U13's BlueBelles in East Midlands Festival

Kettering U13's BlueBelles have become a victim of their own success. We took 16 girls over to Bedford Athletic to compete in the East Midlands Festival. Unfortunately other clubs were unable to provide the same numbers as us, therefore we had to reduce our numbers to 10 aside plus one sub. Many congratulations to five of our players who graciously made up a babas side in order for other girls to play - Ella Dohnalek, Evie Hayward, Rhianna Marks, Isabelle Saunders and Elin Mayes. They played their hearts out all day and Isabelle scored the winning try for their final match in the shield competition.

My squad of now 11 girls, had their first match against Towcester. There was some magnificent passages of play with each girl displaying some fantastic rugby skills. There was some solid running and offloading of the ball which saw the girls go over the line on numerous occasions. The final score was Kettering 35 - Towcester 0. We then faced Ampthill in our second match, again the girls didn't let up. They were fierce in attack, always driving forward and playing as a team. A great display of rugby which saw Kettering again the victors. The final score was Kettering 25 - Ampthill 0.

The girls had now qualified for the cup section of the tournament and faced Market Harborough in their first game. This was a superb match, with both sides giving it everything. We managed to get a quick ball out to Chloe who ran in a brilliant try, giving us the result of Kettering 5 - Market Harborough 0. The final game was against ON's. This again was a fiercely fought contest, with both teams playing their hearts out. Unfortunately ON's managed to score two quick trys which resulted in a defeat for Kettering.

I am so proud of the way the girls played and at how far they have come this season. They are an absolute credit to the club and the core values which rugby stands for.