Kettering U11s made their way to Stoneygate’s home ground nr Uppingham this Sunday. It was the first time Kettering U11s played at this location and were greeted by a bracing wind that left spectators chattering involuntarily and grappling for the hand warmers.

Kettering warmed up with a game of touch, and then split into two teams. Kettering’s two sides played against the Stoneygate opposition in turn. The first game was pretty equal in terms of score. Kettering tried to put together some offloading play and this worked on a few occasions. The Blues kept their defensive line, looking to have players from left to right but needed to work on being quick to move the line forward and put more pressure on the opposition. Kettering were a little slow to secure ball at ruck time but when this did occur good things happened. Across both teams players that took up the hooker position did well on our own put in and winning ball against the head.

The second game score was in Kettering’s favour and that was as a result of pressure in defence, securing ruck ball and fast strike running. The players involved in this game watched the previous game and took note of what they could do to help themselves. Admittedly Stoneygate may have started to tire but Kettering put together some good attacking moves seeing several tries run in from deep.

After the rugby games had finished both teams agreed to join up together, creating two large sides in a game of rugby tennis. It was pleasing to see the two squads enjoying something fun and socialising with their opposition.

Next week we are hosting Wellingborough, more details to be sent via e-mail.