Sat 26 Mar 2022, 15:00
In a clash between two of the strongest sides in the league Kenilworth prevailed in a game they dominated for over an hour but ultimately held onto a narrow victory.
In front of one of the biggest crowds of the season on a beautiful Spring afternoon, the home side started at a feverish pace and it was only desperate defence from the visitors that kept the Kenilworth pack out as they drove towards the line. Eventually this pressure was too much to take and front row
Adam Carey crashed over for the opening try converted by Harry O'Brien. The home pack were on top in the set piece and strong carries from the pack followed by a break by David Opoku-Fordjour gave O'Brien the space to finish in style from 25 metres for a superb try that he converted himself. Stoke were really feeling it and matters weren't helped when they lost two players to the sin-bin. Kenilworth capitalised with a try from Opoku-Fordjour who used his electric pace to finish in the corner and make the score 19-0. The home side were however guilty of spurning a number of other chances to finish the contest off and in a similar tale to the match versus Lichfield at home, Stoke managed to grab a converted try before half time.
A penalty soon after the restart saw Stoke bring the score back to 19-10 and the home crowd started to feel a little anxious despite the clear lead. The worries seemed to be soothed when the outstanding Freemantle broke through and put Opoku-Fordjour in for the bonus point try which was superbly converted by O'Brien. However Stoke were in no mood to give in and they scored 2 late tries to make the final score 26-24 and the Kenilworth side had to show determined defence in the end to cling on to a vital win.
