Sat 2 Dec 2023, 14:15
On a day when several matches were frozen off, thanks to the first wintery conditions of the term, Kenilworth played host to Bridgnorth RFC. Despite the first half being a closer contest, the visitors ran away with it in the second half to win 29-51.
Kenilworth started the brighter to the two sides in a seesaw opening quarter of the game. Through XXXXX Kenilworth scored the first try of the game, converted by O’Connor. From the restart, a lapse of concentration led to the visitors gathering possession and from the resulting phases of play, including a speculative chip in behind the Kenilworth defence, Bridgnorth scoring an unconverted try. Score 7-5.
The restart was long pinning Bridgnorth deep into their own half. Good Kenilworth pressure prevented Bridgnorth from fully clearing their lines and a few phases later, Todd Freemantle crashed over for his side’s second try of the day. Conversion added by O’Connor. Score 14-5.
Less than 5 minutes later the Blue and Golds were again behind their own posts, Bridgnorth scoring a little too easily perhaps. Score 14-10. In the play leading to try, Kenilworth player/coach Todd Freemantle took a knock and was substituted off for the day, Antonio Monteiro onto the wing.
At the midway point of the half, Kenilworth player/ coach Jon Lowdon was adjudged to have deliberately slapped down the ball in attempting to make the interception and was sent to the sinbin. Kenilworth down to 14 and Bridgnorth taking the 3 points. Score 14-13.
Before the half was out both sides scored another try apiece. First Bridgnorth stole the ball in their own half and moved the ball through a further three phases before scoring the converted try. Score 14-20. In the final few minutes of the half, Kenilworth substitute Montiero rounded off a good team move to score. O’Connor’s conversion attempt hit the upright and bounced out. Score 19-20.
Before the half was out a promising Kenilworth attack was thwarted when Kavanagh and Carey collided with each other, both players left the field for assessment. In a separate incident in the preceding play, Kenilworth’s Thompson was also injured with a twisted knee and removed from play. Kenilworth down to 14 players and waiting to see if anyone of Thompson, Kavanagh and Carey would return.
Half time score 19-20.
As in the first half, Kenilworth (still down to 14) opened the second half scoring with a penalty kick through the boot of O’Connor. Score 22-20.
From the restart, some loose tackling resulted in Bridgnorth scoring under the posts. Easy 2 points added taking the score to 22-27.
15 minutes into the second half, Bridgnorth scored again taking the score out to 22-32- the home faithful now concerned as to whether the depleted home side could come up with something to turn the tide of play and stop the visitors from running away with the game.
To Kenilworth’s credit and with Kavanagh back on the home side rallied, earning a lineout on the home 22-meter line. Good arrows from hooker Morris and a cohesive drive the pack would have led to a try but for the visiting 8 collapsing the maul. Penalty try to Kenilworth, Bridgnorth down to 14 players with their 8 in the bin. Score 29-32 with 18 minutes left to go.
Sadly for the home side and attending supporters, the visitors scored 2 further unanswered tried taking the game out of Kenilworth’s reach. Final score 29-51. There is little doubt that the loss of 3 front line players at the same time had a significant impact on the game, but ‘thems the breaks’. Up next for Kenilworth Men 1 is a must- win game at home to Old Halesonians.
Kenilworth Men 2 lost away to Stoke Old Boys 48- 5. Not for the first time this season, there are some serious questions to be asked of the hosts, their alleged behaviour falling far from what is expected in the game. Saving the weekend for the senior section, Kenilworth Women 2 won away at Silhilians 5-57.
