Kenilworth RFC

Thriller! What a way to start the season – a beautiful day at a breathtaking location and two sides determined to make a game of it, writes Ralph Murray.

The opening minutes did not augur well for the visitors. After Kenilworth fumbled the kick-off, Stow got off to the more assured start and took the game to Kenilworth with repeated forays into the 22. After 10 minutes, Stow’s pressure produced the first score of the game and a deserved 7-0 lead.

That score seemed to settle the visitors and Kenilworth began to string some good phases together, but these were met with disciplined tackling from Stow. The set scrum did seem the most advantageous platform for Kenilworth if they were to mount a counter and, sure enough, after a sustained series 5m out, the dam eventually burst, with captain Ted Bromwich going over from short range. Extras were added by Mark O’Connor and the scores were level.

There now followed a period where Kenilworth were clearly in the ascendancy, with Stow looking unable to cope. More close-quarter threats from Kenilworth saw probing surges towards the Stow line. With no success, ‘Plan B’ saw the ball spun wide for a 3-on-2, with winger Charlie Wollaston going over in the corner.

Stow were stung into a riposte and the outside centre was isolated on the Kenilworth 22. In his attempt to offload, Mark O’Connor attempted to steal, but the resultant knock-on resulted in a yellow card for the full-back. Strange!

Stow were now camped 5m out from the 14-man Kenilworth side, but they held out stoutly and pushed Stow back before a steal saw Kenilworth take play to halfway – and with possession.

Kenilworth continued building steadily and gained a 5m line-out, but the chance was wasted by a miscommunication. The assault on the Stow line continued and Kenilworth looked to have scored, but the referee said it was held up. Stow cleared their lines.

Kenilworth went straight back on the attack and built steadily to within 5m of the Stow line. The pressure again told and substitute prop Luke Bagnall scored near the posts. O’Connor’s kick was good and Kenilworth turned round at half-time 7-19 to the good.

There was an indifferent start by both sides to the second half and then a burst from his own 22 by the Stow 13 resulted in a score under the posts, bringing the deficit down to less than a score. Again, it was the Stow 13 who was the spark as he ran from deep in his own half to set up the winger for a run-in. Extras were added and Stow were now in the lead.

Stow were now in their stride and the same formula worked again; another fast break from deep brought the same result. Stow now led by a converted try and Kenilworth looked startled.

They regrouped and built methodically to advance to within 30m of the Stow line. They won a penalty and considered kicking the points to reduce the deficit; backchat from the hosts reduced the distance and made it a no-brainer. 26-22 to Stow with 10 minutes to play.

Kenilworth, now with a renewed sense of urgency, pushed for a go-ahead score and were awarded a penalty advantage for a high tackle. Quickly taken, the runner was further impeded 2m from the tap. The option to go for the line was taken and eventually Kenilworth drove over from short range through Max Brain. It was not converted: 26-27.

A storming run from No. 8 Ed Sharpe took the play to the Stow 22. An ensuing penalty found touch 5m out; the line-out was gathered and the maul rumbled towards the Stow line. Substitute Matt Gibson touched down and O’Connor was again true with the boot to make the final score 26-34.

This weekend Kenilworth are at home to Dudley Kingswinford. Before the game there is a pre-match lunch for our former players.