Kettering U9s v Paignton

Kettering U9s were handed an 11:30 kick-off on Sunday morning, which was gratefully received after an evening of ‘Hawaiianess’. The touring side enjoyed the lie-in and arrived at Paignton ready for action.

The weather wasn’t as kind as the later kick-off, the cold rain and wind meant it wasn’t the most pleasant of conditions. The U9s boys however revelled in the mud, prompting an unofficial competition to try and be the ‘muddiest player’.

Although the conditions were pretty terrible all Kettering U9 boys were keen to play rugby. And play rugby they did, it was another fine display from both teams playing against their Paignton counterparts. The Paignton coach saying, ‘Kettering are the best team we’ve have played against all season’…praise indeed.

Once the players and travelling supporters were back at base-camp, dried and refreshed the boys took part in a quiz and then it was time for tour court to commence. The boys took their seats in the court room, with Judge R Williams leading proceedings and a nervous looking public gallery watching on.

During court Tim’s 40th birthday was celebrated (we didn’t want that to go unnoticed), the court identified some sweetie thieves, new touring attendees and a referee with poor decision making abilities! All parties were tried and sentenced appropriately…

The Exeter tour was a roaring success for the Under 9s, and we all look forward to travelling with touring friends again next year…..