Luctonians 2nd XV 21-38 Kenilworth 1st XV

Kenilworth men travelled to deepest Herefordshire to play in a vital Regional 2 Midlands West fixture against Luctionians 2nds. The views from the clubhouse towards the Welsh border, five miles away, were stunning, only spoilt by the occasional rain shower preceding the match.

The Kenilworth build up to the game itself was aided by a plethora of travelling supporters who witnessed a truly magnificent performance from their team.

The result and consequent five league points, meant that Kenilworth retained their status in this very competitive league, finishing in a creditable eighth place.

Again, Kenilworth fielded a young side under skipper Ted Bromwich, with a remarkable thirteen former mini and juniors in the squad. With the evergreen and very experienced Bobby Thompson playing his last league game before hanging up his boots, the whole squad showed resilience, fortitude and effective execution.

The match itself was played with a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch. Kenilworth playing into the wind in the first half tenaciously defended when they needed to and attacked with courage and panache. The opening score came from Luctonians, with a well- executed try following a lineout drive and scrum half Josh Nott diving over the line. This was converted by Rhys Lewis.

Kenilworth were always capable of producing good front foot ball off the set piece and the rucks; this allowed them to play with greater continuity, handling as much as possible, looking to offload and play the 'Kenilworth way.' Consequently, playing into the strong wind, on 15 minutes they scored a beautifully executed try through Max Brain, after a break through a ruck by Bobby Thompson, which was converted by Mark O'Connor, to make the score 7-7.

This opening Kenilworth score was quickly followed by another try by hooker Finn Nicholas, who finished off a very accurate build up, with players offloading and supporting after the initial break by Sam Peppitt through the Lucs' defence. This was again converted by Mark O'Connor to put Kenilworth ahead 7-14.

The game continued to be open, with both teams playing with ball in hand and Luc's using the boot and the wind where appropriate to gain ground. On 26 minutes Kenilworth were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes, after a yellow card was shown to winger Harry Kaufmann, scrambling back in defence and entering a ruck from the side.

Consequently, Lucs' scored a well taken try off a scrum in the Kenilworth 22 metre area, using the numerical advantage to create space and winger Charlie Clarke scoring over the whitewash, this was converted by Rhys Lewis, to bring the scores level at 14-14.

Minutes before half time and back to a full fifteen, Kenilworth scored a barbarian-like try through Finn Barnacle, after an initial break by Mark O'Connor from a tap penalty, with Finn in support.

Finn finished off with an effective side step to score under the posts. This was again converted by Mark O'Connor, 14-21, still all to play for.

Playing with the now stronger wind in the 2nd half at their backs, Kenilworth used their kicking game to gain territory and put Lucs' under pressure. Kenilworth's defence was workman-like, aggressive and measured, which inevitably enabled them to create turn overs.

From one such turn over, rapid winger Sam Herniman was the grateful recipient of a pass to put him into space, he made really good ground and he offloaded to Joe England who scored in the left-hand corner to make the score 14-26.

This score was quickly followed by a Sam Peppitt try 10 minutes into the second half. Sam playing at outside centre, had an outstanding game and fully deserved to be on the scoresheet. This score came from a notable sequence of play by Kenilworth who had their tails up and played with confidence to put the ball into space, Finn Barnacle being the provider. This try was converted by Mark O'Connor to put the game at 14-33.

At this stage Lucs' were running the ball from deep in their own half to get back in the game, they were playing with verve and intelligence, but Kenilworth's defence held firm in the face of the onslaught. Kenilworth's pressure reaped rewards as 25 minutes into the 2nd half hooker Finn Nicholas was again on hand to score a try off the provider, who was yet again the ever- present Bobby Thompson. This made the score 14-38.

With three minutes left in the game, the tenacious Lucs' scored a well taken and deserved try through their forwards with Harvey Whitehead diving over the line. This was converted by winger Rhys Lewis to make the score 21-38.

Following this score, replacement back Sam Fountaine was shown a yellow card along with the Lucs' opposition player for a disagreement on the ground. Sam was contrite as he claimed he had done very little to exacerbate the minor dispute.

The penalty was reversed in Sam's favour after the referee saw fit. The final whistle went several moments later.

This was a fantastic game of rugby and a great advert for the community game. Director of Rugby, Matt Price and Attack Coach Jimmy Gopperth, called all the supporters over for the post -match huddle with the players and sung the praises of everyone, especially Bobby Thompson. A very nice genial touch, a fitting tribute, very much appreciated by all present.

Luctonians were great hosts in a really atmospheric club house. Man of the Match for Kenilworth was canny scrum-half Finn Nichol who is thriving in the role and performing really well at this level.

The league season has now drawn to a close for the men's team with Kenilworth finishing with nine wins, one draw and 12 losses. The support given to this squad is always very much appreciated, they still have a Warwickshire Cup Final to play, but as yet, nobody knows the date for this.

This young Kenilworth squad has grown and matured in the months throughout the season and especially performed in the last seven matches. Ably led by skipper Ted Bromwich and vice-captain Tommy Hunter, things bode well for the future.