With the Squad equally split between Mkt Harborough and Cambridge, the 17 who arrived at Cambridge (sadly minus various elements if Kit) took to a rugby pitch which, whilst green, was certainly “going soft to very soft”. Before the team had time to get in to their stride they found themselves 5-0 down, having given Cambridge far too much width and space to run. Thus began a 12 minute period which saw the blues 24-0 down, and with the makings of a cricket score on the cards to boys had to dig deep. This called for determination, firstly to stop the barrage, and then to begin to claw back at least some pride. In the closing moments of the first half, McAbe went over (assisted by Bryan and Byers) for Kettering’s first score, which began the come back, with Byers scoring Kettering’s 2nd just before the break..

Using the very best of their motivational speaking techniques mssrs Fluster, Byers Tilley (snrs) imparted a number of words of wisdom, and a greater number of words of drivel - but it seemed to do the trick.

The second half was utterly dominated by Kettering, with further tries by McAbe (2) and Edwards taking advantage of a some panicky defence by Cambridge. All looked set for a famous (and highly improbable) Kettering Victory when tired legs allowed Cambridge one break too many, with the pick of their players going over the in corner for a well-desevered 5th try of their own.

Overall, 29-29 was a fair result - far too slow to start and with too much spectating, but making up for it for the rest of the game.