The Colts made the short trip to Northampton Casuals this weekend. A friendly was arranged for the whole squad to get some game time. Unfortunately that meant a lot of folks thought they didn't need to turn up. From a playing squad for 40+ allowing for current injuries at the 2pm kick off just 17 were there with 2 arriving later.

Lots of changes and many playing in unfamiliar positions with only 4 recognised backs, with Justin Leung making his first start back from a long injury, the forwards had to fill in the centres and left wing.

Kettering made a great start, claiming the ball early and keeping up possession and territory until the 'new backs' passing put Jack White over in near the left touchline.

The rest of the half was not so good for the Blues. Dalton Varley in the unfamiliar 12 shirt was forced off with injury and Casuals ran in several tries leaving Kettering with a sizeable gap at the half-time turnaround.
By now another 5th back had arrived and shortly after half time Ethan Haywood made a clean break through the middle and drop goal converted his own score. The Colts had clearly listened to the coaching teams advice and were working hard. Forwards where recycling well and big hard carries from Alfie Ayears, Callum York and Matthew English at the ruck guards were making good ground up the middle of the park. Some illegal tackling from Casuals and Oliver Bosworth stepped up to kick the 3 points.

By now the Kettering side where back in the game and more was still to come. More good work from the pack, resetting their pods and carrying as a unit made excellent ground and was rewarded with a further 5 pointer from Billy Snaith lurking on the short side near the left touchline.

Realising they had discovered what worked, the Blues continued punching holes near the breakdowns and worked their way to midfield before Matthew English crashed through some heavy traffic under the posts. Ethan Haywood adding the extras.

Unfortunately the second half performance wasn't enough the win the game for the Blues as Causals had continued to score a couple of their own during the half. Final score 36:27.

Photos courtesy of Mike Hendry