Kenilworth Men 33-7 Malvern Men

This was a very important match for both sides, to gain league points and to secure a place in this league for next season.

A Kenilworth Former Players and President's Lunch preceded the game, with nearly eighty attendees reminiscing and chatting about their favourite topic, rugby union.

As soon as the game kicked off, Kenilworth, playing into the prevailing wind, applied pressure onto Malvern and really fronted up. In the opening exchanges Kenilworth played a lot of expansive rugby which resulted in a well-deserved try by Max Brain, who, as ever was supporting the break, this try was converted by Mark O'Connor.

Both sides in the early exchanges of the match were trying to gain ascendency in the set piece and at the breakdown, Kenilworth had the upper hand at the set piece, especially the scrum, which meant that they gained front foot ball. Kenilworth's lineout was also functioning well on both their own ball and the opposition's.

The breakdowns were well contested by both sides and well refereed by Warwickshire's Martin Naylor, who promoted an open game. On 15 minutes, Kenilworth scored again through their energetic left winger Sam Southall after slick handling by his team mates and effective execution.

This well taken try was converted from wide out by Mark O'Connor to make the score 14-0.

Between the 15th minute and the 40th minute the game was largely controlled by Kenilworth, who gained good territory and created several opportunities to score, but just couldn't find that finishing touch. Kenilworth kept on knocking the ball on or giving forward passes in the red zone area.

Malvern's defence held firm under pressure and managed to gain penalties or turn overs during this period of play. At last, much to the large home crowd's relief, on 40 minutes, Bobby Thompson inevitably, scored from a forward drive off a lineout, this try was converted by Mark O'Connor to make the score 21-0 at the half time whistle.

After the break, Kenilworth had the wind at their backs and occasionally used the boot to gain territory. They preferred to play with ball in hand as much as possible, and two minutes into the second half, second row Tom Craig, scored a lovely try after good continuity and support play by his team mates to give Tom the chance to score from 20 metres out.

This try was unconverted, so the score was 26-0. The home crowd anticipated more scores as the game opened up, Malvern continued to show grit and determination in both attack and defence which thwarted Kenilworth's ambition.

Replacements came onto the field for both sides during the next 20 minutes, Kenilworth again creating more chances to score, but Malvern holding firm under pressure. The frustration on both sides came to the fore with too many penalties, and yellow cards for

back chat and foul play when things got tight. Again, Kenilworth applied pressure and yet could not find the next score. On 35 minutes into the second half Malvern scored their only try of the match, off a driving lineout through their forwards, this was converted by Fi Morris. 26-7.

On 40 minutes into the 2nd half Kenilworth scored a well-executed try through the ever-dependable outside-centre Sam Peppitt, who beat several defenders to score, this was converted by full back, Mark O'Connor to give Kenilworth victory at 33-7.

The home support for this match was immense and very appreciative of the efficient and aggressive Kenilworth defence throughout the match. The attack didn't quite click in the red zones, with too many offloads not going to hand when needed. The result of the match, however, gave 5 valuable league points.

This was number 8, Bobby Thompson's last match at home before he hangs up his boots. He was presented with a bottle of bubbly to mark the occasion by the Kenilworth President Rich Bennett in front of a packed club house.

He has been a magnificent servant of Kenilworth rugby playing more than 290 matches and scoring 150 plus tries. He was Captain of the men's first team for nine years, including leading the team in the Intermediate Cup victory at Twickenham.

He has continued to be a driving force and a beacon for the younger players, such as half backs, Finn Nicholas and Finn Barnacle to look up to. Thank you Bobby.

Next week is Easter week end and Kenilworth Girls under 18's play Ampthill Bucks at home at 2.00pm.

Kenilworth men's 1st XV's last league match is away at Luctonian's 2nds on Saturday 11th April. The league continues to be tight and points are valuable.