Kettering HC Mens 1s, sponsored by JPPGroup, came up just short in their attempt to retain the Sudbury 7 a side tournament.

A six team round robin tournament played on a full pitch tested Kettering against new and old foes in a well matched competition. Hosted by Bury St Edmunds HC, at their picturesque Culford School ground, 20 mins one way games gave plenty of opportunity for teams to test fitness levels for the new season.

Kettering started against Ipswich and East Suffolk from Division 2NE and despite creating some good chances waited until the last five seconds before getting the winner with Will Hartley deflecting home a Dom Cusk pass. With back to back games Kettering were straight into action against Sudbury from Div 1 South. They fell behind to a penalty stroke but rallied to score through Harry Tanser to secure a 1-1 draw.

Having played two games on pitch 2 Kettering were now scheduled to play their final 3 games on the the show pitch, the Walled Garden pitch.

They comfortably beat Div 1 North new boys Felixstowe 3-0 with a great display of attacking hockey, the highlight being Harry Dell’Utri burying a shot from the edge of the D into the top corner past a motionless keeper. Kettering then face unbeaten hosts and old rivals Bury from Div 1 North and again went behind but rallied to secure a 1-1 draw.

This set up a final game against East Premier side Ipswich knowing a win would secure a play off as joint league winners. They fell behind talented Ipswich team took the lead following a breakaway and then doubled up thanks to an unstoppable drag flick into the top corner. Kettering, cheered on by the large crowd who, bathed in the sunshine wanted a play off match to entertain them, took the game to Ipswich. Adam Mills reduced the arrears, Will Hartley hit the post and Dom Cusk also had a good chance but sadly no more goals came. Bury St Edmunds were the winners with 11 points, Kettering securing 8pts for 3rd.

An honourable 3rd place and definitely the side with the best fitness levels in the tournament. This should stand Kettering in good stead for their upcoming league campaign. Kettering’s next outing is a night game under the lights at Bedford on Thursday 3rd September, 8pm start. All support very welcome.