THE RESULT hinged on penalties and St Benedict's put over two while Kirkby missed three kickable chances, despite having enough possession to have won comfortably if it had been used wisely.

Faced with bigger and bulkier opponents, Kirkby's forwards competed well up front to secure a first-rate supply of ball.

Prop Ryan Holmes scrummaged well to take the man of the match award, while in the second-row Richard Bainbridge was particularly effective in the loose and Simon Dowker secured an encouraging amount of lineout ball.

Kirkby's problems came in trying to give the ball width and a lack of confidence could be discerned as several promising moves went awry due to wrong options or lack of communication.

In an evenly-fought first quarter St Benedict's edged ahead with a penalty for killing the ball which the fly-half slotted over.

Kirkby came back with a good spell of territorial advantage to earn a penalty themselves, but with three recognised kickers sidelined, it proved to be an Achilles heel they could not afford.

Centre Tom Anderson put the kick from close to the 22-metre line to the sides of the posts, but they rallied, tackled well and earned another penalty opportunity which Alex Hampshire missed.

Even so, Kirkby looked to be getting on top as the Benedict's forwards tired and at 3-0 at half time a much-needed win was still up for grabs.

Kirkby brought on prop Tim Groves, back from a dislocated elbow, for James Law in the second half, and he made a pleasing return as Kirkby camped in the Benedict's half for long periods.

But once again they were unable to work an opening in the backs and had to be content with a third penalty chance. Full back Gavin Thompson, was another choice to have a go, but this kick failed too.

Instead Benedict's fly-half showed how to do it when he put over a long-range effort from the Kirkby 10-metre line to extend their lead to 6-0.

You could not fault Kirkby's commitment or staying-power, qualities which No. 8 Warwick Slingsby typified on the day, but Kirkby need to use the ball more effectively to turn hard-won possession into the points it deserves.