Kesterls lose at home

A very young Kestrels side were no match for an experienced Sheffield side at Moorend on Saturday losing by 0-39

As was expected this year the Kestrels would be in for a season of learning and consolidation following on from their successful exploits over the last 2 seasons.

Not to make excuses but with players been called up to the 1st XV and others unavailable due to work and other commitments this was always going to be a massive test for a side containing 8 colts.

The kestrels have for one reason or another lost around half the successful side from last year and new coach Wayne Mcsweeney is having to go with a make shift side at the moment.

Saturday was hopefully a huge learning experience for them but with no established 10 and a back line that only had scrum half Mark Fletcher having to play at 10 and also the only player in the backline over the age of 19.

Add to this back rower Jack Seddon playing in the centre and young Callum Green getting his 1st run out at this level it was a very dissjointed backline.

In comparison to the youthful Kestrels team Sheffield had ex Cleckheaton favourite John Dudley in their ranks and at times his experience in helping the referee make decisions was invaluable to the man in the middle.

Whilst this young side lacks in experience it still maintains a never give up mentality and they continued to work until the final whistle.

They were cruelly exposed by the Sheffield back 3 with nearly all the scores coming down the flanks.

As is usual in this kind of defeat you try and look for solace elsewhere and the scoreline would have been closer if the referee had noticed a knock on in both the visitors 1st two scores.

There were some stand out performances in the forwards with Matt Beasty and Carl Mason continually taking the fight to Sheffield.

Lance Hamilton who made a return to play for the clubs experience could also prove to be invaluable as the season progresses

Jack Seddon was the pick of the back line with some fantastic defensive work at times.

Next up is Hull Ionians away but with players starting to return to the 1st XV squad some should drop down to the Kestrels and others hopefully available it should be a stronger squad for what could be the hardest game of the season for the youngster