Two scores denied so a four tries to two defeat for the 1st XV.

The first, by MOULTON, came as the 1st XV were responding strongly in the second half to turn around an 8-12 half time deficit. The Captain stormed through the home defence and, seemingly, scored a try only for it to over-ruled as being just short of the try line: if so, the KC player was allowed to carry the ball over and touch down which should have meant a 5 metre scrum with BE's put-in: instead, KC were awarded a 22 drop-out which they took quickly and rapidly moved the ball up-field for their fly-half to score a try, duly converted. A minute later, the same player kicked deep and chased his own kick to sweep through the BE field to record a second converted try for the home No 10. So, inside 60 seconds, BE went from 8-12 to 8-26 down, effectively making it game over, although, late in the game, RICKY STEVENS drove over for a consolation try.

However, that came after ALASTAIR MACFARLANE was denied his debut try (for the 1st XV) when he touched down although the referee failed to see the home side dragging him back over the try line, seconds later, to make it look as it was no-score. Such decisions hurt the 1st XV as they deserved something from the game as they played a full part in a great game involving all players, a wonderful advert for Club rugby.

BE had started strongly, GLYN BAYLEY landing an early penalty before the BE scrum destroyed the home pack in the first set scrum and then shoving them back in the next for PETER MOULTON to control the ball at the pushover try. However, Kilburn Cosmos then showed their skills at quickly recycling the ball to good advantage with good offloads and running. They scored two tries, the second late in the half being converted. However, BE's lineout was working well, with a combination of calls and jumpers, and the backs ran purposefully.

Then came the second half although it was unfortunate that neither ROBBIE CAMERON-STAFF nor MATT NICHOLAS had a try scoring chance as both players made several storming runs that caused some concern in the home defence although BE could not quite turn these into scores. The lineout also worked well, even with changes in personnel as BOBBY GRAHAM switched the players although he was forced to do so with HARRY AVENT taking knocks on the head. The home side still threatened but the BE defence was strong although breached by the two break-away moves either side of disputed BE scores.

The 1st XV are at home on Saturday to Royston at 3pm.

PGY