Kettering 9 Towcestrians 11

Kettering suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of a very committed Towcester side, after failing to score a single try for the first time this season.

The Blues controlled much of the first half, but could only manage 3 Joe Daniel penalties to lead 9-6 at the break, and their cause wasn't helped by a yellow card for Tom Poole, and the loss of Rory Keir, who succumbed to injury after clearly being targeted by the visitors robust back row.

In the 2nd half things went from bad to worse when on 45 minutes Josh Cox was red carded and the Blues had to play the last 35 minutes with 14 players. Despite this, and the clear problems this gave them in the set piece, Kettering held on until eventually Towcester made the extra numbers pay and their right winger powered over for an unconverted try which proved to be the winning score. The Blues, to their credit, battled on, but poor kicking and Towcester's ability to keep penning them back in their own 22 meant that scoring opportunities were few and far between, and the Blues were never really in a position to create the pressure which could have led to a try or kickable penalty and Towcester comfortably held out to secure the win.