The Blues travelled to Derbyshire with a number of enforced changes, which saw Tom Allen, Dan Martin and the evergreen, Martin Cheatham called into front row duties, and a returning Tom Bridgeman move to the centre for the injured Joe Newman. This was compounded by the loss of full back, Joe Daniel early in the game, to be replaced by Luke Conyard.

Ilkeston completely dominated proceedings in the first period, but the Blues showed great courage and commitment to restrict their hosts to a 10-0 lead going into the final few minutes of the half. Some brave tackling, helped by poor decision making by the home side had seen Ilkeston only manage a converted try and penalty, despite having the strong wind and slope in their advantage. Then, as the half drew to a close, a fine piece of counterattacking saw the Blues take from thier own 22 deep into the Ilkeston 22, where George Newman took full advantage and crossed the line for a vital try, which was converted by Ben Dawson.

With the conditions in their favour in the 2nd period, the Blues turned round full of high expectations. However, virtually straight from the kick off, Ilkeston took advantage of some hesitation in the Blues ranks, and turning the ball over, they quickly extended their lead to 15-7 with an unconverted try.

The Blues bounced back, and on 50 minutes, Conor Horgan raced clear for an unconverted try, following good pressure on the hosts backs, and the lead was down to 3 points. The Blues now had their tails up, and on 65 minutes they showed their intent when turning down a penalty kick at goal in favour of a kick to the corner. This paid off as 12 of the side joined the ensuing maul and drove Danny Noble over for the score. Dawsons conversion took the Blues into the lead for the first time, and it now looked like there would only be one winner from now on.

This proved to be the case, as another drive saw skipper, Chris Chapman dive over for the match winning score in the 75th minute. The hosts continued to battle, but there was no way through and Kettering came away with a fine bonus point win against an, as always, talented and combative Ilkeston side.

RAJ Man of the Match: Tom Bridgeman