Under 10's play in the Tigers Prima Cup

The ever enthusiastic under 10's squad arrived at the Tigers Prima Cup qualifiers brimming with excitement at the prospect of playing finals at the Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers.

The day started fabulously winning 3-1 against Syston. The boys played excellently, avoiding many high tackles from the opposition. OK OK there might have been a few dished out from our side too. The boys provided a convincing performance driving over nicely and using the space well. There was a slight issue with a further 2 trys being put down after the dead ball line. However, both teams suffered as a result of the layout of the pitch.

The next match was dominated by Kettering winning 5-2 against Keyworth. This was achieved after identifying that Keyworth were extremely quick off the mark. The boys could not take their time organising their line after trys scored. After identifying this problem, Kettering quickly rectified their play and made quick work of the Keyworth side. All this in the face of the referee not changing ends at half time, thus leaving Kettering to contend with the far smaller try area for both halves of the match! Well done boys!!

The third round match was not to be such an easy match for either team. Kettering drew 0-0 against Oadby Wiggeston or 'Wiggs'. The Wiggs had an impenetrable defence but Kettering kept up with the attack and the Wiggs couldn't get off their try line for the majority of the first half. The Kettering spectators believe that the ball did hit the ground over the try line on a couple of occasions but hey, the ref was a lot closer to the action than us. Wiggs did force a couple of very quick runs down the wing which were dealt with by forcing them into touch. Both teams were very strong at mauling and the ball was backwards and forwards so often it was hard to keep up at times. Well done to both teams for a very entertaining match!

The penultimate match against a very strong Atherston team was won 1-0 to Kettering. Both teams were again plagued by the obscure try / dead ball lines. The play throughout this match was very fast and hard. Members of both teams were called up for inappropriate tackles and offsides. Both teams had members substituted due to injury including our own Robson Dabbs with a suspected broken wrist. Thankfully no bones were broken and he was able to participate in the next match. The game progressed at 0-0 until the latter stages of the second half when Connor managed to plant the ball down and secure the win for the Blues. There was such a cheer from the Kettering supporters that I am surprised you didn't hear us back at Waverley Road!

The final match was again won by Kettering, beating the Vipers 4-1. The Blues looked tired after finishing the Atherston match and playing the Vipers immediately afterwards. The first half of the match was dominated by the Vipers and at half time the Blues were down 1-0. However, whatever James and Bob said to the boys at half time certainly had an effect. After the team talk the Blues looked refreshed and played out of their skins for the second half. Some excellent passing and use of space as well as tackling and turning over the ball secured a 4-1 win. Again fantastic performance boys, well done!!!

Then came the wait..................

and the wait.................

Finally we discover that we have not won our group stage, coming in second to Oadby Wiggeston. Just like the Kettering Festival the result had been a draw and gone to count back of trys scored and again we had lost out by one try! There is the possibility that Kettering will be selected as the Tigers wild card and still may get to play in the final stages of the Prima Cup. We will certainly keep you updated on that one.

It was a fantastic day for all who participated. The boys were very happy to be able to have a team photo taken with two members of the Leicester Tigers Youth Team.

Look forward to seeing you all at training on Wednesday.