Guardian Sport

Knutsford Kasuals' cup run ends at last eight stage

By Andrew Simpson

10:00am Tuesday 6th April 2010

KNUTSFORD’S Kasuals failed to make their extra man advantage pay as they crashed out of the North West Intermediate League’s Raging Bull Shield on Saturday.

They lost 23-8 against Ruskin Park seconds at the quarter final stage.

“We were disappointed not to have played better in front of such a big home crowd,” said captain John Parr afterwards.

“Nevertheless it’s been a good cup run.”

Fly half Andrew Russell reduced the hosts’ arrears with a penalty after their St Helens opponents had raced into a 10-0 lead.

Prolific try scorer David Owen then powered over the line for the Kasual’s only try of the encounter to close the gap to two points.

Knutsford’s hopes were raised further when Ruskin’s open side flanker was sent off for a headbutt on winger Paul Ritchie, but they could not capitalise after the break.

Instead Kasuals conceded too many penalties.

Two consecutive yellow cards for Knutsford players, resulting in spells in the sin bin, deprived them of their numerical advantage in a period when Ruskin grabbed a second try close to full time.

Their reward is a place in the last four later this month.

Knutsford seconds return to Miller Homes Division Four South duty this weekend when Crewe and Nantwich thirds visit Mereheath Lane.

Kick off is 2.30pm.

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