Plucky Kenilworth lose out to Bridgnorth

By James Smith

27th Mar 2023 | Rugby


Kenilworth had already lost to Bridgnorth in the reverse fixture (image via Willie Whitesmith)
Kenilworth had already lost to Bridgnorth in the reverse fixture (image via Willie Whitesmith)

Kenilworth narrowly lost out to Bridgnorth at Glasshouse Lane, having hoped to avenge the one-point loss on the road in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Before the game players and spectators joined together for an impeccably observed tribute to the late Tony 'Snelly' Snelson, with members of his family also in attendance.

With the game underway, visitors Bridgnorth - with the wind behind them - were the first to score.

Following a series of lineouts in the home 22, and several thwarted attempts, the heavy Bridgnorth pack eventually scored a converted try with just 10 minutes on the clock. Score 0-7.

But for a nice break from Kenilworth fly half Jowett, the home side had little to shout about in the opening stages of the game.

Bridgnorth continued to dominate and scored their second try through prop and ex-Championship player Nick Selway - a recent signing for the club. Score 0-14 with 20 minutes on the clock.

Two tries down inside the first quarter of the game, the Kenilworth supporters were hoping for a reaction from their charges; and so it was with some good approach play through the boots of half-backs Calviezel- Cox and Jowett, before Peppitt from 13, sliced through the Bridgnorth defence to open Kenilworth's account for the afternoon. Morgan converted, score 7-14 with 35 minutes gone.

Players and spectators joined together for a tribute to the late Tony 'Snelly' Snelson (image via Willie Whitesmith)

From the restart it was Kenilworth back on the attack, first Bobby Thompson, seemingly unstoppable in close-quarters, then Will Morgan with a deft chip over the top which was neatly gathered by the supporting Calviezel-Cox to score under the posts. Morgan added the two points. Score 14-14.

Before the half was out, Bridgnorth scored their third try with a break wide out and added a good conversion. Halt time score 14-21.

Bridgnorth, still mathematically in with a shout of promotion, started the second half as they had the first scoring two unanswered tries, converting one. Ten minutes of the second half gone, score 14-33.

Despite the late stage of the season, and the fact the result would not affect Ken's final league position, the Kenilworth side were not finished yet and showed real grit in staying in the game and were rewarded with their third try scored by Thompson barrelling his way over from 10 metres out. Morgan did not miss from close range. Score 21-33.

With the game approaching the final quarter, Kenilworth were now winning the collisions and had their tails up.

A series of heavy carries took play up to halfway before Jowett found his way through the first-line defence and rounded the full-back to score as fine a solo (and bonus point) try - not for the first time at Glasshouse Lane this season. Conversion good. Score 28-33 with 15 minutes to go.

The seesaw-like game continued with the visitors rallying to score two more tries. Score 28-45 with five mins to go.

Determined to have the last laugh, Kenilworth rallied in this our penultimate game of the season; skipper Bobby Thompson finishing off a flowing passage of play with his second try of the game. Conversion good. Final score 35-45.

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