In the final league game of the season before Christmas, Kettering U14s faced the ever improving Huntingdon. A side we've faced many times recently, who always give us a tough game and have a friendly bunch of coaches and parents alike.

Whilst the recent rain may have stopped for the game, the resulting mud bath of a pitch was only going to be a hindrance to both sides with the going under foot extremely slippery.

Kettering had a few players out, but Huntingdon looked a full strength and would be a rough test as Stags looked for their first league win of the season whilst Kettering were looking for a win after our narrow defeat to Bedford.

Kettering received from the off and quickly put Huntingdon on the back foot with a perfectly weighted kick into touch. The Blues won the resulting line out and Will Watters powered through the static Stag's defence to open the score in the corner. Kettering 5-0.

Huntingdon's response was rapid with a superbly driven maul which Kettering collapsed only metres from their line. The powerful Stags back line made no mistake and dived low from the penalty to slide under the Blues defensive line. Kettering 5-5 Huntingdon.

Whilst both sides showed great commitment and desire to move the ball the conditions just hampered any attempt to play free flowing rugby with numerous knock ons and slips underfoot. Stags however started to dominate at the break down turning over the Blues ball far too many times, which ultimately allowed them to break out down the line and just outpace the chasing Blues to score under the posts. Kettering 5-12 Huntingdon with the conversion.

The Blues started far stronger after the turnaround and pinned Stags in their 22, however each time we looked close to scoring, another knock on or slip allowed Huntingdon to clear their lines. The stop start nature of the game was also hampering the Blues as they just couldn't get into their stride as our expansive off loading game seemed to desert us.

However finally the Blues found the break they needed as Henri Codling turned over a Stags ruck and broke frees to score under the posts and draw the game level with a well struck conversion from Tommy Sims. Kettering 12-12 Huntingdon.

With 10 minutes to play and as the conditions worsened, the game was now going to be won by the team who made the least mistakes. On this occasion it was Kettering who gifted Huntingdon opportunities to snatch a narrow victory. Fortunately Huntingdon failed to convert their 2 penalty kicks and the teams remained on 12 each at the final whistle.

High hopes of a flowing game between two great sides, was unfortunately spoilt by a very poor pitch and the numerous stops in play. As ever the Huntingdon coaches, players and supporters were on great form and much fun was had by all afterwards.

We look forward to facing the Stags again on January 3rd in the Cup quarter final when someone has to win on the day.