Saturday comes, a minute’s silence before the match occurred for Simon Bennett an ex- Kenilworth player, who died far too early. Rest in Peace.

A Kenilworth Pirates Lunch preceded the game, which started at 2.15. As soon as the game kicked off, the heavens opened, and it poured with rain for at least 65 minutes. This curtailed some of open rugby that both sides like to play. Similar to most of the matches so far this season in this league, it was a very close encounter reflected in the score at the end. It did not disappoint in terms of entertainment as both sides could have taken the win until the final whistle.

In the opening minutes both sides fronted up with Kenilworth and Shipston in the mix. Kenilworth found themselves in ‘coffin corner’ and tried to play out with a kick which Shipston played back with good hands and scored in the left-hand corner through left wing Henry Hopkins, the conversion was missed.

Kenilworth immediately replied through an effective lineout drive and good hands through the backs. The move was finished by Tommy Hunter but went unconverted by inside centre Ed Hannam. The score after 10 minutes was 5-5.

On 17 minutes Shipston scored again through canny play, with deft kicks behind the Kenilworth defence, and good effective continuity. This try was scored by right wing Dylan Kingswood and converted by fly half Sam James. 5-12.

This was a game where both teams whenever they got into the scoring zone were usually going to score. It was therefore going to be a high scoring match, despite the turgid conditions. On 20 minutes, Kenilworth’s scrum half, Sam Southall and fullback Joe Wilson combined with a switch move for Joe to score under the posts. Ed Hannam converted this try, to make the score 12-12. Shipston immediately replied as Kenilworth knocked on at the receipt of the kick off, Shipston ran the ball through the middle and recycled quickly to enable them to score with a try out wide. The scorer was right winger Dylan Kingswood and this was converted by Sam James.12-19.

On 26 minutes off a scrum on Shipston’s 10 metre line a lovely chip kick by Ed Hannam gave fly half Finn Barnacle the chance to chase and score a well worked try. This was converted by Joe Wilson.

Over the next 15 minutes the game went into stalemate phase where both teams could not quite get the upper hand in the worsening conditions. The pitch was beginning to cut up and a lot carries from set piece and kicks for territory ensued with not a lot of success from both sides. Kenilworth’s lineout was functioning really well with accurate throwing from Finn Nicholas to his jumpers and their scrum was able to hold to secure their own ball. The skills of the players were being tested as half time approached.

After the break, Kenilworth had a slight wind at their backs and used the boot to gain territory. Kenilworth opened the scoring through a well taken try from Joe Wilson, who beat three Shipston players to score. This was after great work by the forward pack in the 22-metre scrum and in securing the ensuing penalty. The quick tap and pass from Sam Southall and Joe went over the whitewash. Joe converted the try to make the score 26-19.

The game now went into another stalemate phase where both teams had opportunities, but also made elementary mistakes. On 64 minutes Shipston had a golden opportunity to score under the posts when two clearing kicks were charged down but they knocked on and Kenilworth’s defence held firm. Referee Roy Shawcross was doing a steady and composed job in the face of the tight game and kept his composure well. On 68 minutes Kenilworth went offside in their own 22 and Shipston’s Sam James kicked the three points in front of the posts to make the score 26-22. Nip and tuck.

The boot on the ball was to the forefront at this stage of the game in order to gain territory. Both sides seemed to be waiting for an attacking mistake or a miracle ball in the mud. In the closing stages of the game Shipston gave away a penalty wide out just outside their 22, Joe Wilson struck the ball and it hit the right upright. The kick chase from Kenilworth was not good enough or sharp enough and Shipston managed to clear their lines. This was through the Kenilworth frustration, and a stupid 10 metre penalty for back chat to the referee. Shipston then had some opportunities to win the game and became a bit ‘harem scarem.’ Lady luck and tenacious defence by Kenilworth kept them out. Bobby Thompson did sterling work here with his ball carrying experience under pressure off the back of the scrum.

This was a dogged, determined and resilient Kenilworth performance in difficult conditions. If they manage to cut out the occasional errors, they will progress even further. They needed this well-earned victory and the 5 league points from the bonus point win. There is still all to play for in this very tight League.

Next week Kenilworth men’s1st XV play Edwardians in a rearranged game at home with a 2.15pm Kick off. Again, your attendance, support and enthusiasm for the cause is greatly appreciated by everyone connected with Kenilworth Rugby.