Kettering’s Thirds battled against a strong S&L second team on Saturday, but despite periods of dominance could not make the break throughs their play deserved.

An early Jamie Clelland penalty but the Blues ahead, but a misfielded kick by Chris Long at full back let S&L in for a try against the run of play. Another try came quickly, a long kick taking an awkward bounce which fell for the S&L centre to collect and score under the posts.

Kettering got back in sight with a try late in the first half, Ross Lundy bludgeoning his way over the line after strong play from the pack inside the 5.

The game got away from the Blues early in the first half, when two successive quick breaks from restarts put S&L’s skilful full back in around the outside for tries.

The Kettering pack nearly put them back in the game with two superb push over tries (both scored by Tom Elliott), but another quick break lead to S&L’s outside centre coming back on a great line against the drift to score, putting the Corby side well in front.

Kettering dominated in the scrum and at the breakdown throughout, but were not able to get the ball out to the backs to really stretch the defence and sustain pressure.

A strong performance against a good side is one to be proud of for the thirds, especially the pack, who were superb throughout.

Team:
Parky, Davis, O’Leary, Aldwinckle, Price, F. Kier, Gadget, Elliott; Schoular, Clelland, Lundy, Payne (Audley), Thomatos, Stead (Coalville), Long.