Kempston Rugby Club headed for the leafy surroundings of Northampton Old Scouts’ ground, for their first away fixture of the season in the Merit League against Northampton Outlaws.
It was (again) unseasonably warm, the temperature reaching a staggering 24 degrees in October, but the K’s were ready to be tested on the road, with their new 23/24 kit, gleaming and straight from the wrappers.
Proceedings got off to a muted start, but Kempston took the first points with a storming try from Ewan Casey, and Casey was on hand again to double the K’s lead after some fantastic defensive work.
The Outlaws responded with two quickfire tries of their own, but Kempston were back in the league not long after with a breakaway try from David Cowl, with a fourth try for the away side gave Kempston a 24-12 half-time lead.
It was only into the second half however that Kempston began to assert themselves.
A succession of unanswered tries were scored by Ewan Casey – who claimed his hat-trick – along with Ryan Blagg, Tom Darlow, Joel Cain and Luke Barry.
The try of the game however came from Olivier Bouzigues, who raced clear after a smart tap and go left the home defence stranded.
Stalwart player Rob Burnage – reaching his half-century of years – almost scored a try late in the second half, only to knock the ball on, however he did manage to convert Ewan’s final try in style.
Kempston move on to their next game, a visit to Milton Keynes to face their 2s next weekend basking in the glory of a 79-12 final score line in Northampton.
Words by Simon Forbes
