MHRUFC U15 v Kettering

Harborough chose to go against the wind in the first half. The game plan was to use the pace in the centres, with forwards hitting rucks early and providing quick clean ball. The half backs combined to put debutant Jack Harrison in space for the opening try. Rucks were competitive and body positions crucial, and Kettering managed to turn the ball over and put Harborough under pressure. But with the pace and hands in the backline, Harborough knew that any half chance of space would see them score and so it proved with Ryan scoring, converted by Alfie.

Conditions were playing a part and several penalties saw Kettering eventually score a try (by our very own Jack Lythall) after sustained pressure but some strong defence. (12v5). Harborough quickly answered back, Youseff was starting to shake off tackles and Tom plus Finlay Sanders started to play their part in carrying the ball. The back row marauders we’re getting to rucks first allowing the half backs alike and Ben to pick out the next play, and eventually good work saw Elliott break free to score a try.
The next score wasn’t far behind. An inside ball from Luke playing at 10 to Sam Price saw him get Harborough into the Kettering half. And Youseff did the rest by bursting over on the stroke of half time (22v5).
Harborough now had the wind behind them so instantly pressurised Kettering with their line speed and tackling. This forced a mistake which was pounced upon. Then Jack Lythall used his strength to burst free and open the scoring which was converted (29v5). Chances were now becoming more frequent with debutant Jack scoring again (36v5). Kettering responded quickly, benefitting from several missed tackles with their full back scoring (36v10).
Harborough raced to take the kick and Luke managed to miss kicking the ball on the restart? Kettering chose to receive the kick again, this one was pumped deep and Elliott along with Sam and Ryan raced after it pinning Kettering down on their line with some strong tackling. The error came and Elliott pounced on it to score the try (41v10).
Youseff received the ball soon after the restart and powered through to run a try in from 50 yards. A strong ruck and then a miss floaty pass saw Jack H put into space and then a combination of power and gas saw the final score being made with Matt Cliff converting.
Final Score 53v10
Very proud today of the guys, from 1 to 18/19. Defensively strong but also sticking to their roles and listening. Set pieces were excellent and the rucks meant Ben could deliver good ball to a set of backs who had power and pace to burn.