Kettering U9s v Honiton

After a previous day of travel to Dawlish Sands wearing pink tour T-shirts and Native American headwear it was time for Kettering Rugby Club to enjoy the annual Easter tour. Kettering Mini/Juniors were to play at Honiton and Paignton and Cullompton*.

Saturday morning was an early kick-off and ensured the two travelling Kettering U9 teams arrived nice and fresh for their first game of rugby on tour.

Both Kettering U9 teams played against the Honiton home side. The Kettering boys played extremely well and gave the large crowd some great rugby to cheer about. Defence was strong and resilient and in attack opportunities were taken and scored when they arose.

Once all rugby had finished the boys were treated not to the usual hot dog but an ice-cream and a Honiton rugby wrist band on what was a gloriously sunny day. Honiton U9s hosted us well; unfortunately the visit was cut short to move on to our next stop, Exeter Chiefs.

After the visit to Honiton, the touring side took a trip to the premiership ground of Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park. The trip was made on the coast line local rail route courtesy of timetable king Stephen Mellor. Exeter played against Sale Sharks, Sale overwhelming the Exeter Chiefs resulting in lots of tries for spectators to enjoy (not so much for the Chiefs fans).

Overall, a wonderful day for the touring side, rounded off with an Hawaiian themed evening at our host venue with a few shandies and lemonades with touring friends.