Kettering IV v Northampton Casuals III

The first half was dominated by both packs with little given by either side. The only differences came through penalties which early on put Casuals deep in the Kettering half. Some good forward play led to a ruck 2m out from which the scrum half darted round the edge to open the scoring.

Likewise, some good forward work from Kettering and mistakes from Casuals marched Kettering back down the field and, with a powerful solo effort, Karl Mabbutt broke through their defensive line to even the score, with Rob Tilley converting to take the lead by 2.

Both sides continued to pressure each other and spent periods attacking try lines but goal line defences stood strong, despite a miss kick from Tom Dickinson going vertical and causing a penalty on the Kettering 5m line, although this was defended by Kettering. Down the other end of the field, a quick penalty from Dickinson, trying to redeem himself, allowed him within a couple of yards of the Casuals try line before handing the ball off to Cavan Treanor to score, but he was held up over the line. The half time score was 7 - 5.

As the second half began, Kettering managed to get a foothold in the game with some excellent work from the props Mark Taylor and James Denny in the scrum, and the forwards marked their authority on the game.

A charge up the middle from Cavan Treanor, one of his many from the day, opened up a gap which Rob Tilley exploited for his first try of the day. But Casuals were not disheartened and continued to play powerful rugby and an extended period of possession secured them a converted try.

Kettering soon came back and marched steadily up the field. A quick break towards the posts left Phil Aldridge open, but he was unable to secure the pass.

However, the physical game started to take its toll on both teams and the scrums became uncontested. It was at this point that the Kettering backs really came into their own as Jamie Bartley found space to put one under the posts. The conversion was taken quickly by Tilley, but missed.

Kettering remained entrenched in the Casuals' half and continued to pressure their defensive line. A quick solo effort from Damien Adcock allowed him to break through and over the line, before dropping the ball.

The final score came from Sam Linnett, who's quick feet carved a path between several defenders to place it under the posts for a converted try.

Phil "The Judge" Aldridge presided over the post game awards:

Man of the Match: Cavan Treanor

D#?k of the Day: Damien Adcock (closely run, but for spilling the ball over the line)

Stirring Spoon: James Denny

A big thanks to the referee for his time and efforts. To Casuals who were great opponents and never dropped their heads. To Simon Marchbank, Phil Aldridge and Jim Simmonds, who all put in a good effort for Casuals to keep the game going. To Hollie Latham for her fantastic photos. To everyone who turned out to support us and Casuals. And finally to Kettering 4s, who returned to their previous form.