Kettering 1st XV 8 - 15 Newark 1st XV

This meant that the Blues never managed to create enough continuity to sustain real pressure on the visitors line, which is confirmed by the low scoring in the game.
There can be no doubt about the Blues backs desire to play an attacking game, but time and again in the first half they over complicated things when simple effective decision making would have taken advantage of the space offered to them. Whilst the visitors had a very simple approach to the game and took advantage of the few occasions they were within striking distance of the Blues line.
As the scoreline suggests, this was a very tight game, with both defences holding sway and Newark took a 10 point half-time lead through a penalty and a converted try following concerted pressure on the Blues line.
In the 2nd half the Blues dominated proceedings but failed to break down the resolute defence and could only close the gap with a Joe Daniel penalty before the visitors rocked the home side with another close range effort to extend their lead. As the half wore on the Blues became increasingly frustrated, but eventually Sean West scored wide out the bring the home side within one score and despite considerable effort they were never able to make the decisive breakthrough and Newark ended up deserved winners of a somewhat disappointing encounter.