Agonisingly, the first match was lost 26-25 away at Mansfield. But, with a number of key players absent due to a wedding, it was a promising start. Kesteven immediately bounced back with three wins, before a disastrous away match at a boggy Sileby, losing 5-3 followed by a heavy loss away at Ashby.

Kesteven were not to be deterred and continued to aim high, picking up an impressive win away at Bakewell, followed by another agonisingly close loss away at Belper.

Frustrated by losing matches by the narrowest of margins, the 1st XV went to an in-form Buxton who were top of the league. Kesteven produced their performance of the season, systematically taking every aspect of the Buxton game plan to pieces and demolishing them 40-3.

Kesteven continued to pick up high scoring wins. However, they were susceptible to close defeats and inconsistency certainly sums up the season.

Over the 2019-20 season, the 1st XV may not have achieved its target of promotion, but it has managed to field a more consistent team each week, which for many years has been a struggle.

The youth of the club have played a bigger part than ever throughout the season with Freddie Tuilagi keen to trust what the youngsters can deliver.

This season saw a number of debutants that went on to contribute for the majority of the season. Ollie Lowe, Ben Bailey, Harry Norsworthy, Jack Jonson, Harry Clough and Liam Hind all had a strong first season in adult rugby.

As well as setting the foundation for the scrum and the platform for younger players to come in and thrive, Gavin Purvis ensured that the team remained focused throughout the season.

Dan Turner had an exemplary season, once again the team’s top try scorer. But this season he was also the link man, providing countless assists, demonstrating what it means to put the team ahead of personal glory.

James Goodrich in the centres led the backline by example, making big tackles and storming runs to get the team on the front foot. Once again, the pack as a unit worked well and proved it has one of the strongest scrums in the Midlands.

Kesteven will hope that they can retain the whole squad into next season and will be in a good place to contend for promotion. The squad is capable of winning this league but needs to ensure more consistency in order to do so, get more senior players training and to increase competition for places.

Both Freddie Tuilagi and Nathan Smith will continue coaching next season, which should continue to drive this ambitious side forwards and help the Kesteven Rugby to achieve its aims.

Check out the [/url]match reports from the 2019-20 seasonseason here