St Neots RUFC 2nd XV - Heathens Match Report

Heathens entertained Kettering 3rd XV on the common in a hastily arranged fixture after their original opponents Sawston dropped out.

Fielding a strong side Heathens looked to play an expansive game with strong carries from Tommy McCollin opening space for Dave Barney Gamble to exploit, and to release Wingers James Dean and debutant Chris Ritchie.

However as the rain set in the large and powerful Kettering pack started to dictate a narrower game, aided by a growing injury list including Colin Arber and Martin Bazely, forcing personnel changes & culminating in 3 first half tries from the visitors.

Second half the introduction of Carl Lofty and Dan Court drew immediate dividends, scoring a try each.

With Matt Johnson learning the ropes at prop and replacement hooker Peter Arnold applying pressure to the Kettering pack, the arm wrestle continued.

With fantastic defence across the field, particularly from a rampant Garry Bailey in a deserved man of the match performance, aided by Joe Sales and Jack Bsxter Heathens kept the pressure on.

Unfortunately this was not enough with Kettering scoring a final try late on to finish 12-24 winners