RUGBY: KERESLEY fell victim to a strong Rugby Welsh side, losing 50-21.
In difficult conditions, made worse by Storm Brian, Keresley opted to kick with the wind in the opening half – a decision that suited Welsh who weren’t lacking in fitness.
Despite the fitness boost, Welsh were put under pressure in the opening stages by a typically strong Keresley pack.
Having resisted the initial pressure, Welsh started to find their feet in the game and coped well with conditions before a missed tackle in midfield allowed Keresley’s centre to touch down under the posts.
Welsh responded well though as Andy Higham crossed over following a lineout on the Keresley 22.
The visiting side immediately responded though as Welsh conceded a soft try which resulted in a Keresley penalty on the half way line.
Keresley fed the ball wide while Welsh were still getting organised, consequently touching down for a second try.
A neat off load from Adam Bond allowed James Buckland to break from the half way line to score under the Keresley posts.
With their tales up, Welsh really to build the phases and enjoyed a sustained period of possession.
Having let a couple of half chances slip, some excellent work down the blind side from Bond and then Gavin Daniels put Andy Higham over the whitewash for his second of the afternoon and put Welsh in the lead for the first time.
But Keresley again made the most of Welsh’s mistakes to cross over for their third try to go ahead once more, making the score 19-21 at half time.
The opening 15 minutes of the second half proved tight, Welsh eventually breaking the deadlock when Jamie Roche crashed over from close range to put Welsh 24-19 up.
Soon after, Welsh were pinning Keresley back in their own territory. And, following an excellent scrum, the ball was fed to Buckland who managed to sneak through a gap and touch down to grant Welsh some breathing space.
Further tries from Gareth Hart, Jason Reynolds, and Jamie Roche secured the win for Welsh in comfortable style.
Welsh welcome Leamington 2nds at Alwyn road this Saturday, looking to continue their rich run of form.
