A wonderful dry, not quite warm and blustery day greeted Kettering to Barker Butts. KRFC U14s haven't visited this ground before so it was new territory for the Blue Boys. Barker Butts have a great set up, youngest of Minis have their own Badger ground, and there are plenty of pitches to share amongst the other age groups.

Before Kick Off the Kettering lads noted how large the opposition were! A few Barker Butts players really making use of grow bags but, as reassured to the KRFC players, good technique should always beat size....aim of the game was to dominate with tackle after tackle and try and poach the ball when we could whilst defending. Some team and individual challenges were set prior to Kick Off, and off the boys went.

The referee was a YMO (great to see young refs picking up the whistle, its great for the game), the Barker Butts players running out on to the senior pitch from the changing rooms. The Kettering boys with their on pitch 'KRFC squeeze' to ready themselves.

The first half was a 50:50 affair, both teams scoring early. KRFC talking their way through the game and problem solving as they went. The U14s realised the opposition weren't committing to the break down in defence and were defending either side albeit quite lazily....the pick and go wasn't going to work so much today!

At half time, the lads problem solved a bit more and tweaked their plan. The second half saw the ball coming out a touch wider (a couple of extra passes) and starting kicking into space. These ploys set the speedy Kettering back line alight and scored multiple times in the last 30 mins. I think the improved fitness and speed (from forwards and backs) gave Kettering the edge.

Some notable positive points:
Forwards having a solid set-piece at scrum and lineout time.
Breakdown was secure, and quicker ball delivered
Kicking options worked really well and the following chase worked a treat
Speed when on the ball was very successful, speed came form back 3 and back row
Defence looked comfortable and the pressure from line speed gave KRFC some rewards.

An all round really good morning of rugby, as always plenty of coaching points....until next time.....Saturday at home versus Crusaders..