Kettering 19 - 14 Peterborough Lions

The first 30 minutes of the game belonged almost completely to Kettering as they tore into the league leaders and scored 19 unanswered points. The first score came after 5 minutes from a well worked backs move, which saw Joe Daniel slice through a hole and score close to the posts. Daniel converted the try himself, but was then off target when a catch and drive try from captain Chris Chapman following a 10-metre lineout, saw the Blues extend their lead to 12 points.

With game less than 20 minutes old, and the Lions persisting in trying to barge their way through everything, even from deep in their own 22, the young Kettering side tackled ferociously and kept the visitors pinned in their own half. This paid off when one of the many stars of the day, Josh Block was on hand to dummy his way through for the Blues third try, which Daniel converted.

At this stage, the Lions had not even ventured into the Blues 22, but it was clear that this would not be the case for too much longer. It was no surprise when they eventually broke the Blues stranglehold and laid siege to the Kettering line, only to be thwarted time and again by the Blues magnificent defence. Then, on the very stroke of half-time, the visitors scored a converted try under the posts, to close the gap and set up what was to be a nail biting 2nd half for the vociferous home supporters.

If the 1st half had belonged to Kettering, then the 2nd half certainly belonged to Peterborough Lions. With 15 minutes gone they scored a converted try and many waited for the flood gates to open. However, poor decision making, great defence and pressure from the Blues kept the score at 19-14 to the home side.

With 10 minutes left the Blues broke out and Billie Burrell sent Damien Conyard on a 50-metre run which was halted with a fine chasing tackle by the Lions left wing. Conyard managed to offload and only desperate defence prevented the Blues from a 4th bonus point try. From the ensuing scrum Kettering attacked and were awarded a penalty on the 22. Daniel, whose kicking had been exemplary, took what was really a match deciding kick, but with Lions not providing a touch judge, it was inconclusive as to whether the ball went over, and the referee awarded a 22 drop out, which could have broken lesser teams. Indeed, many expected the Lions to capitalize and go on and win the game from there. Significantly, they turned down penalty opportunities to kick at goal and persisted with their game long tactics. Despite their undoubted and increasingly desperate efforts, the Blues clung on for an exceptional win.

RAJ Men of the Match: Josh Block/Jamie Manley