Keyworth RFC U18’s Colts show no sign of letting their undefeated season slip away, even when faced with opposition such as Sheffield RFC in their match they played on Sunday 16th January 2022.
There were only 16 teams left in the RFU National Cup, where they played at Sheffield’s impressive home ground.
Apologies for the use of sporting metaphors, but this was a real David vs Goliath match up. To give it some perspective, Sheffield has a population of over half a million, Keyworth and the villages our boys emanate from equals 35,000. Sheffield’s home dressing room is the same square footage as the whole of the Keyworth club house.
It was fair to say, the Keyworth Colts were facing a formidable team, but as with previous games, Sheffield under estimated our ability and endeavour.
As for the game, it was a real arm wrestle with both sides displaying their physicality and intent. Every member of the Keyworth squad put on superb performance, executing their roles to the final whistle, which was characterised in the final 7 minutes when Sheffield were relentlessly attacking the Keyworth 5 metre line, but were unable to penetrate the solid wall of Keyworth players who put their bodies on the line to secure the win.
The match, although not having many points scored kept the large crowd entertained throughout and ultimately Keyworth came away victors 8-12.
The referee commented at the end “it was the best game he had officiated”, adding “Keyworth are an excellent bunch of lads who played with respect, discipline and bags of courage, and were the deserved winners”.
Over the years and right through our travels, opposition teams, and their supporters ask who are Keyworth and where is it? One thing is for sure, the people of Sheffield RFC know exactly who we are, quarter finalists of the RFU National Cup.
Along with being the East Midlands (East) league leaders by a substantial margin, the lads approach each game with the same enthusiasm and energy, but with a national cup final being held at Twickenham, we can’t blame them for being a little distracted. This is the first known time Keyworth Rugby Club has formed a Colts team (Under 18 yrs) due to having such a small club and not having enough players for the increase in numbers. Some of the lads have been playing rugby together at the club since they were 5 years old and their friendship is what has made this team successful.
They are now in the last 8 teams in the Country which it is an incredible achievement for the underdogs.
Our mantra continues to be heard from our clubhouse, ‘Who Are We…….KEYWORTH!’
The Quarter Final is against Kettering Colts and is due to be held at Keyworth RFC, Willoughby Road, Widmerpool on Saturday 12th February 2022. Kick off is at 1.30pm.