Came up Second

Telford 29 KC 17
KC could have felt confident going into this fixture having had a good win in the earlier home fixture.
In the event Telford took increasing control the further the match went; they were able to play in the very muddy conditions which it seemed KC never came to terms with. The superiority of the Telford set scrums was the centre of their control, KC being unable to take any good possession in this area and deprived of possession were on the back foot for much of the game.
KC defence was tested early on and their defence was working hard. Blue Archer, Will Fallows and Tom Kerrigan were noted putting in significant tackles. However the first score was to Telford from a push over. KC replied with a lovely try from a forward push and the ball was capably fed down the line to be scored by Tom Kerrigan to take the score to 5 all. Pressure from KC earned a penalty attempt which failed. KC were next on the score sheet; after a period of sustained pressure and several phases they scored an unconverted try through Matt Jones.
Telford then had a period of possession close to the KC line; several attempts to get over were well stopped by KC. Eventually Telford scored a converted try to take the lead. At this point Telford were starting to get on top; just before half time scored a converted try to take the score to 19-10 at the break.
Telford came out very positively in the second half and try as they might KC had great difficulty in getting out of their own half. For KC several players made ground or looked to be making significant effort, in the forwards this included Simon Clarke, Ethan Keenan and in the backs Jack Dayus made a good contribution. Unfortunately most of the KC incisions broke down in the greasy conditions with dropped balls or passes not going to hand. The quick Telford backs put pressure onto KC backs, so that opportunities as they came often ended up being rushed with adverse outcomes.
Telford three-quarters were marshalled very effectively by their stand-off whose astute kicking gained them many opportunities. Telford then extended their lead with another try when the usually reliable KC defence was found wanting.
KC came back with almost their only foray into the Telford half in this second period as pressure in the Telford 22 earned them a penalty. KC took it short and Henry Reid was unstoppable scoring a great try under the posts; this was converted by Tom Dalton.
KC supporters hoped that a KC converted try could draw the game but it was not to be. Due to injuries KC were reduced to 14 men and were unable to defend a powerful Telford attack from the 22, with another try Telford ran out the winners 29-17 for a deserved win.

Bob Davies