EAST MIDLANDS U15 CHAMPIONS!

A league showdown for Kettering and Towcester. Both unbeaten and looking to take the crown as East Midland Champions.

Both teams had been focusing on this fixture since November. Each would need to be at their very best and remain composed for the entire game if they were to win the title.

As the 11KO approached and the crowds of parents swelled, both team prepared themselves for the off...game on!

The first 10 minutes saw each team probe the other with little being given or taken. Whilst both teams had some strong strike runners the resulting tackles felled all opportunities to make significant gains. A period of Kettering phases however resulted in Towcester eventually conceding a penalty in front of the posts and well within Tommy Sims range who slotted the 3 points home to open the score.

Kettering 3-0.

The visitors soon mounted a sustained period of pressure putting Kettering on the back foot. The Blues tackling was stopping Towcester in their tracks despite the efforts of some big powerful runners. A change of tactics in attack saw an attempted chip over the rush defence which was deflected sideways a pace, some frantic scrambling and a loose kick from Kettering sent the ball out towards the touchline and over the try line, the Towcester wing pounced and just got to the ball before Kettering could make it safe.

3-5 Towcester.

Towcester nearly had a further stroke of good luck with a hacked loose ball down the touchline, a frantic chase ensued with what many thought was a second Towcester try only for it to be called back to halfway as the ball had momentarily gone into touch.

It was now the home sides turn to apply the pressure with a series of pick and drives from the forwards which gathered momentum and took the Blues to the 5m line before a loose pass found a Towcester player who was promptly bundled into touch. A well taken line out and quick accurate ball from 9 through to the wing saw Tom Lane go over in the corner to edge Kettering back into the lead.

Kettering 8-5 HALF TIME

The Blues continued to turn the screw and Towcester although fully committed were perhaps now starting to tire. A series of penalties from the visitors kept them pinned in their 22 with the Blues opting to kick repeatedly for touch. A number of Kettering set piece line outs where courageously repelled however having drawn the Towcester forwards attention to the line out, the Blues spun it wide and Adam Mclean broke through the gap and in under the posts for a converted try.

Kettering 15-5.

Momentum was with the Blues and Towcester began to struggle out wide with a few too many loose passes which Kettering seized upon to mount further pressure. Tommy Sims found some space to run and as the Towcester winger attempted to cover the pending pass Tommy took his opportunity to drive for the line and the score.

Kettering 20-5.

This score ignited Towcester who stepped up their pace and accuracy and stormed forward. Kettering infringed a number of times and the visitors urgency and tap and goes had Kettering defending on the line against a barrage of attacks. A final penalty 5m out and Towcester used their big guys to great effect driving low and over for the a converted try.

20-12 Towcester.

Kettering however kept composed and ensured Towcester had to run at them from their own half. As time started to run out the Blues were gifted a kickable penalty which would be the last play and points of the game as it sailed through the uprights.

Kettering 23-12 FINAL SCORE.

An elated Kettering side had clinched the league title, but Towcester should be praised for their rugby. They are a quality side and honors will come their way at some point. All at Kettering U15s wish them the very best for rest of the season and their cup run.

A few special mentions. Both sets of forwards, not a single scrum lost or collapsed and a faultless display in the lineout. Theo Boreman who came on for Kettering and suffered a bad dead leg 30 seconds later and had to come off. All the Kettering players who came, supported and shared in the success.

Finally there are plenty of games left to play but keep your eyes and ears open out for the Longy hacker/rap coming to a game soon!