Derby dominated the early exchanges and kicked a 2nd minute penalty to take the lead. The Blues struck back and had the home side scrambling and frantically defending, only for the home side to extend their lead when a wayward pass saw the Derby inside centre race clear from deep in their own 22 for a real breakaway try.

Back came the Blues and despite their efforts Derby scored again to open up a 17 point gap with 30 minutes gone. The
Blues finally broke through with a Joe Newman try and then, with injury time running out and with the conditions in their favour in the second period things looked good for Kettering, only for a barnstorming run by the Derby centre saw him crash over with last play of the half to give the home side a 22-5 lead at the break.

The Blues started the 2nd half in determined mood and Jamie Manley scored with Bruce Keir converting. Then with the Derby number 8 in the sin bin, Newman again crossed for a try and the difference was down to 5 points. Derby were now in trouble but a blatant knock-on from the kick off went unpunished and from the resulting play the home side scored the decisive try.

The Blues pushed hard and missed a couple of great scoring opportunities and then, with the very last kick of the game, a penalty kick went agonisingly wide which would have given them a losing bonus point, something which they felt was the least they deserved.

RAJ Man of the Match: Ryan Conyard