Thud, Mud and Plunder as Kettering take on ONs

A wet and muddy morning in Northampton as Kettering U15s took to the road to meet ONs. Both teams were determined to make the most of the opportunity to progress in the League and catch up with the early pacesetters Towcester.

It was clear to see that ONs were fired up for the game as they started with confidence and controlled aggression. They took an excellent high kick off which was allowed to bounce by Kettering. ONs forwards were swarming in the loose and they put enormous pressure on the Kettering defence who struggled to clear the ball. From an attacking line out ONs spread the ball wide and with only their second attack of the game they swept home past some hesitant tackling to score in the left corner which they were unable to convert. 5-0.

Kettering appeared momentarily shellshocked and it was to their credit that they steadied the ship with some simple and direct running to move the ball up to the home 22. Despite the slippery conditions they recycled the ball accurately through the phases to inch their way forward against some solid and physical defending. With the home defence focusing on the attacking forward threat up the middle the ball was sent along the backline to exploit an overlap which Cam was able to convert with a good try in the right corner - again without the extras. 5-5.

The pattern was now set for two evenly matched teams to give it their all. ONs showed great accuracy and distance with their kicking game from hand and denied Kettering territory. They were highly competitive in the loose and made Kettering work hard to win good ball, putting pressure on the Kettering backs who found it difficult to get depth on their attack which slowed them down considerably. Meanwhile the set piece was going strongly for the Blues with Alex K winning regular ball and the scrum looking very solid on their own ball and always a threat against the head.

Just as it seemed the half would end even Kettering started to develop good territory in the ONs half with some strong running and support play. From a series of rucks and short crash balls they made their way into the 22 before releasing Henri to fend off his man and score to the right of the posts - which he also converted. 5-12.

HALF TIME ONs 5- KETTERING 12

The second half saw Kettering bring on a fresh front row and set out to defend their lead. The conditions were affecting both teams as a slippery ball was making retaining possession in contact a real challenge. The intensity of the game didn't drop though and both sides had to be on top of their defensive game and ensure that their tackling was in order to repel some combative runs. Chris in particular set the tone for Kettering - having lost the ball in contact he then got up and made a trademark hit on a big opposition runner, dislodging the ball and winning an attacking scrum. The forwards as a whole showed excellent coordination and tenacity to drive a rolling maul off their own 5m line and eventually win a scrum after preventing ONs from using the ball. Tempers flared briefly as the clock ticked down and the ref had a quiet word with Dom after he showed a lack of Christmas spirit in wrestling an ON forward to the ground off the ball.

Off the pitch the musical accompaniment from the Minis Christmas party went up a notch as Eye of the Tiger blasted out across the pitch. The players may not have heard it but it gave the nervous Kettering parents a boost!

The rest of the half passed without either team getting on the scoreboard as the conditions and some strong defence cancelled out the attacking threats.

FULL TIME ONs 5 - KETTERING 12

A strong performance from Kettering against an excellent ONs side who were highly competitive at the breakdown and superbly organised in defence. It was very hard to separate the teams but Kettering will be grateful that they overcame early errors and nervousness to maintain their unbeaten record in the League. Many thanks to ONs for your hospitality and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Can I take this opportunity to urge all Kettering club members to donate to the #BacZac campaign. 20 year old Zac Forskitt is battling an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer and you can donate to his fund and learn more at www.baczac.com. Zac plays his rugby at ONs and there couldn't be a better time for the rugby family to get together and help one of its own through tough times.#BacZac

And for fans of our regular feature - The Golden Bacon Butty Award I can report that the ONs offering was generous, crispy and came with a sausage and a cup of tea for a very reasonable £3. Absolute bargain - only spoiled by dearth of real HP sauce and shortage of cups for my customary second cuppa. Nevertheless great work and a season leading score of 8 out of 10 to our Northampton rivals - Bravo Oink Oink!

Until the next time - DoC over and out and may you all have a peaceful and happy Christmas!