Kettering U14s travelled eastwards on Sunday to play the finalists in the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Derbyshire U14 Cup - Stamford. Both teams were missing players through illness, injury and holiday so the fixture was classed as a Development team game. Once again it was great to see the boys who weren't playing supporting their team mates from the touchline.

The two sides had to contend with a gusting and chilly wind and Kettering had to play into its teeth in the first half. Your correspondent also lost his notes in the teeth of the gale so apologies if my memory gets the tale of the game tangled. Stamford used the elements to their advantage well by pushing Kettering back into their own 22 for large parts of the half with some smart kicking and straight running. Despite resolute defending Stamford were able to score twice with strong, mid range runs through the blue rearguard. Conversions were proving elusive though as the wind once more conspired to blast good efforts wide of the sticks. However Kettering were not disheartened and showed strong resolve to break free from defence with some mixed results - Josh Owen and Jamie Redden showing mercurial foot speed to weave their way upfield - while Henri and Tom had attempted clearing kicks do 180 degree turns in mid air and gain only a couple of precious metres of relief. A strong run and covering tackle by Haydn prevented a seemingly certain third try and Kettering were pleased to turn around at half-time only 10 points down.

Half Time - Stamford 10 - Kettering 0

The second half saw the wind strengthen and started with the unusual sight of Stamford's kick off being blown back behind the kicker. Kettering took advantage of the elements now runniing in their favour and after a moment of comedy pinball on the Stamford try line Ethan Tunney reacted quickly to pounce on the loose ball and score - with Henri slotting the extra 2 points expertly. The momentum was swinging towards Kettering now and a pacy attack with some slick handling and offloading saw the tireless Dan Harley pop up to score the second try to the right of the posts - once more converted by Henri, to give Kettering a 10-14 lead.

But just as the away supporters hopes had been raised - even more so by a raking attacking kick to the Stamford corner by Henri - so they were dashed by an excellent Stamford fight back. Firstly from a well worked phase move the home outfit worked their way into the Kettering 22 before direct running saw them score a converted try to the right of the posts. Further promising attacks with ball (usually) in hand by Kettering came to nothing as excellent tackling by Stamford - low and hard - saw turnover ball gained on several occasions. It was used to good effect the first time to unleash the electric pace of the home winger who, despite Josh's breathless pursuit, had pace to spare as he ran the length of the pitch to score a further 5 points, followed soon after by a similar effort to close the game out with confidence.

FULL TIME - STAMFORD 29 - 14

A good performance by a Kettering side with limited experience of playing together. Several players were in unfamiliar positions and acquitted themselves well. It was a valuable learning lesson for all the team that the best way to tackle is low and hard and that when the wind is at your back you can use it to turn the opposition and claim territory. Nevertheless lots of positives to take away - strong running and offloading, brave and fearless tacking and most of all the confidence in the whole squad that comes from testing yourself against high quality opposition - and committing to learning and coming back smarter and stronger!

Congratulations to Stamford and thank you for your generous hospitality - and good luck in your Cup Final against Newark. Hats off as well to your kitchen for recovering from the previous day and nights liquid celebrations - as your 1st XV deservedly dodged relegation. Special mention to your Bacon and Sausage breakfast bap - scoring a mighty 17 points in the KRFC Golden Butty Hall of Fame and taking the lead in this year's competition from our old friends at ON's. Special mention as well to your player meals - featuring that mightiest of post match refuelling products - the meat pie. All the boys confirmed that they were pietastic. In a further new twist to our KRFC version of Trip Advisor Club House reviews I can announce that the delightful Mrs Parkes has awarded your Ladies loos her gold seal of approval - or as I shall call it the KRFC Bog Standard 5 star award. Stamford RFC - you run a tight clubhouse - bravo!

Until the next time from your windswept and interesting U14 Director of Connumications - Hoy Hoy!