Scrappy game in the mud sees U16s edge home

It was a game that won't live long in the memory as two makeshift teams and a slippery ball contributed to a stop start game. Both sets of players should be praised however for keeping the ball alive when allowed and attempting to play running rugby.

The first points on the board went to Josh Langley after a smart turnover from Kettering in the Boro 22 - scoring in the right hand corner without the extras. 5-0.

Next up Cam Sharpe showed some excellent pace and South Sea island style running to bounce off 3 despairing defenders and make a 50 metre run into the Boro half. The ball was eventually recycled and went out wide where Josh Owen backed himself to beat the covering defence to score in the coner - again without a conversion. 10-0

The third try came shortly afterwards as Kettering broke again from their own territory with Cam again doing well against a retreating defence to score under the posts - this time with a conversion to make the score 17-0.

Wellingborough may have been down but they weren't out and they enjoyed a period of sustained pressure on the Kettering line at the end of the half which was finished off by a crash over try from short distance.

HALF TIME 17-5.

The second half was characterised by good intent by both teams but with poor execution as legs and minds tired and the ball continued to bounce out of hand at every opportunity. Sometimes it's better just to stick the ball up your jumper - but neither team retreated to safety first and they continued to try to play attractive rugby with little result.

It was Boro who broke the stalemate with a flowing move to touch down in the right corner without a conversion . 17-10.

There was still time for some friendly exchanges between the two packs with Sir's whistle turning white hot at one point - we were concerned he may have swallowed it - but fortunately peace was restored and both sides went back to playing rugby.

However the clock beat both sides and no further scores were made - despite Kettering working several threatening positions that Boro either snuffed out or hesitant finishing passed up on.

Thanks to Wellingborough for making the trip to Waverley Road - it was a pleasure as always :-)