Kenilworth RFC

Saturday 20 December saw Kenilworth 1XV, sitting 10th in the league, travel away to local rivals Stratford-upon-Avon, who lay 11th. This second-round fixture gave Kenilworth the opportunity to avenge a narrow 17–20 home defeat in the first round of matches. Kenilworth welcomed back Ellis Green, Sam Peppitt and Finn Yallop in the backs with player coach Matt Price amongst the substitutes. Once again, Kenilworth treated their loyal supporters to a roller-coaster afternoon. Recovering from a 12–0 half-time deficit, they finished by far the better side, securing a superb 15–29 victory and returning to Glasshouse Lane for some well-earned Christmas cheer, writes Simon Bladon.

Kenilworth kicked off on a chilly but sunny afternoon, working into a low, blinding sun. From the outset they stifled a hard-charging Stratford, pushing them back into their own half and winning turnover ball, only to knock on and concede the first scrum six minutes in. Many Kenilworth ‘knock ons’ and missed line-outs followed. Kenilworth initially held firm against Stratford’s weighty pack, but a late shove forced Stratford back, their scrum-half digging deep to retrieve the ball and spark another home attack.

Kenilworth defended magnificently across the park, winning possession again and launching the second of many strong incursions into enemy territory. Unfortunately, a poor pass found touch, allowing Stratford to win the resulting lineout and run in a try in the corner at 15 minutes. The conversion was missed: 5–0.

From the restart, Kenilworth again surged forward, turning the ball over and battling into Stratford’s 22. However, at 20 minutes another loose pass was intercepted, and Stratford ran the length of the field before a pressured kick chase saw them score and convert: 12–0.

Both sides continued to battle fiercely, but Kenilworth were largely in the ascendancy, retaining possession for long periods. At 35 minutes, Kenilworth suffered two significant injuries, with Bobby Thompson leaving the field for assessment and young fly half Sam Herniman. Just before half-time, a Kenilworth penalty attempt from the touchline drifted wide, and despite spending most of the opening 40 minutes in Stratford’s half, Kenilworth went into the break 12–0 down.

The second half began as the sunlight faded and the floodlights added to the atmosphere. Despite their first-half exertions, both teams continued to play at an impressive pace.

Kenilworth resumed where they left off, pressing into Stratford’s half, only for Stratford to briefly push deep into Kenilworth territory. Following a change in the Kenilworth front (player-coach Matt Price making his debut) and a brief flashpoint, a flowing backs move at 57 minutes saw winger Finn Yallop (11) break through to score. The touch-line conversion was missed: 12–5.

Belief surged among the large travelling support, and at 60 minutes Charlie Wollaston (15) stormed over. The conversion brought the scores level at 12–12, prompting nervous pocket-patting for imaginary blood-pressure tablets on the touchline.

A sustained period of scrummaging followed, with Kenilworth now not only holding Stratford’s heavier pack but beginning to dominate. Though possession was briefly lost and Stratford bashed into Kenilworth’s 22, a relieving penalty was cleared. Another promising Kenilworth attack ended with a pass drifting into touch, further testing supporters’ nerves.

Kenilworth finally made their pressure tell at 73 minutes. A well-judged kick to touch led to a won lineout and a driving maul, with Max Brain (6) grounding the ball for a deserved try: 12–17.

Stratford responded, regaining possession and pushing deep into Kenilworth territory, where they slotted a penalty at 75 minutes to close the gap to 15–17.

The final five minutes were a blur of high-tempo rugby. First, the impressive Hector Smith (14) ran through for an unconverted try in the corner to extend the lead to 15–22. Moments later, Matt Price claimed a superb high ball on halfway before calmly offloading to a charging Ellis Green (9), who sliced through the defence for a converted try to seal a memorable 15–29 bonus point victory.

At full time, the entire Kenilworth squad—players, coaches, hydration technician, and helpers alike—celebrated joyfully before returning home for a well-earned, effervescent libation.

Happy Christmas to all, and here’s to further progress in the New Year. 🎄🏉