Back
Sat 21 Sep 2013 · Directors League
Old Northamptonians 3rd XV
3rd XV
25
12
Tries: F MorrisConversions: C WhiteheadPenalties: C Whitehead
Outstanding Threes Miss Out
Chris Long22 Sep 2013 - 19:28
Share via
Performance to be proud of
Another outstanding performance from the third team sadly resulted in defeat on Saturday. The thirds repeatedly frustrated ON’s attack with strong tackling, great speed off the line and excellent play in the breakdown.
ON’s appeared to have expected to have their own way all afternoon, and indeed did score early after a break down the right hand side. The score was against the run of play however, with the Blues having failed to capitalise on early pressure. Kettering’s forwards managed to keep ONs from opening the game up, consistently winning in the breakdown and scrums and keeping control of the game. Some outstanding tackling from Ricky Payne stopped the ball from getting further through the backs than his opposite number at 10, and allowed the pack to maintain control.
ONs scored a second try, again breaking from deep, just before half time, but Kettering answered back quickly, Damo Adcock sniping over after some excellent work close in from James Aldwinckle and Reece Coles.
Late in the first half, Ketterings chances took a blow when Tom Elliott pulled up with a calf injury. He played on almost to the end, and despite the injury shifting the balance of power in the scrum, the Blues performance didn’t falter. Kettering remaining solid, disciplined and well organised, ONs were restricted to trying to power through the middle, where they were met by a midfield brick wall and fantastic covering tackles from Jack Williamson.
As the sub-less Blues began to tire, three more unconverted ONs scores went over, but as the legs tired the fight remained, and just reward came in the shape of Freddie Morris bulldozing over the line from close in. Callum Whitehead converted, making the score 25-12. Try saving tackles from Williamson, Ross Lundy and Gadget kept it that way, and heads were held high after the final whistle after a performance to be proud of.
Particular mention goes to the Colts players in the side, all of whom proved themselves ready and able to achieve in senior rugby.
Team:
Elliott, Wright, O’Leary, James Aldwinckle, Coles, Morris, Holder, Wilson; Adcock, Payne, Long, Whitehead, Gadget, Lundy, Williamson
ON’s appeared to have expected to have their own way all afternoon, and indeed did score early after a break down the right hand side. The score was against the run of play however, with the Blues having failed to capitalise on early pressure. Kettering’s forwards managed to keep ONs from opening the game up, consistently winning in the breakdown and scrums and keeping control of the game. Some outstanding tackling from Ricky Payne stopped the ball from getting further through the backs than his opposite number at 10, and allowed the pack to maintain control.
ONs scored a second try, again breaking from deep, just before half time, but Kettering answered back quickly, Damo Adcock sniping over after some excellent work close in from James Aldwinckle and Reece Coles.
Late in the first half, Ketterings chances took a blow when Tom Elliott pulled up with a calf injury. He played on almost to the end, and despite the injury shifting the balance of power in the scrum, the Blues performance didn’t falter. Kettering remaining solid, disciplined and well organised, ONs were restricted to trying to power through the middle, where they were met by a midfield brick wall and fantastic covering tackles from Jack Williamson.
As the sub-less Blues began to tire, three more unconverted ONs scores went over, but as the legs tired the fight remained, and just reward came in the shape of Freddie Morris bulldozing over the line from close in. Callum Whitehead converted, making the score 25-12. Try saving tackles from Williamson, Ross Lundy and Gadget kept it that way, and heads were held high after the final whistle after a performance to be proud of.
Particular mention goes to the Colts players in the side, all of whom proved themselves ready and able to achieve in senior rugby.
Team:
Elliott, Wright, O’Leary, James Aldwinckle, Coles, Morris, Holder, Wilson; Adcock, Payne, Long, Whitehead, Gadget, Lundy, Williamson
Further reading
Team Sponsors