Kenilworth took on Leicestershire side Syston in their second league match of the season in front of a large crowd on a Sunny September afternoon.

Syston are one of the league's fancied sides having finished third last year (with both teams above them being promoted to Level 4).

The match also marked the 300th first XV match for stalwart home scrum half Gareth Renowden, an astonishing achievement which was marked by him leading out the Kenilworth side.

After a sombre and dignified silence in memory of The Queen, both sides showed impressive defence and ball retention with Kenilworth edging the territory stats.

The home pack, whilst not as dominant in the scrum as the previous week, were still asking questions of the visiting eight which will serve them well when the pitches get heavier.

After a couple of moments of indiscipline, Kenilworth found themselves on the back foot in their 22, Syston recycled the ball well and their forwards eventually crashed over for a converted try after 20 minutes.

Gareth Renowden led out the teams as he made his 300th first XV appearance on Sunday (image by Chris Wood)

However the Kenilworth side's strongest weapon, the catch and drive, was soon brought into play after an excellent touch finder from fly half Leo Jowett. The pack did the rest with debutant hooker Harry Smith scoring the unconverted try.

After a great break down the right, young winger Will Morgan was well tackled and Syston infringed at the ruck. Ed Hannam stroked over a nice kick from 35 metres out and Kenilworth led 8-7 at half time.

Soon after the break the Syston forwards broke clear with their prop rampaging towards the line, desperate defence ended up in a kickable penalty being conceded and Syston took a narrow lead again 8-10.

With returning fly half Tyler Price on the field and testing out his passing skills, the home side soon bounced back with the try of the match. Great running lines and perfectly timed passing saw Ed Hannam swivel over for the try which he converted himself to make it 15-10.

There was no quarter asked in the closing stages and eventually the visitors showed a little more nous to earn two more penalties which were well converted by their winger 15-16.

They saw out the game with the home side throwing everything at the visitors, with one more kickable penalty unfortunately slipping by. 

Next week Kenilworth travel to Lichfield looking to avenge the defeats incurred during both side's promotion season.

Kenilworth Women took on Buckingham Swans in their final warm up match and gave some more new players a run out ahead of the league opener against Loughborough Town on Sunday 18 September (2pm kick off).