Yeates was an imposing No 10 when he was anointed captain 18 months ago but a recurring back injury has kept him sidelined.

Last season, he marshalled his troops from the dug out to an unbeaten League campaign and promotion.

Three back operations later, he returned to playing last month by running out in the second team.

But it was only on Saturday that Yeates had the captain’s honour of leading the first team onto the pitch.

Unfortunately for Yeates, reborn as a back row forward, it was not to be a triumphant return.

Tows battled hard from the start, which was delayed by a minute’s silence for racing driver Dan Wheldon.

They were rewarded by an early penalty, which Matthew Yuill kicked with ease despite the swirling wind.

Tows held on to the advantage through most of the first half in the face of continued pressure from the visitors.

But they conceded a try by losing possession trying to run the ball out of the 22 and Tom Bridgeman pounced to score for Kettering.

Tows turned round 3-5 down and were soon further adrift when Kettering crossed for a second unconverted try.

Tows steely forwards turned the screw however and camped on the Kettering line, earning three scrums thanks to Kettering’s repeated indiscretion.

In consecutive scrums, it appeared the Kettering front row stood up and the home crowd were crying out for a penalty try.

Kettering were awarded the ball however and broke away for a converted try which turned the game and left the hosts deflated.

Finishing with a flourish, Kettering ran the length of the field to touch down under the posts for a second converted try.