This was Kettering’s first away game that involved travelling a decent distance and the weather started pretty wet although by Kick Off time the rain had ceased and it was pretty clear.

Kettering arrived at Hinckley’s very impressive clubhouse with a squad size that was not desirable. Injuries and last minute non-availability gave the Blues very little wriggle room when it came to substitute options. Especially when we looked over at the Hinckley hordes. Hinckley could have put out two teams!

Agreement was made to play 3 x 20 minutes and we were very fortunate to be placed on Hinckley’s 1st Team pitch. The Hinckley ground and stadium created an awesome atmosphere, travelling Blues fans and a large contingent of Hinckley supporters made for a noisy environment. Pre-game chat from KRFC players was around the size of the Hinckley squad in terms of number and bulk.

The first third was a tight section of the game, Kettering on the receiving end of multiple waves of attack by Hinckley. However, Kettering’s defence was strong, moving towards the opposition to apply pressure. Kettering seemed to defend for most of this third, Forwards matching their counterparts in the tight and the Back Row supporting our suppressive midfield defence. Kettering had no recognised wingmen leaving us vulnerable out wide at times. However, Thomas at full-back did his absolute best to cover every blade of grass to keep Hinckley at bay as our last line of defence. Kettering went in one try up.

In the second third it was more of the same, Kettering in the trenches to quash whatever was thrown at them. To a man, the tackles were being made, I saw very few miss-tackles. The Kettering defence frustrated Hinckley and when we had an attacking opportunity Kettering scored with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. Kettering going in a couple of points adrift.

The last third went in Hinckley’s favour, Kettering making a couple of mistakes and gifted a couple of scores. At one point we’d used our two substitutes to replace two injured players (Freddie, broken and misaligned finger….realigned in hospital later in the day….oucha! – Sam, hit to the back/neck following a tackle). We came close to playing 14 but Hinckley kindly offered a player (Thank you Bill!)

Hinckley supporters were heard saying how enjoyable the game was to watch and that the score line should probably have been closer. The Kettering players walked off the pitch, some with their heads hung low….but there was no shame in what was one of the best games I’ve seen the players involved in. All the odds were against the Blues, away from home, loud home support, large opposition numbers, limited squad size and injuries on the day. However, the players really pulled together, remaining positive throughout and putting on one heck of a good show.

Next week is our East Northants DPP ID tournament…more details to follow.....