Sat 23 Mar 2024, 15:00
Kenilworth Men’s 1st XV travelled to Bridgnorth, intent on delivering a better performance than the earlier home fixture. At half time the hosts had a handsome lead, leaving the travelling supporters concerned about a similar result. Kenilworth thought otherwise and won the second half with an outstanding effort, but ultimately had left themselves too much to do. Final score Bridgnorth 31, Kenilworth 24.
Inside the Kenilworth camp there has been a fair amount of soul- searching in a difficult season that many of the current crop have not encountered before; such has been the run of results of the past few seasons. Credit the players who supported by the coaches and management regrouped following the low of not being able to field a team a couple of weeks prior. Oh, the irony of not having a front row on that weekend and fielding an 18 against Bridgnorth with 6 front row players.
The opening period of the game saw the home side with most of the possession and the Kenilworth defence all but resolute in thwarting the heavy carries of the big Bridgnorth pack. Score 3 all, Mark O’Connor bringing the scores level, kicking into a strong wind, following good work by Hannam’s and one or two of his bruising carries.
Within 5 minutes from the restart, and Bridgnorth in flow, the home side scored the opening try of the game, under the posts. Score 10-3.
They then doubled their try count 5 minutes later. Phase play took the game deep into the Kenilworth 22m, and Freemantle, the final defender was penalised, and sin binned. Bridgnorth capialised on the numerical advantage to score. Score 17-3.
By the time the referee blew for half time Bridgnorth had scored their 4th and bonus point try of the game; Kenilworth’s only counter was another 3 points from O’Connor. Half time score 24-6. Whilst the scoreboard never lies, it was one of those games that never really felt that Bridgnorth were that much on top. Kenilworth had shown a plucky spirit in the first half with Hannam, Boulton, Freemantle and Collingwood leading the charge.
Change of ends meant Kenilworth now had the wind to their backs. Kenilworth opened the scoring with a penalty from O’Connor, taking the score to 24-9, on the back of good all-round team play, with the home side conceding penalties under pressure.
From the re-start Kenilworth exited well and aided by an unforced error in the Bridgnorth backs, piled the pressure on the home side. Eventually the pressure told Kenilworth and O’Connor kept the scoreboard ticking over with another 3 points. Score 24-12.
The Blue and Golds were now on top and thanks to an excellent 50-22 kick, put the pressure back onto the home side. Attacking lineout in the 22m, a platform from which to go searching for Kenilworth’s first try. Unfortunately, the lineout faltered allowing the home side to get out of jail. In a tight game, it was clear to the travelling faithful we could not afford to spurn such chances.
5 minutes later and after all that good work from the visitors, it was Bridgnorth who scored the next try having absorbed the pressure to sucker- punched Kenilworth with their 5th try of the game. Score 31-12 with 25 to go.
Kenilworth remained in the game and were causing the home side real issues, but all too often let them off the hook with an unforced error here and there. Frustrating for those of us looking on and a real energy sapper for the Kenilworth 15 on the pitch.
With the game approaching the final quarter, Kenilworth scored their first try of the game, thanks to some excellent approach play with Pittam and Hannam prominent. With the try line beckoning it looked likely that Kenilworth would score but a Bridgnorth player interfered with play in an offside position and killed the attack. The Kenilworth supporters called for a penalty try but were only rewarded with a penalty close to the home line – the referee later confirmed he saw 2 on 2 in the phase before foul play, so did not see a clear and obvious try scoring opportunity. Whilst some were remonstrating with the referee, man of the match Collingwood with speed of mind and foot, darted over for a Kenilworth try. Conversion missed. Score 31-17.
With the game now deep into the later stages and the home side clinging on, Kenilworth were back on the attack and hammering the home line. Eventually the pressure told, and Kavanagh crashed over for Kenilworth’s second try. Good conversion from O’Connor. Score 31-24. Was there enough time, would Kenilworth reel in Bridgnorth in a role- reversal from this game last season? Answer = No. Unfortunately, with Kenilworth attacking inside the home 22, the ball was turned over and with it came the final whistle. Final score 31-24. A fine overall, and particularly second- half effort. Collingwood man of the match having been pushed hard several others including Boulton, Freemantle and Pittam.
Also, on Saturday Kenilworth Colts beat local rivals Leamington Colts 14:44. Well done to all.
