Keswick put in a splendid effort in Regional 2 North when they travelled to play Northern, a first ever fixture between the two clubs.
Although the Gosforth-based side won 31-10 through their overall domination it was in truth a bit harsh on Keswick after their incredible effort over the final quarter.
It was a potentially very challenging trip for Keswick against a side lying third in the table but the early exchanges were even, with both sides testing the metal of the opposition.
The Keswick side were not being fazed by the far larger Northern pack and some extremely pacy backs.
However, after about ten minutes Northern began to dominate possession, which became a theme for most of the game. The resulting pressure led to a first try for Northern, despite prolonged, valiant last-ditch tackling from the whole Keswick team.
There then followed a long period of Keswick hanging on and keeping Northern at bay with an excellent all-round defensive display, absorbing Northern pressure with limited possession of their own.
The score remained at 7-0 until the last five minutes of the first half, despite Keswick losing two influential forwards due to injury in Mark Trow and Adam Blaney.
Northern pressure ultimately resulted in a secondconverted try but Keswick finally got a break, being awarded a penalty late in the half which Billy Thompson successfully kicked to trail 14-3 at the break.
The second half proceeded in much the same vein as the first, with Northern dominating possession and territorial advantage, and the Keswick side defending superbly.
The Keswick leaked a penalty which was converted followed swiftly by Northern’s very fast full back striking again with a well taken try, which was converted, for a 24 – 3 advantage.
It was at this point in the match that the floodgates might have opened, and Keswick would suffer a heavy defeat but the exact opposite happened.
Against the run of play, Keswick proceeded to take the game to Northern in the final quarter of the match.
Brave forays from Jack Thompson and Steve Moss (both busy throughout the match), and Ryan Weir (who by this stage had started hunting to get the ball in his hands), kick-started the Keswick side.
An excellent backs move released Chris Potter to score in the corner, the try at first being awarded by the referee, Then the decision was rescinded as the touchdown was adjudged to have been outside the dead ball area.
Almost immediately more misfortune followed for Keswick who were now dictating the play to Northern. Weir received the ball in the centre and running a good line he managed to break a coupe of tackles to appear to be on his way to a try when the last defender just managed a fortuitous tap tackle.
Finally, Keswick’s pressure paid off, when quick ball in the opposition’s 22 saw Harry Vaillant released for a well earned try, which was converted by Billy Thompson.
However, this seemed to finally regalvanise Northern, who went searching for their fourth try and bonus point, and succeeded in doing so in the final of the match.
