Sat 22 Oct 2022, 15:00
Bridgnorth 31 Kenilworth 28
Kenilworth Men's 1XV travelled to Bridgnorth in the next round of the Regional 1 Midlands league. In an exciting game for the neutral, and ultimately the home supporters, Bridgnorth took the spoils 31 points to 28.
Despite reports of rain, the Kenilworth men were welcomed to a picturesque Bridgnorth bathed in bright autumnal sunshine, the slow pace of the meandering River Severn near by, a far cry from what was to unfurl on the pitch.
It was Kenilworth who scored first on the 8 minute mark, having soaked- up some early pressure; the forwards and most notably number 8 Mike Ryan (outstanding on the day) set the platform for the backs to show their slight of hand, sending right wing David Opoku-Fourjour heading for the try line. The try was initially averted with a cover-tackle from the home 12. The tackle was adjudged to be high by the referee who duly awarded Kenilworth the penalty try, and sent the player to the Sin bin. Score 0-7.
With 25 minutes on the clock the home side levelled the score; working through their set up phases, the resilient Kenilworth defence eventually cracked, conceding a try on the right wing, in front of the clubhouse. Score 7-7.
Some 5 minutes later, the Blue and Golds extended their lead. After further good work from the pack, edging the tussle in the scrum and Mike Ryan leading the charge, the ball was neatly shipped through the hands to David Opoku-Fordjour, to show his pace and dot down. An excellent conversion from Jowett took the score to 7-14.
With ten to go to half time the home side were looking like it was they who had travelled an hour and a half by bus, Kenilworth were in again. More good build up play, now with Andresen, Hudson and Kavanagh joining Ryan with their own incisions into the stout home defence, full back Peppitt scored under the post. Again Jowett added the conversation. Score 7-21.
With the significant away crowd bolstered by the President's away-day coach, now in full voice, the visitors were in Severn- heaven as Kenilworth again got over the line, this time with imposing centre Jayde Cruickshank picking an excellent line to charge over with what seemed like most of Bridgnorth on his back. Successful conversion came from Jowett and Kenilworth were dominant at 7-28. The try bonus point was in the bag and another try may well have seen off the home side for good.
In what seemed like a long first half, certainly full of action, the home side began to impose themselves. After winning a couple of quick fire penalties they played themselves into a scoring position, culminating in a converted try from a catch and drive. Score 14-28 and it now evident that when in-flow, the home side had more than enough to trouble the visitors.
With skipper for the day, Phil Boulton’s half time words ringing in their ears, it was Kenilworth who took the best of the first 10 minutes of the half. Good team play from a lineout took hooker Adam Carey over the line, but the referee signalled that he had been held up over the line.
25 minutes into the second half the home side now had the upper-hand. Continued pressure led to their third try down the right wing. A great tap tackle from Hudson might otherwise have thwarted the attack, but for excellent support play and their winger dashed in for a try. Score 21-28.
Within 10 mins and having won territory with some deft kicking through the fly half, Bridgnorth won the lineout and their prop burst through some weak Kenilworth defence to score under the posts. 2 points added. Score 28-28. The home side now also earning a 4 try bonus point.
The last few minutes of the half saw Bridgnorth bag a penalty, taking them into the lead for the first time, giving them a slender lead at 31-28. The visitors weren’t done however and played themselves into the opposition 22, but sadly fluffed their lines at the line out, giving possession to Bridgnorth who saw out the final seconds to take the game.
Also on Saturday, Kenilworth Mens 2XV took on Old Wheatleyans 1XV in the Counties Two Midlands West (South) league, this losing out by an even narrower points difference, 30-29. Coach Todd Freemantle commented, ‘The lads are rightly disappointed to lose by just one point. Old Wheats are going well this year so us to stand up as we have done today says a lot about the character in the group. Today it was great to see players like Rob Spooner, James Callaway and Mason Kershaw step up and not only put a shift in but also take on leadership responsibility. Shame about the result but learning every week and lots more to come.’This week is Derby weekend with the 1XV taking on local rivals Broadstreet at Glasshouse Lane. Kenilworth are offering free entry to Wasps Season Ticket Holders and are expecting a bumper crowd. the 1Xv are also at home against Pinley 1XV.Report by Jai Purewal
Kenilworth attack the Bridgnorth Line
Lineout Action v Bridgnorth
