Sat 12 Oct 2024, 15:00
Kenilworth Men’s 1st XV 27 v Derby 34
Both sides in this contest played fast fluid open rugby. Derby were always prepared to run the ball from anywhere and Kenilworth were also ambitious, however they at times shot themselves in the foot. This was a disappointing score line for Kenilworth as this was their best performance of the season so far. 120 former Kenilworth players attending the Former Players /Presidents lunch watched a fantastic game that ebbed and flowed.
Derby opened the scoring after early pressure with a try on 5 minutes through Sam Tebbs converted by Josh Bingham. Kenilworth immediately replied on 8 minutes through their forwards and scored by Charlie Moffat converted by Will Morgan. Over the next 10 minutes it was all nip and tuck between the two sides and Kenilworth scored again through a well-executed lineout drive from 10 meters out and Charlie Morris scored. This made the score 12-7 to Kenilworth.
After several phases by derby and stern tenacious defence by Kenilworth, Bobby Thompson made a great interception and sprint from halfway but was denied the try by the chasing Derby winger who managed somehow to knock the ball out of Bobby’s grasp as he went for the score. Moments later Derby‘s wide game asked more questions of the Kenilworth defence and after several phases and a determined run by the right winger they scored close to the posts. This made the score 12-12 at half time.
After half time Kenilworth scored first as they moved the ball wide through the backs and rampaging forward Chas Hudson. From that handling, Will Morgan chased his own grubber kick and scored under the posts. He converted his own try. Moments later, with Kenilworth in the ascendency and Derby giving away a series of penalties the lineout and driving maul produced another try for hooker Charlie Morris. This made the score 24 -12.
In the 59th minute after concerted effort, Derby replied with a try from their very sharp left winger who scored from a neat nudge through behind the ongoing defence. This was converted by Josh Bingham. The game was now in the balance with the score at 24-19. Derby were now the more consistent side and managed greater continuity and they scored after poor lineout defence by Kenilworth. This was duly converted by Josh Bingham from wide out. Kenilworth stayed in the fight with a beautifully struck penalty from 35 metres out by Will Morgan. This was followed up with a penalty by Derby through Josh Bingham. With the score now 27-29, Derby had another penalty which duly struck the post and Kenilworth did not react to the bounce of the ball. Derby duly scored because they were quicker to react. This made the final score 27-34.
Overall Kenilworth had chances to win the match, but at times their decision making and a yellow card in the last 10 minutes led to their downfall. This was not for the want of trying because their effort was immense, just at times their execution let them down.
Next Saturday the team are away at Dudley Kingswinford with a 2.00 pm kick off.
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