Jason Leonard Nation Under 20 County Championship – Pool Match Kent v Hampshire
Kent opened this season’s campaign against last season’s beaten finalists Hampshire. The match took place at Tunbridge Wells RFC and only went ahead after some sterling work by the host club staff to ensure the pitch was fit to play.
Heavy overnight rain ensured the pitch was going to be very soft underfootand so it proved. Captain Noah Dann won the toss and elected to play intothe elements in the first half.Kent found themselves pinned back in their own period for most of the halfbut defended excellently. Strong tackling and an excellent work ethic limitedHampshire to a single penalty goal by Bradley Caparo. Hampshire did crossfor a try but it was disallowed for a forward pass.With just a 3-0 lead for Hampshire to show for their first half territorialadvantage Kent were very much still in the game.
The second half kicked off and Kent immediately camped themselves in thevisitor’s half. With the forwards dominating the set piece this provided theplatform for Kent to press the home line.
On 46 minutes scrum half Jake Wilkinson scampered over followingexcellent work from the forward pack. Jack Greig added the conversion.
Kent led 7-3.
Kent secured the ball from the ensuing kickoff and secured good fieldposition through Harrison Fermor. The forwards went to work attacking theHampshire line. Tight Head Teddy Gibbons was rewarded for an excellentafternoon play when he drove over from short range just 3 minutes later. Theconversion was added from Jack Greig.
Kent led 14-3.
On 54 minutes the scrum dominance of Kent saw them win penalties andfield position in the heavy conditions. The pressure told and another penaltysaw Jack Greig step up to kick the goal for 3 more points.
Kent led 17-3.
Both sides used all their replacements ensuring good game time for everyplayer. Hampshire never gave up and looked to play out at every opportunitybut solid defence and dominate field position on the back of a better setpiece ensured Kent ran out the victors.
Kent next face Surrey at Esher on 21st April.
