Long Buckby welcomed Kettering U14s for our last away league game of the season on probably the last green pitch in the East Midlands.

The two sides had not faced each other for 3 seasons, however Long Buckby have a small, committed squad with some big players upfront. The Blues would need to be at the top of their game to hold them out should they venture into our 22.

The home side started with great intent, with their forwards striking at the heart of the Blues defence. Some powerful runs and several phases of play threatened the line. Kettering however were in no mood to leak an early try and as Buckby attempted to set the ball up for one last close range drive to the line, we stood strong in the ruck and turned over the ball, before sending a rocket of a clearance to the half way line.

Much work has been going on in training on our line out and this is now providing us with a lot of quality ball. A well secured throw in and quick ball ignited the backs with a kick and chase for the corner. Buckby defended well but conceded a scrum . A strong scrum from the Blues saw the back line hit the ball at pace with Cale Clements taking a switch pass to score under the posts. The conversion never in doubt from Tommy Sims. 0-7 Kettering.

Having weathered the initial forward onslaught the Blues took a firm grip of the game. Further great line out ball sent Henri Codling in to space and outpaced the Buckby defence to take the Blues second score, unconverted. 0-12 Kettering.

Kettering continued to ask questions of the home side out wide and continually threatened. Only desperate defence kept us out. But with our scrum again working very well Henri Codling took his chance to break down the blind side for his second try of the day. 0-17 Kettering.

Buckby's desire to keep the ball in the forwards was starting to take its toll as they appeared to start to tire as the 1st half drew to a close. Will Watters managed to rip the ball from a ruck and fled for the line scoring under the posts and converted by Tommy Sims. 0-24 half time.

Buckby came out in the second half with renewed desire and some complacent tackling by the Blues allowed their back row to break into our 22 with support to find their opening score. 5-24 Kettering.

A wake up call for the Blues to get the the ball out to the backs, which they promptly did passing it out wide and into space down the touchline. Only a high tackle denied an almost certain score. A penalty kick to touch and another well secured line out set up a maul towards the Buckby line, just as it started to collapse out came the ball and in under the posts went Tommy Sims and the conversion on top. 5-31 Kettering.

With game starting to close out the Blues had one last go at Buckby out wide, setting up Theo Boreman who again showed his speed and strength to outpace the defence for one final score. 5-36 Kettering.

Another strong win for the U14s who are looking in great form for next week's East Midlands Cup semi-final.