U15s complete the League and Cup Double Double!

This was an incredibly close game between two very evenly matched teams. It could have gone either way but some outstanding defence from Kettering and the ability to win even when playing below their best saw the Blues edge home.

Early morning fog lifted just in time for kick off and Kettering were looking sharp in their new training kit and match shirts - thanks to our sponsors at Fashion Warehouse, Bosworth's Garden Centre and Nazreen Indian Restaurant.

Unfortunately Kettering's play in the first half wasn't as smart as the new kit and they fell 5 points behind after only two minutes to a simple but highly effective backs move from ONs, finished off with usual electric pace from Sam Tutt. If we needed a warning that ONs were dangerous in open play then at least we got it early.The try was unconverted 0-5.

Things then went from bad to worse with Josh O being on the receiving end of a poorly judged tackle that left him flat out on the pitch. The offending player rightly saw yellow and after a long delay for treatment Josh was helped from the pitch, being replaced by Ed.

Both teams then exchanged penalties with the referee being hot on a fairly contested breakdown. ONs choosing to kick one of their penalties but not being able to convert.ONs were enjoying the majority of territory with an accurate kicking game from their 10 pinning Kettering back in their half. It was tough for Cam having to run back from deep against a strong kick chase and Kettering's forward runners were finding it hard to make territory. Our usually effective continuity in open play was well disrupted by a combination of ON defence, on the edge of offside, and a general lack of accuracy and intensity.

Gradually though Kettering worked their way into ON's territory and won a line out on their10m line. ONs were penalised and Tasker took a quick tap passing to Josh H to truck up the middle. A couple more drives sucked in the defence then quick hands from Tasker and Robbie put Ed in for a try to the right of the posts which went unconverted, and we were back in the game 5-5.

The rest of the half was spent locked in an arm wrestle with both teams giving up penalties for not releasing, not rolling away etc - a real reflection of the battle for possession with neither team able to come out decisively on top. HALF TIME 5-5.

The second half saw a massive test for the Kettering defence as ON's monopolised possession and sent in wave after wave of attacks. Our tackling had to be accurate and amongst others Joe R, Josh H, Cam, Jamie and Chris put in some excellent tackles to prevent moments of danger turning to tries. It was a great team effort and despite the pressure Kettering were able to recover and gradually work their exit strategy to gain some territory and start to offer more in attack. ONs weren't giving in without a fight though and after an epic half the clock was almost up and it appeared that the game would end in a tie.

As tensions rose on the touchline Kettering kicked a penalty to touch inside ON's half. The line out was knocked on and Kettering had the put in at an attacking scrum on the 10m line.The ball was won well - again the set piece was strong for the Blues today - and the ball moved left with seconds left on the clock. Good defence from ONs held up the ball but Kettering won it back quickly and Henri ran back against the grain and handed off the first defender. The ON's defensive wall was creaking and with an outstanding burst of pace Henri was through on the line to touch down under the posts. The celebrations were mighty and the relief palpable as the referee signalled that the conversion would be the last play of the game. Henri duly converted and the Cup was added to the League title.

It was an epic contest and whilst not the greatest game of rugby on the day both teams can be very pleased with their immense effort and commitment to attacking, running rugby. Kettering in particular can take great credit from finding a way to win a game even when the opposition had significantly more possession and we were not allowed to play at our best. There is no substitute for hard work!

Thanks to ONs for once more pushing us all the way in another incredibly tight and competitive game - see you next season! Thanks also to St Ives for your outstanding hospitality in hosting the game and a fantastic pitch on which to play the game - once you'd forded the mudhole outside the clubhouse! By the way rumours that a hippo was seen wallowing in the mud proved to be false...although they did give me an idea for a new kind of burger.....?

A massive well done to all the boys who have played for the U15s so far this season. Winning a back to back League and Cup double is a massive achievement and a real testament to your individual skill and collective teamwork. COYB - here's to a celebration weekend on the Easter Tour to deepest Sussex!!

And finally all the best to Josh for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you back on the pitch soon and we hope you're coping OK with missing a couple of days off from school!!