IMPRESSIVE COLTS LOSE OUT

The score line certainly does not reflect the full story. For almost an hour this East Midlands league play-off was a very close game. Once again Kettering Colts were left wondering how they let the game slip away by conceding 14 points in a space of just five minutes.

Kettering opened brightly and dominated the possession and territory. Athletic, who have won 21 of their 22 games this season were clearly “rocked” as the Kettering forwards attacked the fringes with their now familiar “pick and drive” routine. Joe Holder opened the scoring, as not for the first time this season, the Kettering forwards powered their way over the line. Harry Brightwell’s conversion from out wide hit the post.

Bedford Athletic composed themselves, and very much against the run of play, touched down in the corner as Kettering were caught napping after a quickly taken penalty. The score was 5-5 at half-time.

In the second half Bedford used the wind to their advantage however; Kettering managed to withstand the early pressure as both forwards and backs tackled superbly.

Then in a period of 5 minutes the Bedford No.10 threaded an excellent kick through for the winger to score and once again Kettering were slow to react to a quickly taken penalty and when Kettering infringed for the second time (not 10 meters) the referee went under the posts to award a penalty try.

Bedford scored again and by now the game was out of reach but Kettering did get a second try through Josh Luthayi after the backs moved the ball down the line.

Scores: Joe Holder (try – 24 minutes), Josh Luthayi (try – 67 minutes)

The Global Group Man of the Match (voted for by Bedford Athletic) was Kettering No.8 Jack Sharpley