Elks second best at Kettering

From the kick off Kettering were soon in the Elks 22 and although the Elks earned a scrum this was taken against the head and moved right, Elks were caught offside and Kettering slotted the penalty to give them a 3-0 lead after 5 mins.

Elks then had their first venture into opposition territory and Jacob Heath kicked ahead, this was dealt with and cleared by Kettering, they were soon on the attack although it was well defended by Elks forcing the man into touch. Elks line out was thrown too long and Kettering had the ball again, fortunately for the Elks they knocked on in the 22.

Elks penalty count was mounting and they gave another chance for points when caught offside, Kettering’s kicker this time was off the mark and pushed the kick left on 18 mins.

Following another Kettering attack they made inroads into Elks 22 but great work from Adam Corcoran turned the ball over. Elks counter attacked but a stray pass allowed Kettering to clear. Basic mistakes from Elks were putting the side under pressure and Kettering had another good attack, a knock on prevented a likely score but Elks were offside and Kettering stretched the lead with another penalty to make it 6-0 after 30 mins.

Kettering were soon on the attack again and at the next breakdown Elks were guilty of pulling in the scrum half, the referee decide it was cynical and Jake Lamb was yellow carded on 31 mins.

Elks had to defend desperately as Kettering tried to turn the screw with the man advantage, however great defensive work by G Taylor, Corcoran and Alex Ayres held Kettering at bay, they did get a final chance at 3 points from a penalty but the kick was missed on 39 mins making 6-0 at half time.

Kettering kicked off and Elks made the worst possible start, the ball was knocked on and Kettering took full advantage and moved the ball quickly right, good hands created an overlap and they duly scored in the corner after 41 mins, extras missed making it 11-0. Elks now faced an uphill battle to get a foothold in the game.

Elks response was good with G Taylor making a break and feeding Isaac Taylor but another knock on soon after stopped the move. Elks were seeing their best period of the game but too many unforced errors were handing the initiative back to Kettering.

Following another Elks penalty Kettering had a shot at goal which missed on 50 mins, Kettering were looking quicker at the breakdown denying any continuity when Elks had the ball.

Kettering attacked from a line out in Elks 22 and drove forward, the ball was held up but Elks were penalised, Kettering took a quick tap and Elks response was too slow as the scrum half darted over on 57 mins, extras added making it 18-0.

Elks tried hard to get back into the game but Kettering’s defence was solid, mistakes were again being made by the Elks who were struggling to link any phases together, another breakdown penalty gave Kettering another shot at goal and this time it was struck cleanly to make it 21-0 after 65 mins.

G Taylor was still posing a threat going forward but most attacks were ending with the whistle blowing for another knock on. No further scores were added in the remaining minutes making the final score 21-0.

A disappointing day all round for the Elks who never really managed to get going against a good Kettering side whose discipline on the day was excellent, they only conceded five penalties during the match and along with some unusually poor handling made it a long afternoon for the Elks.

Not too many highlights on the day but Man of the Match goes to Adam Corcoran whose great defensive work prevented many more scoring opportunities for Kettering.

Next week sees the visit of Mansfield to the Stute for a 2.15 KO, preceded by our annual Xmas lunch, places still available so see Jane for details.