Kelso vs CQP

Kelso v Cartha Queen’s Park 14th December 2019.

CQP youngsters come away with nail biting victory at Kelso.

CQP had thrashed Kelso earlier in the season at Dumbreck but subsequent results for Kelso had made it clear that victory in the return match would be much more difficult to achieve. The CQP team was captained by Calum Dickson in the absence of Wayne Burrows. In addition to Wayne Graeme Docherty and Graham Williamson were also missing. A look at the selected back seven suggested that this must have been one of our youngest ever back divisions. Gwenole Gauthier made his debut on the bench.

It took Kelso only two minutes to get on the scoreboard following a poor clearance kick from CQP. The score near the right hand post was converted. CQP hit back and following a penalty which they put into touch they took their own ball and drove over for a score close to the corner flag. A rave effort by Michael Robertson went slightly to the left and Kelso had 7-5 lead which they increased to 12-5 with 12 minutes played. Six minutes later saw CQP put in a lovely through ball to the wing and Thibault Pin got over close to the corner post. An excellent strike by Michael Robertson saw the conversion sail over the bar and CQP were level. On the twenty-fourth minute Kelso regained the lead when they muscled the ball over the CQP line for a converted try. Twenty eight minutes in saw CQP down to fourteen players when Michael Nellaney was yellow carded. CQP defences then held out till the break.

HT Kelso 17 CQP 12.

CQP opened with purpose in the second half and after thirteen minutes scored a third try courtesy of Ethan Paterson which was converted to put CQP in front for the first time 19-17. Kelso hit back with a successful penalty and retook the lead 20-19. CQP refused to concede and pressed back eventually pressing the Kelso line and an attempted CQP drive saw the referee handing CQP a penalty try. Had Kelso not attempted to deny this try by illegal means the conversion would have been very tricky. There was still plenty of time. For the lead to change again and Kelso secured their try bonus with the clock running down the score was in the corner and in front of a totally silent crowd the conversion was pulled a foot to the left. In this last period Kelso attacked all out but resolute CQP defence held on carefully avoiding conceding a penalty. The CQP tackling and discipline in this period was first class. Just before the end Kelso attempted a drop goal but the ball went left and very shortly afterwards no side was blown and this very young CQP squad had distinguished themselves by a 26-25 victory. There were no failures on display.

Next up Heriots at Dumbreck.