Colts excellent start to the season continues

We welcomed a large Kettering Colts squad to Kelham Road and were grateful for the last-minute fixture after another late cancellation, on what was another hot day, albeit with some blustery wind to keep it interesting for the kickers.

Newark started strongly from the kick off, immediately going on the offensive against a well drilled Kettering side, resulting in an early lineout on the Kettering 5m line, numerous phases by the forwards were repelled by the visitors until the ball was pushed out to the waiting backs and a try by Freddie and conversion Joe D 7-0.

Despite the early score, the game settled with opportunities for both sides and an even well contested game ensued. It was Newark who again broke the deadlock with a scrum on the Kettering 22, which was well defended by the Kettering forwards, after numerous pick and runs and a stalwart defence by the Kettering team, it took Harry C to rush over from the back of ruck for his first Colts try, 12 - 0

Excellent play from Newark to recover a lost lineout which found a waiting Mateusz who stormed from halfway in his trademark style, held on the try line by a courageous Kettering fullback, but offloading to the supporting Joe D for the try and conversion. 19-0.

Kettering were not overawed by the score line and continued to play and press the Newark line, with a penalty awarded on the Newark 5 which allowed the overlap to be utilised and a well-deserved try 19-5

It was Kettering who pressed hardest going into the end of the half and were rewarded for their efforts by their second try 19-10 on the half time whistle.

Second half, and the game continued at the same pace as it started, despite the blistering conditions and again both sides could not capitalise on their chances, a penalty for Newark on the Kettering 5m opened up the second half scoring with a well worked try for Paddy 24 – 10.

Kettering’s additional forward subs were being well utilised and a depleted Newark front row played well to contest every ball and ruck, with Joe D supporting with some great clearance kicks to take the pressure off the defenders, it was one of these clearance kicks that finished the game with an uncharacteristic fumble by Kettering being pounced on Alex C to add to the list of first time Colts try scorers, the dependable boot of Joel B added the conversion 31-10.

A conciliation try came for Kettering in the dying minutes to end an entertaining game 31-15.

Many thanks to Kettering for travelling and providing a great contest, and also thanks to Club referee Rushy, who stepped in at the last minute and did a great job.

This weekend see’s what we hope is the start of our National Colts Cup campaign, round 1 in a straight “knock out” competition where we host our local Leicestershire colts from Syston RUFC at Kelham road on Sunday 24th Sept Kick off 1.30pm, please come down a support the lads.

Written; Will Syme-Nicholson
Approved; Alan Staines