Recap
Following a late change in fixture, Kempston played against Old Northamptonians 3rd/4th team at a very sunny Cutler Hammer, made even brighter by the yellow of our alternative kit.
With lots of players returning to the side today, it took a little while for things to click but it was Kempston who took the lead through one of our guests from Cranfield, Gaspard. Birthday boy Tom Darlow couldn’t add the extras. ON’s replied almost instantly with a try scored on the outside. From there Kempston struggled to keep the ball in hand, which led to more points for ON’s. We did get another score in the first half, with debutant Josh Thomas running around their entire back line to put down under the posts, Darlow adding the extras.
Some pearls of wisdom at half time from coach Richard Fairhead gave the players some needed confidence, and the second half was a very different picture. Kempston utilised the big runners in the team, Nathan Colbourne, Tristan Brown and Ryan Blagg showing us the way forward. This heavy hitting approach worked well, and we scored twice more, including a try from Tom Darlow on his birthday.
Overall, not a perfect day at the office but a very good run out against a well drilled and hard hitting ON’s team. Final score 24-36 to ON’s.
Chairman Alex Redford said “It’s becoming a bit of a habit playing ON’s at this time of year. Last year we played against them as a combined Kempston, Cranfield and Wellingborough OG’s side. Fast forward 12 months and this was a mostly Kempston side with 3 guests from Cranfield. The rebuild is continuing, with new players coming to the club and older players returning for a run out. This gives us confidence of a successful season and that we can put the last couple of years behind us.”
Next week is a big one as we start our league campaign against Olney at home and the launch of something very exciting…
Scorers
Tries –
Gaspard
Josh Thomas
Tom Darlow
Yoan
Conversions
Tom Darlow
Olivier Bouzigues
Man of the match –
Josh Thomas – the debutant showed enthusiasm all game and his try was a joy to watch
Doofus of the day –
Ryan Blagg