Keswick did their Regional 2 North survival hopes a power of good with a superb 12-10 home win over high-flying Middlesbrough.
The Teesside visitors had beaten Keswick 65-19 in the North East clash earlier in the season and provided top four opposition to a home side struggling next to bottom.
But it didn’t work out like that and Keswick produced a magnificent performance which they will want to carry on at home to South Shields Westoe on Saturday as they have replaced them in the drop zone.
From the start Middlesborough completely dominated the first quarter with Keswick getting very little possession but defending heroically.
The breakthrough came 17 minutes into the game when, after constant pressure on the Keswick line, the Middlesbrough prop drove over close to the posts for a converted try and a seven point lead.
Three minutes later, with the Middlesbrough fly half getting impatient and throwing a long pass, stand-out centre Harry Vaillant intercepted to run half the length of the pitch and score under the posts. Stephen Moss converted to draw the sides level.
At this point the game started to even out with Keswick getting more possession from improved scrummaging and forcing mistakes from Middlesbrough with quick first up tackling.
Forward drives led by Moss and Mark Trow, backed by Jamie Mackenzie, were making ground. After another 10 minutes good tackling in the centre turned over ball from Middlesborough letting Vaillant set off on a direct run for the line.
He drew the final defender and released Ryan Weir for a score that got the sizeable Keswick crowd in good voice.
The game ebbed and flowed to half time with defences very much on top for a half time score of 12-7 to Keswick.
This was then the pattern for the whole of the second half with both sides coming close to crossing the line but with last gasp defence stopping them.
It wasn’t until midway through the second half that any more points came when Keswick conceded a penalty which Middlesbrough converted having missed two previous efforts.
The last quarter was frantic with both sides attacking but once again defences held out. As the home crowd got more nervous the clock was eventually wound down to see Keswick gaining a victory that will be remembered for a long time.
The game was won by an outstanding defensive effort, moments of great skill and as always, they needed a bit of luck.
The team spirit was outstanding with everyone working for each other and there were deserved celebrations at the final whistle.
