Kenilworth RFC

After a bruising victory at home to fellow promotion-chasers Stoke On Trent the previous weekend,  the Kenilworth side travelled the short distance to Stratford with a number of enforced changes in their ranks. A number of the squad had also played for Coventry the previous evening which is testament to the young talent emerging this season.

Stratford ran Kenilworth close in the corresponding fixture at home and once again provided a stern test with the score continually edging in their favour throughout an absorbing clash.

Stratford took the lead after 10 minutes but Kenilworth bounced back with a converted try from a forward drive just 8 minutes later. Again Stratford nudged ahead with a try in the corner to lead 12-7 and the game was being played back and forth in each 22. Kenilworth did seem to be exerting more control but Stratford did look dangerous when in possession. However the Kenilworth pack, a destructive attacking force all season drove skipper Bobby Thompson over for a try to level the scores at half-time.

Despite strong Kenilworth pressure on the home line, the ball was knocked on and Stratford ran the length of the field for a converted try giving them a 19-12 lead. Once again Kenilworth bounced back with a continued period of possession and good breaks from Opoku-Fordjour and Thompson leading to a try for Todd Freemantle who finished well. The kick was missed and following a catch and drive from the home side, Kenilworth were facing a 24-17 deficit with minutes to go.

Finally the intense pressure led to a gap for fly half Harry O'Brien to coast through and he was left with a tricky conversion to level the match. O'Brien showed nerves of steel to knock the kick over and the match finished all square at 24-24.

There have been various rumours and reports of the RFU league restructure being announced imminently with the new structure showing Kenilworth promoted at the end of the season. However nothing has been confirmed at this stage and the squad continue with the job at hand and take on Sutton Coldfield at home this Saturday with a 3pm kick off.

Kenilworth's Women's side finished their first season in Championship North 1 with a defeat at home to high-flying Lichfield Ladies. However the Kenilworth side should be very proud of their efforts this season and have secured their safety in the league with a 7th placed finish.

The Kenilworth 'Pirates' (veterans) headed to Southport for their annual tour and took on both the home side and Congleton in a three-way competition. The Kenilworth side showed their class in winning both matches along with leading the singing in the clubhouse and local bars afterwards as is their tradition. 

Todd Freemantle

Lewis Kavanagh

Harry O'Brien