After two weeks of lay offs, both clubs were eager to get their League campaigns back on track: Kettering looking to push for promotion and Tows hoping to cement their position in the top four.

In a tight game, both sides slugged it out with fully committed defence but it was Tows who managed to get the upper hand with aggressive tackling coming from Liam Wilkinson and Marc Yeates to name but two.

James Falvey exchanged penalties with the Kettering kicker in the opening minutes to get the scoreboard underway and referee Max Barnard’s quick and consistent blowing for offences on the floor kept the penalty count ticking over.

As a result, Kettering added a further three points before Falvey replied in kind again to leave the score at 6-6.

Reduced to 14 men through a yellow card, Kettering were able to squeeze ahead through a third penalty when Tows infringed again. Critically, two other chances went begging however.

Tows continued harangue their hosts as half time beckoned and finished the half camped on Kettering’s Line.

Shortly after the restart, the field was reduced to just 28 players when a Kettering player was red carded and Tows scrum half Dave Stocks was binned following an altercation on the Kettering line.

Tows pack continued to exert pressure on the Kettering line and wore the opposition pack down in the scrummage, solid defence still denying the visitors a try however.

After battering down the middle, Tows released the ball wide for winger Aaron Goodman to score and comfortably controlled the last quarter of the game to protect their narrow lead.

Tows are in Alliance Cup action on Wednesday, playing at BBOB in Northampton. (KO 7.30pm)