Kettering 1st XV 25 - 18 Towcester

The visitors had the better of the early exchanges as a surprisingly lethargic home side stood off and allowed Towcester to dictate play. Despite this the score-line remained close as Tows only managed 2 penalties to open up a 6 point lead. With both teams having players needlessly sin-binned, continuity became an issue, but eventually the Blues began to show some life and they struck back with 2 well taken penalties from Joe Daniel, to leave the scores level at the break.

The 2nd half was a much brighter affair, and as the game progressed Kettering began to get on top. Daniel kicked a penalty to give the Blues the lead for the first time, before Towcester scored a converted try, somewhat against the run of play. This seemed to re-energise the home side and they hit back with an unconverted try from Shane Ling after a fine passage of play. Roryr Keir then extended the lead with an unstoppable drive off a lineout, which Daniel converted and then the latter kicked another penalty to effectively kill off the game, or so we all thought.

With Towcester reduced to 13 and the Blues to 14 with further, unexplained yellow cards for both sides, Towcester showed great commitment and set up a tight finish with a converted try in the final minutes. However, the Blues were not be denied and they comfortably held on to seal the win.

RAJ Man of the Match: Ryan Conyard