U16s tackle opposition to a muddy standstill

The U16s welcomed Dunstablians U16 RFC to Waverley Rd on a chilly and muddy Sunday morning. Several players were missing due to injury and unavailability so there was an unfamiliar look to the team particularly up front.

Kettering enjoyed the majority of territory and possession in the first half and went ahead through Henri Styles who picked up a pass of his laces after a break from Cameron Sharpe, touching down well in the right corner after outpacing the stretched defence. The try went unconverted.

Despite continuing pressure Kettering were unable to add any more to the scoreboard as Dunstablians defended well and showed glimpses of attacking promise with some strong running from deep. The half ended with Kettering missing an attempted penalty kick to stretch their lead.

The second half saw changes to both sides but the intensity of the game remained high with some excellent Kettering tackling nullifying the strong running threat from Dunstablians as they sought in vain to get on the scoreboard. Dan Harley as ever led the forward line superbly with excellent support from the whole makeshift pack who improved after a hesitant start as they dogged out the game in the mud.

The second try came for Kettering from a classic bit of sniping scrum half play by Joe Izzard. From an attacking maul Joe saw a gap in the blindside defence and beat 3 covering defenders with a dummy and break before putting Cameron away with a well timed pass to score in the left corner - again unconverted.

The rest of the game remained very close between two evenly matched sides and whilst Dunstablians weren't able to get any points they never reduced their intensity and were a constant threat in the leg sapping conditions.

Final Score 10-0 to Kettering. Thanks to our visitors and their supporters for a really challenging game and we look forward to playing you again later in the season.

Authors comment - apologies for the recent lack of match reports. I've now found my pencil and given it a good sharpening so normal service is now resumed.