Match Preview

After a good performance last weekend, Sandbach make their first ever visit to Kettering on Saturday. Both teams have had a decent start to the season, winning three out of the four games, with Sandbach just one place above the Northamptonshire outfit, by virtue of more bonus points. Kettering won promotion back to Level 5 in the summer, after an absence of around ten years, winning the Midlands 1 East League and losing only two games, having been the nearly men for several seasons. Like Sandbach and its relationship with Sale, Kettering has a history of producing Premiership players and a record of a strong mini junior section. The link with Northampton is strong, with current Director of Rugby Doug Bridgeman, being a former Saint and Kettering old boy.
Kettering have a reputation for an all court game, so Sandbach will need to ensure they continue last weeks form, if they are to come away with an always difficult win on the road. Sandbach at least have the benefit of a few players back from injury, suspension and holiday, so there should be plenty of options available. The rain should have moved over come Saturday, so everything should be in place for another entertaining encounter.