Recap
Last Saturday, Kempston Rugby Club returned to the pitch for the first time this season, with a preseason game against Magor, who had made the long trip from South Wales. The game had been arranged a number of months before by our captain John Higginson, using his Wales Deaf connections. It would be the first time in over a decade that a touring team would grace the pitch at Kempston.
The game took on an even more special significance for the club, as it became a memorial game following the tragic passing of our captains wife, only a couple of weeks prior. A minutes applause was held prior to kick off, with both sides giving the emotion of the occasion the utmost respect.
The game kicked off, and for the first 20 minutes or so Kempston barely had the ball, but the summer of coaching and fitness work was clearly on show, as the defensive work from the lads was exceptional. Magor finally breached the resolute defence following a driving maul. The scrum half whizzed the ball out the back of the maul to one of the centres to power over, who had cut a great line. 0-7
In the first half, Magor managed to score another try, before Kempston finally managed to get the ball and put some passes together. The first try of the season came from debutant Jez Grant-Jones who cut inside from the wing, beat a couple of defenders and scored under the posts, Higginson adding the extras for a deserved 7 points.
The second half brought changes from both sides and Kempston were able to go on the front foot. Despite a couple of breakaway try’s from Magor, Kempston kept coming back at them. Tries from Ryan Blagg and Andrew Meeks kept K’s in the game, and the momentum was definitely with the home side. The front foot rugby kept coming, and it was the Higginson family leading the charge. With John captaining the side, it was time for a debut from his son Freddie, who was making his first appearance for Kempston and his first game of senior rugby. As soon as he came onto the pitch, it became clear he has a big future, constantly hungry for the ball, knocking defenders out the way with his power.
With the last play of the game there was time for one final try, and fittingly it was Higginson junior who got it, powering over from the back of a scrum. A deserved moment for the young man, who cemented himself as man of the match. Freddie then added the extras.
Final whistle
Kempston 28-33 Magor
In true rugby terms, it was a great match and was a really good test for both teams. The Kempston performance had everything we wanted from it – bravery, heart, application. Still lots to work on before the opening league game, but it was a really good performance.
But what was more apparent was the way in which both clubs respected the occasion and how we have created a friendship between two clubs. Many beers and a night out after may have cemented that friendship, but we are two clubs who share similar values and who will work together again in the future.
Man of the match –
Freddie Higginson – debut, try, conversion – need I say more?
Doofus of the day –
John Higginson – for getting sat down from a handoff. Forfeit taken by the ever willing Liam Chambers