MHRUFC U9 Menaces vs Kettering RFC - 05.02.2017 - Match Report

Still, mild weather, and improved pitch conditions greeted this week’s visitors to Market Harborough’s U9 Menaces team: Kettering RFC. Kettering brought 2 teams, the “Green Dragons” and “Blue Dragons” and as Kettering warmed-up before kick-off it was clear they were a well-drilled club with some big skillful players that could pose the Menaces their sternest test of the season yet.

The first game was against the “Green Dragons”: Menaces kicked-off and after a series of passes were unlucky to knock-on. Strong possession and precise passing by Kettering followed before possession was turned over and Daniel Weston scored the opening try after a period of sustained try-line pressure and determination to get over the line. Kettering got onto the scoreboard after their own period of determination and more fine passing from Kettering in the face of good tackling by Menaces. Daniel Weston added a 2nd try and Arthur Adams was denied on the try-line, being tackled into touch, to conclude the first half 2-1.

Kettering kicked-off the second half and a mistake allowed Daniel Weston to add to his first half tally with a 3rd try running half the length of the pitch, a reward for his tackling in the build-up. Sturdy tackling and more great passing characterised a period where both teams traded tries, Dylan Williams and Teagan Beaufoy both finally being rewarded too for strong performances around the park. Kettering had the final word with a try in the dying seconds but it was Menaces who triumphed 5-4 winners. The high try count and narrow score margin characterised how evenly matched the teams were and how both sides showed determination across all players to win the fixture, making the win all the more sweeter for Menaces and pride in defeat for Kettering.

Given the size of some of the opposition players whilst lining-up for kick-off, the second game against the “Blue Dragons” looked like it could be a greater challenge. However normal service was resumed as George Williams scored a try from the kick-off. Kettering’s big runners posed a different test for the Menaces requiring the tackling to be consistent across the team which it duly was: accompanying Joab Tiney’s cameo as a tackling machine were George Williams, Jonny Sobek, Teagan Beaufoy, and Dylan Williams. Try machine Daniel Weston added 3 tries, the first half ended 4-2 to the Menaces.

Emergency try-line repairs delayed the restart and it was Kettering who came out fighting levelling the score at 4-4 with 2 tries from sustained pressure and phase-play. Careless handling prevented Menaces from gaining a foothold for a spell but Daniel Weston, Teagan Beaufoy and Dylan Williams again demonstrated that try-scoring abilities permeate the Menaces side and Kettering began to falter as Menaces put in the big hits required to prevent Kettering’s big lads.

Menaces finished 7-4 winners and proved that, as the season progresses and the tests get harder, the whole team is able to step-up and contribute sustained tackling and scoring.