Kettering and Olney U14s lined up against each other at Waverley Rd on a windy but bright day in a battle to decide the Premiership title. Both teams were unbeaten in the league - although Kettering were on top by virtue of a superior points difference. It was great to see a big turnout of supporters from both teams who gave the sides raucously sporting encouragement throughout the game.

Olney kicked off and it soon became clear that the gusting wind would have a significant impact on play for both teams. Olney, with the wind broadly in their favour, were able to gain good territory in the Kettering half as the home side struggled to clear their lines. Sustained pressure from Olney at the breakdown lead to a penalty against Kettering for not releasing the ball - in kickable range. However the kick was far from easy and a good effort was blown off course from just outside the 22 to keep the scores level.

It was Kettering who were able to break the deadlock with the first try of the game though. Tasker took a quick tap and go penalty and after going through three phases Chris Owen broke the defensive line to score to the left of the posts. In the swirling wind the try went unconverted.

KETTERING 5 - OLNEY 0

The joy of the home supporters was short lived though as Olney won the kick off and moved the ball quickly out wide. Their backs kept it simple and direct and the speedy right winger was able to evade the attempted Kettering tackles to touch down in the right hand corner. Again the wind defeated the conversion.

KETTERING 5 - OLNEY 5

Both teams had shown what they were capable of with ball in hand and from the kick-off Kettering won the ball and Henri Styles made a good break into Olney territory. He was supported by Cameron Sharpe who with typically elusive running skirted the defenders and sliced through to the line to touch down to the left of the sticks. Again the conversion was unsuccessful.

KETTERING 10 - OLNEY 5

But like a champion boxer Olney were unfazed by the Kettering strike and from a penalty put in a great kick to touch to win an attacking line out near the Kettering 22. The line out was won and the ball once more sent through the hands at pace, avoiding the attempted tackles to score once more in the far corner - again unconverted.

KETTERING 10 - OLNEY 10

So back to all square - but not for long. This time it was Olney who took the lead for the first time in the game. A strong attack on the Kettering line seemed to have been halted with a good turnover to the home side. However a fumble behind the ruck gave Olney a glimpse of possession and they needed no second invitation to seize on the ball and score their third try. Unconverted again.

KETTERING 10 - OLNEY 15

The game was developing into an epic contest. In difficult conditions the error count was remarkably low and the intensity of the battle was a testament to both sides will to win the game through good , direct, running rugby.

HALF TIME KETTERING 10 - OLNEY 15

So - one half left to decide the destination of the Premiership title. Whilst the players showed admirable composure under pressure, on the touchline the picture was very different as both sets of supporters were on the edge of their seats from such an absorbing and evenly matched contest.

And it was Kettering who struck the next blow. A slick move in the backs after good work at the breakdown saw Cameron put into space and he flew into the corner to bring the scores level with a well worked try. Again unconverted.

KETTERING 15 - OLNEY 15

The clock was ticking down and both teams were determined to be next on the scoreboard. Kettering got good possession and appeared to be closing in for the decisive score as they drove up towards the Olney line. However Olney showed what quality they possess with a great break from deep in their own 22 after turning over the ball. Kettering's defence drifted to try and contain the break but the speed of the attacking winger was such that he ghosted past the tacklers and set himself up for a one on one with Cameron who was covering back to try and cut him off. Incredibly he still had the gas to break through the tackle and to the cheers of the Olney supporters he raced through and touched down to score a fantastic individual try to the right of the posts. Once more no extras.

KETTERING 15 - OLNEY 20

The league title appeared to be heading to Olney and as the clock ticked down Kettering had their work cut out if they were to level the game - knowing that a draw would see them win the title on points difference. Incredibly they boys in blue were able to summon up one more attack on the Olney line. The backs flew up into the Olney half and quick passes saw Cameron set free to break through the last despairing tackle and touch down for a try. No surprise that the wind blew the attempted conversion wide.

KETTERING 20 - OLNEY 20

There was still time for Olney to develop a further attack on the Kettering line as they strove for the winning score. Sound tackling from Kettering saw the last few seconds out and it was with a sense of enormous relief that the referee blew for full time.

FULL TIME KETTERING 20 - OLNEY 20

Two excellent teams - unable to be separated on the day, and neither deserving to lose an enthralling, see-saw contest. A game played in great spirit - with both teams looking to keep ball in hand and play attractive and attacking rugby - regardless of the conditions.Both teams are destined to meet again next season and write another chapter in the junior history of both clubs.

So - Kettering just ahead on points difference over the course of the season and delighted to win the league. Congratulations and thanks to all the boys, parents and supporters, the volunteer team at KRFC and especially to our dedicated, tireless and 100% committed coaching team - Jon, Bill, Matt and Mirin.

And thanks to our EMRU match referee who ensured a fast and flowing contest whilst clearly communicating his decisions to players and spectators - absolutely first class.

And finally for those of you waiting for the bacon related banter - there is shock news.....I didn't have a bacon butty today. I blame the nervous tension but somehow I forgot. You'll be pleased to hear though that I did chew my way through two pencils, twelve fingernails (thanks Jo for use of your hand) one toe nail, a KRFC scarf and my bottom lip. Who said it was only a game....?!

And even more finally, on behalf of Fat Boy - KRFC U14 official mascot here is today's quote "It's not the size of the dog in the fight that matters, it's the size of the fight in the dog." COYB!