Northampton Saints Pre Match Tournament

Games were played on the Franklins Gardens training pitches, each club being placed into a pool of five teams meaning each club had four games to play in the pool stages

Kettering were restricted to playing one team in this tournament. However, all players that made themselves available were given the opportunity to play as Kettering split into two teams. The two Kettering teams therefore played twice each to ensure every player took part in the tournament, one team playing the first and third games and the other team playing the second and forth games.

Kettering’s first game was against Northampton Old Scouts. This was a tough game and gave the players a chance to get a feel for the tournament. At times Kettering held the ball well, retaining possession for much of the game. There were signs of some ‘forward play’ amongst the team, short pop passes and looking to drive through the defensive lines.

Kettering’s second tournament game was against a very strong Rushden and Higham side. There was some really fiery and tenacious defence by Kettering, the team stepped up together and executing an often ‘attacking defence’ that put R&H on the back foot. The strong defensive play placed Rushden under real pressure. The attacking play was patient, showing good build up play with intelligent passing that led to some excellent tries, executed with good running lines and really good support.

The third game was against Towcestrians Knights. This game saw a much improved Kettering side playing with more desire to win and displayed a much improved defence and attack. The defensive line had more structure and tries were scored through finding space and executing well. This was another close game for Kettering.

The fourth game was another cracking game of rugby against the overall winners of the group, Huntingdon Stags. This game saw Kettering really battle against a very good opposition. Offensively there was some good patient inter passing play that led to some great scores.

In the absence of Hot Dogs the Kettering players cooled down with a last game of touch against each other. Northampton Saints maybe a Premiership club……..but no post match Hot Dogs?

Overall a fantastic day of rugby for all clubs involved.