Kenilworth 1XV, 10th in the League, hosted Stow-on-the-Wold, second in the League, in a second-round fixture with Kenilworth aiming to make good a first-round 33-20 away defeat.

This was the Stow's 1st XV's first ever visit to Kenilworth. Unfortunately, after a much improved and very solid performance, applauded by Stow's Captain after the game, Stow held off a robust last-minute attack in their 5m to finish 15-19 winners.

At kick-off, the day was bright, a low sun taking the bite out of the December chill, the pitch heavy but firm after the weeks rain. Kenilworth started quickly, on the attack, Bobby Thompson (8) crashing over for a try, 12 minutes in, the conversion attempt from Mark O'Connor was wide. Shortly afterwards, at 15mins, Stow responded with an unconverted try. Five all.

Stow returned the ball, the following passages of play showing Kenilworth's resolve, with great breaks from Hector Smith (14) and Rhys Jones (11) and from a Stow turnover great tackling from Tommy Hunter (12) and a pressured, well targeted, clearance kick from Sam Fountaine (15). A great partnership between Bobby Thompson (8) and Fin Gibson (7) developed, taking it back to Stow with skill, timing, and aggression.

Kenilworth's scrum was tested again, but found to be more stable, Charlie Morris (1), Archie Walsh (2) and Ross Lowthian (3) up front, Tom Davenport (4) and Morgan Fox (5) in the engine room, giving scrum half Robbie Holden (9) an easier time, getting the ball away.

A penalty approaching half-time, kicked to perfection by Mark O'Connor (10) edged Kenilworth 8-5 leaders into half time.

As the second half approached the sun dipped, the lights came on and the temperature plummeted. The big Kenilworth crowd was expectant. Kenilworth started much as they finished the first half, counter-rucking and putting Stow under pressure, but from a Stow turnover, and well targeted kick to touch, they won it back at the lineout and rumbled over the line for a try and conversion on 56 minutes. 8-12.

Kenilworth's pack became dominant in the second half with replacements from the bench helping repeatedly to force the opposition up or back or both and winning a few scrums against the head. Great stuff gentlemen.

At 70 minutes (and following a period of inactivity due to two serious injuries to Stow players), from a lineout and maul, Kenilworth forwards, with an assist from Tommy Hunter (12), rumbled over with Bobby Thompson (8) scoring his second of the day, converted by Mark O'Connor (10). 15-12. By this stage, the Kenilworth crowd were very vocal in support of their team, whilst looking in pockets for blood pressure meds, but Stow broke away for a converted score under the posts at 76 minutes. 15-19.

From the re-start Kenilworth mounted another attack turned the ball over and took it for a final camp on Stow's line, repeatedly hammering in, with Bobby Thompson (8), Fin Gibson (7) and Finn Nicholas (16), amongst others, putting in a fantastic final effort. Unfortunately, for Kenilworth, Stow's defence, as patient as ever, capitalised a loose ball, for a kick off the park, to finish the game. 15-19.

Thanks to both sides for a great game of rugby football. All the best to the 2 Stow players who suffered nasty looking injuries, and our hopes for speedy recoveries.

Next weekend there is a big game away at Stratford, a real '10' pointer and all support would be welcome.