Kenilworth Men travelled to Bridgnorth in the next round of the Regional One Midlands league. In an exciting game for the neutral, and ultimately the home supporters, Bridgnorth took the spoils 31 points to 28.

Despite reports of rain, the Kenilworth men were welcomed to a picturesque Bridgnorth bathed in bright autumnal sunshine, the slow pace of the meandering River Severn nearby, a far cry from what was to unfurl on the pitch. 

It was Kenilworth who scored first on the eight-minute mark, having soaked up some early pressure; the forwards and most notably number 8 Mike Ryan (who was outstanding on the day) set the platform for the backs to show their slight of hand, sending right wing David Opoku-Fourjour heading for the try line.

The try was initially averted with a cover-tackle from the home 12.

The tackle was adjudged to be high by the referee who duly awarded Kenilworth the penalty try, and sent the player to the sin bin.

With 25 minutes on the clock the home side levelled the score; working through their set up phases, the resilient Kenilworth defence eventually cracked, conceding a try on the right wing, in front of the clubhouse.

Some five minutes later, the Blue and Golds extended their lead.

After further good work from the pack, edging the tussle in the scrum and Mike Ryan leading the charge, the ball was neatly shipped through the hands to David Opoku-Fordjour, to show his pace and dot down.

An excellent conversion from Jowett took the score to 7-14.

(Image via Willie Whitesmith)

With ten to go until half time the home side were looking like it was they who had travelled an hour and a half by bus, Kenilworth were in again.

More good build up play, now with Andresen, Hudson and Kavanagh joining Ryan with their own incisions into the stout home defence, full back Peppitt scored under the post. Again Jowett added the conversation.

With the significant away crowd bolstered by the President's away-day coach, now in full voice, the visitors were in Severn- heaven as Kenilworth again got over the line, this time with imposing centre Jayde Cruickshank picking an excellent line to charge over with what seemed like most of Bridgnorth on his back.

Successful conversion came from Jowett and Kenilworth were dominant at 7-28.

The try bonus point was in the bag and another try may well have seen off the home side for good.

In what seemed like a long first half, certainly full of action, the home side began to impose themselves.

After winning a couple of quick-fire penalties they played themselves into a scoring position, culminating in a converted try from a catch and drive. Score 14-28 and it now evident that when in-flow, the home side had more than enough to trouble the visitors.

With skipper for the day, Phil Boulton's half time words ringing in their ears, it was Kenilworth who took the best of the first ten minutes of the half. Good team play from a lineout took hooker Adam Carey over the line, but the referee signalled that he had been held up over the line.

Midway through the second half the home side now had the upper hand. Continued pressure led to their third try down the right wing.

A great tap tackle from Hudson might otherwise have thwarted the attack, but for excellent support play and their winger dashed in for a try. Score 21-28.

Within ten mins and having won territory with some deft kicking through the fly half, Bridgnorth won the lineout and their prop burst through some weak Kenilworth defence to score under the posts. Two points added. Score 28-28. The home side now also earning a four try bonus point.

The last few minutes of the half saw Bridgnorth bag a penalty, taking them into the lead for the first time, giving them a slender lead at 31-28.

The visitors were not done however and played themselves into the opposition 22, but sadly fluffed their lines at the line out, giving possession to Bridgnorth who saw out the final seconds to take the game. 

This week is Derby weekend with the first XV taking on local rivals Broadstreet at Glasshouse Lane.

Kenilworth are offering free entry to Wasps Season Ticket Holders and are expecting a bumper crowd.