Wellingborough  62   V   Kettering  5

Our lads kicked off against a strong wind in the first half.  They started strongly from the first whistle with the forwards securing good quality possession in loose play which led to the first try (Guy) after 2 minutes.  Following the re-start the lads were straight back into Kettering's half and at 4 minutes Alex scored the first of his three tries.  Matt put over the first of his 6 conversions today.  He kicked with confidence and his conversion of a try early in the second half from wide out against the wind deserves special mention.  He also scored 2 tries in the first half, one following some good support to a run by David who having ran half the length of the pitch lacked that bit of pace to make the line, Matt was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score under the posts.  The first half ended with the score 43 to nil.  A total of 7 tries. 

Against the wind in the second half the lads continued in similar style to the first with 2 tries from Shaun in the first 5 minutes before Kettering scored from a tap penalty.  The final try for our team was scored by Alex bringing the final score 62 - 5 when the match was stopped 16 minutes into the second half as Kettering were down to 12 men due to injuries.

This was the best performance this season and a credit to all the lads.  Particulary encouraging was some good support play throughout the team. There were examples of excellent presentation of the ball at the breakdown with good rucking.  Forwards ran hard and straight and with the pack going forward the back line started to receive the ball on the run.  The result was some excellent linking between three quarters.  The backs scored all 10 tries with both centres and wings on the score sheet.  Alex showed good vision and gave some early possession to Joe which allowed the backs to show their strengths as hard runners.

Alex won Man of the Match but the whole team were worthy contenders.  Well done to all the lads.  Some excellent rugby today that made all coaches and supporters (particularly the Mum's on Mothers day) very proud.
Match report by Bill Mandeville