Kettering battle through to next round of the Cup

Kettering came into this game expecting a tough contest from Olney - and that's exactly what they got. A powerful scrum, aggressive defence and expansive running from Olney gave the home team some tough challenges as they struggled at times for continuity.

As ever Kettering looked to start well but were unable to get their hands on the ball as Olney attacked strongly. A handling error gave Kettering a scrum though and the opportunity to clear their lines with a strong run into the opposition half resulting in a scrum on the Olney 10m line. Chris burst loose from the base of the scrum and although the ball appeared to be lost it was regained and driven up to the line. From the base of the ruck Robbie picked up well and drove into the left corner to score a sharp try. Henri converted well from out wide to make it 7-0.

Kettering now looked to gain a solid platform but handling errors and spirited Olney play meant that they were pushed back into their own half. Tasker's attempted clearance kick from the 22m line was charged down and from the resulting scrum Olney attacked to the left. Kettering's defence held up well but Olney turned over possession and set up a two on one against Cam. He made his tackle but an excellent offload saw the Olney right wing put through to score - converted well to make it 7-7.

Now Olney were back in the game they started to turn up the pressure. From a Kettering handling error they hacked through into the home side's 22 where Josh O fell on the ball well. However he was isolated and Olney swooped forcing him to hold on too long conceding a penalty which was cooly converted to give them the lead 7-10.

This was developing into a stirring contest and Kettering took up the battle with a concerted attack on the Olney line. It seemed they must score after several drives but Olney's defence was proving heroic and they forced a knock on to win a scrum. Credit to the Kettering forwards though as they exploited a tiring defence to win the scrum against the head. Chris picked up from the back of the scrum and despite several strong challenges drove his way powerfully over the line to score to the right of the posts. Robbie converted and the half-time whistle blew with Kettering back in front 14-10.

Kettering started the second half well and gained good possession in the Olney 22. From a Kettering scrum Tasker worked a slick run around move with his centres eventually setting Josh Langley free on the left wing. He powered around the last covering defender to score in the left corner, which Henri was unable to convert. 19-10.

But just as in the first half the Kettering score only served to stir Olney into action. They now started to open up with some strong running rugby putting pressure on Kettering's defence and making sure that every tackle had to count to keep them out. Olney gradually built up territory with some good phases of possession eventually winning a penalty as a desperate defender held on too long on the ground. From a quick tap Olney went wide and scored a try that their pressure deserved in the right corner, which they were unable to convert. 19-15.

The tension was now evident on the pitch as the referee intervened to calm down a couple of potential flash points and remind players to keep their discipline. Kettering started to make fresh inroads into Olney territory and won an attacking scrum near the Olney 10m line. Robbie drew the defence well and put Henri through to score a welcome try in the left corner which he was unable to convert.24-15.

Kettering now sensed the opportunity to finish the game but Olney's defence was resolute and combined with handling errors meant that despite gaining territory no score for the Blues resulted. As the clock ticked down it was time for Olney to make a final bid to snatch victory with wave after wave of attacks on the Kettering line. As Robbie saw yellow, after a referee warning for collective infringement, the pressure from Olney proved irresistible and they moved the ball out wide to score in the right corner, which went unconverted 24-20.

There was no time left to restart so despite Olney's valiant effort Kettering held on to win the game.

Both teams can be pleased with their commitment, work rate and most importantly desire to play attractive running rugby. Thanks to Olney for proving such formidable opponents and we look forward to meeting you again in the league later in the season.