Blues show great determination to secure a losing bonus point.

With Ilkeston on a high after wins against Paviors, Peterborough Lions and then local rivals Derby, in the NLD Cup, the Blues travelled to the Stuke knowing that they would have to put in the performance of the season to get anything out of this game.
The hosts started well and missed tackles led to a cobnverted try after only 3 minutes. Then, when the lead was extended with another converted try things were looking ominous for the young Kettering side.
However, the defence was tightened up and the forwards began to take the game to Ilkeston and the score remained unchanged at half-time. With the slope advantage in the 2nd half, Kettering struck early and Jamie Manly capped a fine performance with a try which Joe Daniels converted, only for the Blues to concede another converted try almost immediately.
As the half progressed, a catch and drive from a lineout saw Ilkeston stretch their lead, but the Blues came back and Daniel scored a try, which he converted himself and then kicked a penalty to bring the Blues to within a converted try of their opponents.
Despite their efforts, that was the end of the scoring and Kettering had to settle for a losing bonus point, but in knowledge that they had come very close to upsetting the form team in the league, and could be really pleased with the way they bounced back from a poor start, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the 2 sides.

RAJ Man of the Match: Jamie Bishop