Kells ARLFC Stats

Match report

Both sides looked up for the game from the kick-off and there were some big opening exchanges with the powerful Walney Central pack looking a force to be reckoned with.

But Kells responded with good showings from forwards Dave Lowery and Alan McGuinness, and little marauding runs from hooker Kevin Agnew.

Kells took an early lead with a penalty from the boot of Ross Gainford but Walney hit back shortly after when Adam Nicholson crossed for a try to take back the advantage at 4-2.

Steve McGrady made a couple of superb breaks for Kells and looked dangerous on the attack as Kells put the pressure on.

Walney had an opportunity to pull further ahead when they awarded a penalty on 29 minutes but Dave Bell missed in front of the sticks.

Sean Fitzimmons made a good break for Kells to make their way upfield with Ross Gainford and Paul Lowery but they were stopped just short on the fifth tackle and it looked as though no further score was forthcoming.

As the pressure built, tempers frayed slightly and Lewis Smith and Adam Nichsolon both had to cool their heels in the sin bin.

But Kells got a crucial try just before the interval. Grant McLaughlin fed Kevin Agnew and the terrier-like hooker dived over the line, with Gainford adding the conversion for an 8-4 advantage.

Walney came out a different team at the start of the second period, simply playing one-man rugby and Kells found this easy to deal with.

The Whitehaven side began to display their own flair and from here on there was only one winner.

First McGrady made his way over in the corner then great hands out to the left hand side allowed Daniel Rowell to touch down, also near the flag. Both conversions were missed but Kells were 18-4 ahead.

The final points came on 69 minutes when Agnew got his rewards for a terrific performance powering his way over the line.

This time Gainford tagged on the conversion and Kells held out to win 24-4, with Gainford being awarded the Joan Blair Memorial man-of-the-match trophy.

Kells: Smith, O’Neil, Lofthouse, McGrady, Rowell, Gainford, McLaughlin, D Lowery, Agnew, McGuinness, P Lowery, Fitzsimons, Robb. Subs: Watson, Schofield, Smith, Fisher.

Walney Central: Elliott, D Nicholson, A Nicholson, Litherland, McKinney, Nicholas, J Marrow, Warive, Bell, McBain, D Marrow, O’Neill, Gee. Subs: Bailey, Burns, Pearson, Ralph.

Man of the match