After 553 days men's first XV league rugby returned to Glasshouse Lane with a bang as Kenilworth eased past Whitchurch 44-15.

In front of a large crowd eager to watch competitive rugby, both sides put on a suitably competitive and entertaining display.

Whitchurch started well and after six minutes their busy scrum half worked the blindside well to put right winger Marvell in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Kenilworth started to build phases and gain territory but the set piece was taking time to function.

A break from Sam Peppitt was carried on by the great Dane Andresen but excellent cover snuffed out the chance of a try.

However the continued pressure brought reward when after a yellow card for a late hit by the Whitchurch flanker, Kenilworth kicked for the corner and the resultant botched line out eventually saw ex Colts hooker Charlie Morris pounce on the loose ball for his first senior try.

A wonderful break from Sam Peppitt caused havoc in the Whitchurch defence and an offload to new winger Ben Harrison was finished with aplomb after a delicate chip and chase.

This was followed by a classic poachers try from the evergreen Ken's scrum half Gareth Renowden who intercepted and juggled a pass before coasting in from 20 yards.

A slightly late hit on Whitchurch's influential fly half by Ken's barnstorming back five man Mike Ryan resulted in a yellow card, the following line out was driven over and the half time score was 17-10 to the Kens.

The home side started the second half with fervour, buoyed by a loud and supportive home crowd and it became evident that 'Fortress Glasshouse Lane' was not likely to be breached this week.

The home scrum started to turn the screw and a great break from centre Todd Freemantle created a try for the sidestepping prop Bromfield which was converted by Hannam.

A scrum penalty resulted in another three points from the boot of Hannam and at 27-10 the home side had opened up an unassailable lead.

An epic break from debutant Ryan from his own 22 was continued by the dashing Bell who was dragged down close to the visitors' line.

However another strong scrum resulted in a penalty kick from Hannam.

Some superb interplay down the left flank created another opportunity for winger Harrison and he delivered in style, Hannam added the extras.

Some impressive play from Whitchurch created a try on the right, however the match finished with another attacking masterpiece from debutant Harrison and he showed poise and a hunger for the tryline that the league is bound to take note of.

The final score of 44-15 emphasised Kenilworth's dominance however Whitchurch certainly played their part in a wonderful return to league rugby.