Keynsham's rugby season off to a losing start

Keynsham Rugby Club’s first team started their season with a whimper, not with a bang.

They travelled to Gloucester to play Matson in the Western Counties (North) League. They started well, and played some good rugby in the first quarter and were camped in the home team’s twenty two for most of this period.

They failed to take several opportunities which came their way however and Matson took advantage as the Keynsham performance went downhill; even the scrimmaging power dropped off. Towards the end of the game they pressed hard again but to no avail, despite a very well taken try by flanker Gareth Bevan. Keynsham’s other score came from a penalty by Paul Edsom. Final score line was Matson 16pts Keynsham 8.

There is a bonus point system operating in this league this season, similar to the Premiership; 1 point for the losing team being within 7 points of the winners and 1 point for scoring 4 tries. Keynsham failed to register in this game.

The 2nd XV under the captaincy of Nicky Lloyd, hosted Wiveliscombe at the Crown Field in Somerset 1 League and lost a tight game 17-24.

The thirds, in Somerset 2 (North) league also lost. In their case it was an away game to local rivals Old Reds, where the score was 41-10.

The 1st XV welcome North Bristol to the Crown Field next Saturday.

Reporter: Stan Dorf