Kingston rugby brush past King’s in big win

A great team performance helped Kingston to a 40-12 away win against King’s College, making them second in the league.

Despite two yellow cards and the early loss of their captain, Kingston managed to drive forwards and complete a double set of victories against King’s, which has pushed them to within three points of the top spot.

The Cougars lost their captain, Thomas Walsh, early on to a back injury but fly-half Josh Twyford, was there to take the responsibility and he controlled the match with a disciplined kicking game.

Twyford said: “It [the match] was a long old slog but I think we were in control of the game from the first whistle and it’s a crucial three points for us.”

Kingston took an early lead through centre, Bahador Eskandari, which was quickly cancelled out by a try from the opposition that came through a well worked set piece.

Eamon Maguire scored Kingston’s next try from a quick penalty that caught out a sleeping defensive line and the combination between Maguire and Twyford proved important throughout the match.

Maguire said: “It was a good win. We worked hard to look after the ball, especially in the second half and it was a committed performance from the boys.”

Twyford used his dazzling footwork to punch King’s defensive line and score under the posts, which was followed up by number eight, Lewis Tuucker, who powered over the line to extend the lead.

Agni Ghosh, outside centre, finished off a well worked move down the middle of the pitch to mark his final match in a Kingston shirt before he moves away to New Zealand.

“I’m sad to be leaving the boys, but it was a great way to bow out, especially with such a fantastic team performance,” said Ghosh.

The tries were concluded by president, Paddy Murphy, following lovely build up play in the loose, but Twyford failed to convert the extra points after providing an excellent kicking game throughout.

Kingston play Reading at home next week, a match that may decide which way their season goes. A loss will end their hopes of a title win.