Kettering 1st XV 9 - 23 Bedford Ath 1st XV

With 10 changes to the side which last stepped onto the field against the Ath, most of them through retirement or long term injury, the Blues know that it is going to be a steep learning curve for the inexperienced players who, for the main part, have filled the gaps. Despite this, the performance was a big improvement on the previous 2 weeks and everyone at the club agreed that had the side performed to that level in the first 2 games, they would probably have won them both?!
As it was, they came up against a confident and competent Bedford Ath side who attacked with real purpose from the start and probably should have had more to show than a 3 point penalty from the early pressure, which was soon cancelled out by a Joe Daniel penalty. However, the Ath soon regained the lead when their right wing crossed wide out despite the attention of 2 would be Blues tacklers. James Mortimer converted from the right touchline to extend the lead. Before half-time Joe Daniel closed the gap with his second penalty to keep the Blues very much in touch.
The 2nd half was much the same as the first with Mortimer and Daniel exchangning penalties, before a forward surge saw the Ath score their all important 2nd converted try to finally pull clear. A further Mortimer penalty made it even more difficult for the Blues and their despite their continued efforts, which could not be questioned, the Ath were good value for their win.