September is traditionally the start of the rugby season in the UK, from grassroots to elite. And so it was for Kempston, taking to the pitch for the first time in the new season to open their account in the newly-formed Bedfordshire Merit League on Saturday.
Kempston were up against Bletchley 2nd’s – a familiar rival – and both clubs can recount many tales of good, honest battles at both venues.
The warm-up was briefly truncated by a storm of biblical proportions, which blew in after a sunny morning, and proceeded to dump water and a little hail on the pitch.
After the showers passed, and the ground was thankfully softened up a little, Kempston completed their warmup and returned to the sheds to don their matchday kit, and after the customary motivational speech from their captain, John Higginson, returned to the pitch to meet the opposition.
From the off this was a very equal game. Challenges were met and returned, and it was definitely game on.
Kempston got first points on the board with an early penalty within kicking distance to give an early 3-0 to the hosts.
There then followed a bit of a low patch for Kempston as Bletchley ran in two unanswered tries, and this would prove to be the big test Kempston needed to respond and to show their characters.
Respond they did, in the form of a barnstorming try from our returning centre, Ewan Casey, rebuilt and back with a vengeance, ably converted.
The two sides left the pitch for half time after a penalty to Bletchley saw the scoreline settle at 10-17 to the visitors.
The second half started well, with Kempston meeting the challenges well, resulting in three more points from the boot of their captain,
Bletchley scored again, against the run of play, but the next three scores from Ewan Casey, Chris Mayhew and John Higginson put the K’s well ahead at 34-24.
With minutes to go, and a series of massive defensive efforts, Kempston ran down the clock, repulsing wave after wave of Bletchley attacks, until the red and black sea parted, allowing Bletchley their final try.
Still short of the hosts’ total, the final whistle went and a final score of 34-31 was notched up.
A proper, fair and even battle with Kempston edging it and never saying die. A win is always an excellent way to start the season, and whilst Kempston will be nursing sore bones, the warm glow of a strong start will always motivate.
Words by Simon Forbes
