Brave Thirds Do Kettering Proud

Saturdays friendly against Milton Keynes was nearly a no go after several drop outs on Saturday morning, but the decision was taken to travel with twelve men.
Ten minutes in, Ricky Payne suffered a knee injury, leaving Kettering with 11. MK kindly offered up players to even the numbers a little, and the game continued with the Blues two men short. The strong defence and quick attack that have been hallmarks of third team play this season were evident and pressure was asserted on MK in the early exchanges. Foul play denied both Matt Winspear (twice)and Chris Long try scoring opportunities breaking down the blindside in the first half, whilst strong tackling from the hard working pack made MK to work for their inevitable tries, forcing them around the outside.
In open play, the match was even throughout, both sides playing some good rugby in the open and strong in the breakdown. MK scored freely from set plays, utilising their greater numbers well to get outside Ketterings line. Strong running from Chris Davis, Tom Elliott and Jamie Clelland drew a penalty 15 metres out, and Kettering were unlucky not to get a well deserved score after sustained pressure from the kick tap. Ross Lundy was somehow held up, and then quick hands from the ensuing scrum put Clelland in for a try, only for it to be debatably ruled held up again.
Further injuries to Gadget and several MK player led to the decision to shorten the hard fought game. Thanks go to MKs captain and coach for being flexible, offering players, and providing two jugs after the game (which is two more than last week’s hat-trick scorers have come up with...).
The third team players put in an immense performance, doing themselves and the club proud. They kept battling to the end, never shirking a tackle, never giving up on a ball, and never loosing heart or discipline.

Team:
Jimmy, C. Davis, Price, Aldwinckle, Lundy, Elliott; Long, Clelland, Gadget, Payne, Winspear, Marshall