try made easier by poor tackling from KC. Another Longton try added to their score again with the KC defence dormant.

Just before the end KC came out of their lethargic phase to produce their best move of the game; Tom Dalton made a break fed George Lloyd Jones who passed to George Tildesley to score an unconverted try.

Although it was a good win for KC, concentration and tackling need to be more consistent to compete in the upcoming cup games. Players need to follow the example of Chris Pinner who belied his age with his robust running and his excellent tackling.

Bob Davies