Colts v Market Harborough

What a difference a week makes.

Same pitch, same mud, much improved attitude and therefore a much closer match.

Last week, it seemed we had lost to Buckingham before they even arrived at Waverly Road. This week, despite facing a very strong Harborough side the colts seemed to be happier and more cohesive pre-match. Maybe it was the lubrication flowing from the Old Players (and coaches) lunch? What ever the reasons, a much changed Kettering side put in an improved performance against one of the regions stronger colts sides.

Harborough had the territory advantage from the start and kept pressing Kettering back towards their line but the Blues defence held out until midway through the first half when Harborough eventually forced their way over the line for the opening score. Kettering scrapped their way back into the game and forced some territory and possession of their own, a kickable penalty was turned down but the line out was spoiled and came to naught. Harborough struggled to clear their lines and soon infringed again. Oliver Bosworth coolly slotting the 3 points. It stayed at 3:5 until the break.

The second half ensued and a tense game emerged from the mud, tempers frayed and a big Harborough second row was shown red for a punch. Despite the man advantage Kettering could not generate enough clean possession to create a score and after a kick through and chase from Harborough the Blues where pinned back on their own line. When the ball was popped out to the blind side the defence had too few blue shirts and Harborough scored their second try of the day with a quick conversion to lead 3:12.

Kettering, however, where not done. Good work from the pack was generating better ball and the backs where playing well for territory. A kick through on the right flank and Dannell Frometa scooted in near the right flag. The touch line conversion was well struck but drifted wide.

Final score 8:12.

The coaches remarked on some good performances from the players involved today. Some selection headaches for them to ponder, robust defence from Justin Leung on the wing, a great effort from Ethan Haywood playing out of position at scrum-half, good work rate from the second row partnership of Ewan Robinson and Josh Aldwinkle, great exit kicking from Oliver Bosworth, some strong scrummaging from Chris Giles, a first showing for Charlie Roberts from the U16s, and a return to fitness for Cade Greenwood just a few of the positives taken from todays outing.