Casuals III v Kettering IV

It was a windy day in Northampton as Kettering traveled to Casuals for the return leg of their league fixtures. The Blues had triumphed earlier in the season, however that was before a string of injuries and losses and also on home ground, and knew that this would be a hard fought game.

Kettering came straight out of the blocks, with the forwards pressuring from the kick off before a sidestep from Matt Winspear opened a hole for him to break through for a try and conversion. However, Casuals tenacity showed through and were in Blues territory with punishing runs from their full back.

Casuals quickly put 2 scores on the board although unable to convert either, and then the game settled as both packs fought for dominance. Casuals were first to break the deadlock with a converted try. However, shortly before half time, Jamie Bartley broke through to keep Blues in touch, taking the score to 17-14.

The second half was another show of force from both teams as each side put a try on the board, amid tough play throughout the forwards and backs, although once again it was only Kettering that converted it. Another score from Casuals mid way through the half took them 6 points ahead and the score remained steady into the final 5 minutes

Kettering then managed to apply enough pressure to create a gap and another try went under the posts, converted by Matt Winspear again. With a 1 point lead, the Blues could feel the nerves start to kick in after the restart and the solid handling that had got them this far started to fail. A couple of dropped passes soon had them back inside their 22, where Casuals capitalised on some strong forward play for a converted try.

Both teams were now feeling the pressure and as they restarted with 2 minutes to go, and dropped passes and penalties started to punctuate the game. However, a dropped pass in the Casuals backs led to a scrum just inside their half.

As the two packs faced up, the referee announced it would be the last play of the game. The packs engaged and the ball rolled in, hooked back to Kettering, but the scrum not moving as Casuals held their ground. From the back of the scrum the ball made its way to Jamie Bartley who with two side steps carved his way through the Casuals back line before a third step to round the full back and put the ball under the posts.

Laying one point behind still, it came down to Matt Winspear to convert the try to win the game in less than ideal conditions. However, he held his nerve and slotted the ball, earning Man of the Match honors in the process.

A big thanks goes out to Casuals for a second great game this season. And also to the Kettering IVs who played simple, strong, and tough rugby all day.