Sat 30 Oct 2021, 14:00
On Saturday 30th October Kenilworth 2nd XV took on their toughest challenge of the season so far. Travelling to the Cow Patch were Bromsgrove RFC 2nd XV. A club whose 1st XV are well established in the Midlands Premier League which is one league above Kenilworth 1st XV. (Report from Andy McKenzie)
On a marvellous sunny and dry October afternoon it was Kenilworth who started the brighter of the two. Some well structured phases brought Kens to within 15 meters of the Bromsgrove try line. Back row Hugh Whidbourne ran a good line to cut through and touch down for the first try of the afternoon. Conversion by Fly half Jack Rawlins made it 7-0 Kenilworth with about 10 minutes gone.
Kenilworth continued to play with high intensity and were rewarded with another try. Back row Paddy Grace broke the line beating three players and putting Bromsgrove on the back foot. Jack Rawlins took advantage of a short blind side to run in untouched for a 2nd Kenilworth try. Rawlins converted to make the score 14-0 with around 20 minutes of the half gone.
Bromsgrove as expected got back into the game with the large pack carrying the ball well for the visitors. A Bromsgrove lineout drive was collapsed by Kens. Bromsgrove continued to apply the pressure and scored their first converted try to make the score 14-7
With the first half nearing an end it was Bromsgrove who finished stronger. The pack again causing problems with the pick and go option. Bromsgrove scored again to make it 14-12 to Kenilworth at half time.
Kenilworth started the 2nd half as they had the 1st. The 9/10 pairing of Sam Miles and Jack Rawlins proving difficult for Bromsgrove to deal with. Jack Rawlins put in a 50-22 which was missed by the ref who gave Bromsgrove the line out. Shortly after Sam Miles picked from the back of the ruck and darted through to score Kenilworths only try of the 2nd half. The conversion by Rawlins made the score 21-12.
The remainder of the game was largely back and fourth with the tired legs. At times the standard of rugby was great to watch for a 2nd XV fixture. Bromsgrove were starting to see gaps in the Kenilworth defence and pushed to within 5 meters of the Kenilworth line. Bromsgrove scored again to make it 21-17 with 10 minutes left to play.
Kenilworth tried to return fire immediately. A quick tap penalty put Centre Harry Kaufman over the line however the ball was deemed to be held up. With time running out Bromsgrove battled their way into the Kenilworth 22 again and scored out wide in what was the last play of the match. Kenilworth players appealed for what was a forward pass to the scoring winger but this was not given. Final score 21-22 and a win for Bromsgrove.
Kenilworth should hold their heads high after what was overall a very positive performance. They will look to take the confidence into next weeks Warwickshire 2nd XV cup semi final against Broadstreet which is due to be played on Sunday 7th November at Glasshouse Lane.
Man of the match goes to Jack Rawlins for his fantastic vision, distribution and kicking. No longer to be seen as a stand in fly half but now in a position that should be a regular occurrence for him. In the pack there were some solid performances all round. The front row of Kieran Payne, Matt Tilt and Rhys Hibbs put in a good shift and enjoyed a busy day making the hard yards. It was however young number eight Josh Marsden who was the standout forward of the match. A new signing this season who was reliable all game in attack and defence never taking a backwards step.
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