A blustery cold day and the Colts welcomed Vipers down from Leicester for a friendly. Last years visit to Vipers had been a 28:24 loss for the early season friendly.

The Blues started with a good structure to their early game and playing the territory and conditions well. A solid platform was created by the line outs and forwards with early pressure pinning Vipers back in to their 22. After a set of driving plays near the left hand touchline Kettering emerged with an early 5 points. There was some confusion over the score, initially it appeared Chris Giles or Owen Stanger had been driven over but Ethan Haywood had sniped over from the base of the ruck.

Kettering were straight back in to the Vipers half from the kick off, strong running from Tom Connolly creating an opportunity for space on the right wing with Justin Leung crossing near the touchline.

The Blues final score of the half came from some great hands and pace from the back line freeing Sam Martindale out on the left side to go around the flank and score near the posts. Given the strong winds, the first realistic chance for Oliver Bosworth to add the conversion, which he did.

Vipers came back in to the game forcing penalties and driving well from their line out but some superb defensive work on the Colts try line stopped any score. Half-time 17:0.

The second half started and the Blues backs were looking to run everything in to the wind and put some pace on the game. A good break from Josh Beal and quick hands put Luke Conyard away down the left flank, there was still a lot of finishing to do still but he cleared the defensive cover to score behind the posts. Oliver Bosworth adding a further conversion.

The Blues were not having things their own way in the second half. They were trying to play at pace through the backs but possibly needed to drive through the pack for one or two phases first. Vipers capitalised on the loss of shape and worked some territory. Then several strong line out drives allowing them a score on the right flank.

Kettering struck back after another break through the centres put Tom Abbott in to some space on the left wing. Good pace and strength through the tackle saw him over for a further Blues try.

Vipers were not done. More good work from their driving line out forced a penalty try which was easily converted.

Final score 29:12