Kenilworth opened their season in new National League Three, Midlands, with a good win against Luctonians, who by a narrow margin, denied them the play-off place in Midlands One, in the final game of last term. With a new coach, Mat Davies, and several fresh faces in their line-up, they produced a potent display of attacking rugby against one of the traditionally strong teams at this level of Rugby Union. Indeed, Lucs, with their usual forward-based play to the fore, were in contention for much of an enthralling, high-scoring contest (writes Bob Jones).

The high tempo opening exchanges set the tone for the remainder of the game. For Kenilworth, Luke Brown, Mike Rust and Jimmy Middleton featured in exciting breaks. The Lucs pack gradually began to impose itself, and won two penalties for scrummaging offences, as the game entered its second quarter. However, it was the Ks' attacking flair that produced the opening score after 25 minutes, an unconverted try for Gareth Renowden that followed a Russell Clarke penalty to touch and subsequent lineout ball from Luke Watts. A move involving ex-Rugby Lions men Rust and Adrian Hales nearly paid dividends, before the former seized the ball in his own half and blasted his way through the visitors' defence for a try, which Clarke converted on the half-hour. A purple patch was completed three minutes later, when James Hersey broke and kicked ahead for Renowden to gather and touch down, Clarke adding the extras. Sensing that the game was in danger of slipping away from them, Lucs upped the ante, stealing the Ks' lineout ball and setting up a rolling maul that resulted in a try for Byron, converted by Simpson just prior to half time, at which the score was 19-7.

The second half opened with the pacy and powerful duo of Hales and Rust creating havoc for the visitors' defence. Nonetheless, it was the men from Mortimer Park who posted the next two scores, penalty goals by Simpson that followed scrummaging offences, as the lighter Kenilworth eight struggled against the might of the pack from Herefordshire. Clarke replied in kind, after a move inspired by Rick Smith was illegally halted. Kenilworth resumed normal service as the game was about to enter its final quarter. A clever kick ahead by Renowden was gathered by Middleton, whose offload to Hales enabled him to cross in the left corner, Clarke adding an excellent conversion. Seeing the points gap widen once again, Lucs responded immediately, and a slick move saw Ruell cross and Simpson convert. This rally was nullified on the half hour. First Renowden, then Rust, were involved in a move that saw Hales break and transfer to Brown. His try in the right corner was once more improved by the impressive Clarke. True to form, Lucs came again as the game entered its last throes. Their pack was exerting serious pressure in the Ks' 22, and opted for a scrum instead of a penalty kick for offside. Following this, they lost the ball, which Middleton gathered and streaked away, before transferring to Clarke on his outside. His long run culminated under the posts, and conversion ended the Kenilworth scoring, but not that of Luctonians. Their pack continued to drive relentlessly up field, and when Watts was sin-binned by referee Mr Campbell, on the stroke of normal time, for one offside too many, they powered over once again, this time Price getting the touchdown, but Simpson failing to convert, making the final score 43-25.

Kenilworth: Rust, Middleton, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Brown, Clarke, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati, Hobbins, Watts, Smith, Storey, Thompson. Replacements: Bladon, Lowthian, Peacock.

Following last week's splendid performance in their opening game of National Midlands Three, Kenilworth could reasonably have expected to come away from the foot of the spectacular Precambrian ridge that dominates the area to the south-west of Worcester, with at least a share of the spoils. However, a pack missing several first-choice players, coupled by an erratic performance by the backs, was their undoing, going down to a young, inexperienced and enthusiastic Malvern side, in warm sunshine at Spring Lane (writes Bob Jones).

The home side were immediately on the offensive and it was no surprise, when after several drives by their pack in the Ks' 22, a penalty ensued, and Adam Dixon opened their account on six minutes. There was a glimpse of Kenilworth's talented back division when Mike Rust, Adrian Hales and Luke Brown combined to carve a hole in the home defence, but it was in the tight that the visitors were experiencing a torrid time. This resulted in a series of penalties against them, awarded by referee Andy Attwell. One of these culminated in a try for James Martin, Dixon converting after 18 minutes. Shortly afterwards, a rare penalty award for the Ks saw Russell Clarke's kick rebound off the crossbar. Reward came on the half hour, when a superb move released Hales, who squeezed in at the left corner, Clarke's conversion drifting narrowly wide. The final phase of the half was more evenly contested, and culminated just prior to the break with a crunching tackle by Brown on prop John Clark, which left both men the worse for wear.

With typical grit and determination, the collision did not appear to have affected Brown unduly, as he opened the second half with a mark deep in his own half and a great run from there into the Malvern 22, before, lacking support, being forced to hold onto the ball illegally. A better spell for the Ks saw James Hersey, Rust and Jimmy Middleton put together a neat move, before a rare, decent drive by the pack ended with a Gareth Renowden touchdown that levelled the scores. Clarke, so accurate with the boot last week, missed the conversion on seven minutes. There followed a most unfortunate 10 minute spell, during which the game was effectively lost. First, another bold move, with Rust and Middleton to the fore, broke down and saw Edward Binham scoop up the ball and cross under the posts, Dixon converting. Then a kick ahead was chased by Sean Robinson, who won the race and touched down for an unconverted try. The lively James Peacock was now introduced for the clearly groggy Brown, with Renowden moving to the wing. More misery followed, when one offence too many, as the Malvern eight bore down on the Kenilworth line, saw Mr Attwell award a penalty try, duly converted by Dixon. To cap all this, Ian Phillips was sent to the sin-bin. Captain Hersey rallied his troops with an incisive break that was finished in style by Hales on 24 minutes. Clarke's off-day continued with a conversion miss from in front of the posts. More pressure by the Ks saw Binham yellow-carded just after the half hour, but a score still did not materialize. For the final few minutes, coach Mat Davies introduced Ross Lowthian for Dan Careless and Jai Purewal for Sam Hobbins, to no avail. At the death, it was 29-15.

Kenilworth: Rust, Brown, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Dodd, Hobbins, Careless, Phillips, Bladon, Thompson. Replacements: Peacock, Lowthian, Purewal.

Contests between these old and friendly rivals from Warwickshire and Shropshire respectively, are invariably close. This was no exception, with the home side, still searching for its best form, overturning a small half-time deficit to record a narrow victory against a well organized and feisty visiting outfit, whose game largely revolved around their play-maker Tanumi and customary beefy pack (writes Bob Jones).

The game started at a frantic pace and was end-to-end, with open play by both sides to the fore. For Kenilworth, Mike Rust, Gareth Renowden and Luke Watts made telling breaks, and Jimmy Middleton was never far from the action. Russell Clarke missed a dropped goal before jinking his way over for a try, then converting it on 20 minutes, to end the stalemate. The lead did not last long in the face of a determined response by Newport. First, Stiles completed a neat move with a try that Tanumi converted after 26 minutes. Three minutes later, poor defence left Pete Roberts, introduced moments earlier for the injured Renowden, two-on-one in the face of a pulsating attack that culminated in a try for Curvengen, Tanumi again adding the extras. The visitors were on top now. Excellent runs by Climber and Faulkner nearly paid dividends, and it took a fine tackle by Bruce Storey to snuff out another dangerous move. The Ks were restricted to a James Hersey break that ended with a knock-on, before, in the final minutes of the half, the powerful Rust burst away to cause chaos in the visiting defence. Subsequently, Jamie Peacock, now at scrum-half, obtained the ball and set off on a determined run of his own. Casting off all-comers en route, he touched down in the right corner. Clarke's conversion attempt hit a post, to make the score 12-14 at the interval.

Fired up by some stern words from Coach Mat Davies, Kenilworth tore into their opponents at the outset of the second half. Watts was in the van of an incisive move, and Peacock was constantly probing for an opening. Dan Careless and Nick Collett got in on the act, before another powerful thrust by Rust saw him offload to Roberts, who was adjudged by referee Michael Dickens to have been held up as he attempted to touch down. Nonetheless, Newport were never out of contention. They won several turn-overs that set up counter attacks, in which full-back Mann featured prominently. The Ks took the lead after 28 minutes. Adrian Hales, hitherto quiet by his own explosive standards, finished a move, in which Rust and Roberts played important roles, with a try, which Clarke converted. Rob Varney replaced Tristan Wati on the half-hour and Andy Bladon came on for Careless close to full-time. The final phase of play saw Newport still pressing, especially by means of a series of drives by their pack, deep in Kenilworth territory. However, sound defence kept them at bay until the final whistle.

Kenilworth: Peacock, Middleton, Hales, Hersey(Capt), Rust, Clarke, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati,Phillips, Careless Watts,Storey, Smith. Replacements:Varney, Bladon, Roberts.

Kenilworth recorded their first victory at Fengate, following an incident-packed afternoon that included a much-delayed kick-off, red card and nail-biting finale to this National Three Midlands encounter (writes Bob Jones).

Delayed by several hours by traffic problems en route, referee Graham Dickens finally got proceedings under way at 16.10 hours, and was immediately in action, awarding a seemingly endless stream of penalties to both sides. Peterborough, with their usual abrasive forward-based game much in evidence, were now well on top, and it took a last-ditch tackle by Alex Stanojevic to prevent his opposite number Guseinov having a clear passage to the line. Jamie Peacock missed a penalty goal attempt, but his counterpart, Lowe, made no mistake with one after 13 minutes. Another try-saving tackle, this time by Adrian Hales, was followed by a most unsavoury passage of play that included two bouts of fisticuffs, and which culminated in a red card for Peterborough lock Crooks on 26 minutes. The game continued on the edge for some time thereafter. Stanojevic, Mike Rust and Jimmy Middleton combined in good moves that nearly paid off, as the Ks sought to capitalize on their man advantage. This became two, when on 35 minutes, prop Harrison was sin-binned for deliberately slowing down play. However, to their credit, the home side had enough nous to repel the onslaught, and to make matters worse, Lowe extended their lead with a second penalty goal just before the half ended.

The exhortations of Coach Mat Davies during the interval led to a bout of intense pressure by Kenilworth at the outset of the second half. Hales stormed away but his pass to Middleton went astray. Peterborough responded, and after a forward pass cancelled a touch-down, they extended their lead with a try by centre Marcisauskas that followed good work by both forwards and backs, Lowe adding the conversion points on six minutes. Renewed pressure by the Ks brought reward six minutes later, Rust crossing in the right corner, following a neat move, which began with an astute pass by Bruce Storey. Peacock missed the conversion. Encouraged by this score, Stanojevic, James Hersey, Rust and Hales in particular, began to test the home defence, with one stunning move judged by Mr. Dickens to have been broken down by a forward pass. Against the run of play, a clever punt ahead was gathered by winger Carrington, whose touch down was improved by Lowe on 22 minutes. In serious trouble, Kenilworth began to mount an impressive comeback. A thrilling run by Rust was followed by a try for Middleton that capped a move in which the pack, with Luke Watts in the van, was instrumental. Tristan Wati was now replaced by Rob Varney, whose fresh legs and know-how were influential for the remainder of the contest. Within the next five minutes, both Gareth Renowden and Watts were deemed to have been held up as they attempted to get the ball down. Not to be outdone, the ever-alert Renowden crashed over for a try shortly afterwards, Peacock converting to reduce the deficit to three points. The game was won on the stroke of normal time. A break by Peacock, then recycled ball, set up a move that ended with a trade-mark burst and try for Hersey. It was unconverted, and the six added minutes, during which Dom Carrick replaced Ian Phillips, saw Peterborough frantically probing for a winning score, but to no avail, as good defence prevailed.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Rust, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Middleton, Peacock, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati, Phillips, Careless, Watts, Storey, Smith. Replacements: Varney, Carrick, Purewal.

Luton resumed both their winning and high-scoring form in National Three Midlands, by brushing aside a well below-par Kenilworth, outscoring them by seven tries to three, with a very impressive display of disciplined, attacking rugby at a windy Glasshouse Lane. While the home side had the better of the exchanges up-front, the all-action approach of the visitors frequently caused panic in their ranks. This, coupled with a tendency to stand off their opponents in the face of a succession of slick and powerful surges, contributed in no small measure to their downfall (writes Bob Jones).

In context, it was perhaps surprising that Kenilworth, already forced into a change when Ian Phillips retired with a badly rearranged nose, Dan Careless replacing him, took the lead after 12 minutes. A forward rumble led by Tristan Wati, then involvement by Gareth Renowden saw the ball reach Mike Rust. His customary powerful run ended with a try in the right corner, to which Jamie Peacock added an excellent conversion. Luton's response was swift, with four minutes later, Sloman, aided by poor defensive work, crossing under the posts, and Anker converting, to level the scores. The well-drilled Luton machine, with flanker Temperley especially prominent, gradually gained the ascendancy, but Kenilworth nosed in front once more on the half-hour by virtue of a Peacock penalty goal after the visitors failed to release the ball. It took just three minutes for the men from Bedfordshire to regain the lead, another mistake by the Ks allowing Alden to cross for an unconverted try. This was added to on the stroke of half-time, when an Alecs Stanojevic break culminated with a lost ball that enabled Meehan to scamper over for a converted try, which made the score 10-19 at the interval.

Kenilworth were a little more effective for the first few minutes of the second half. A determined run by Nick Collett was spoilt when, lacking support, he was forced to hold on to the ball. However, the mistakes soon reappeared, with the most serious, again by Stanojevic, setting up a try for MacDonald, Anker adding the extras on eight minutes. Worse was to follow, when three minutes later, albeit this time after a good move initiated by themselves, Luton went further ahead with a try by Mytton, the reliable Anker converting. Seeing that a rout could be imminent, the Ks fought back for a spell. Wati was replaced by Rob Varney. Adrian Hales surged away but his pass to Rust went to ground. He then redeemed himself with a splendid try, carving through the Luton defence, following good work by Jimmy Middleton. Jez Noon was now introduced in place of Stanojevic. Another decent move, with Middleton and Rust the instigators, ended with a clever drive by the pack and try for Sam Overton, which Peacock converted on 28 minutes. Alas, that was the end of the home scores, but not those of the visitors, who did not let up their attacks. In the final few minutes, Anker finished a neat move, but could not convert his try, before adding the extras to one for Howells.

Kenilworth: Stanovejic, Rust, Hales, Hersey(Capt), Middleton, Peacock, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati, Phillips, Watts, Smith, Storey, Thompson. Replacements: Varney, Careless, Noon.

First lashed by Luton, then annihilated by Ampthill. Kenilworth's second game in succession against Bedfordshire-based opponents in National Three Midlands, was lost in very much the same manner as the first. A chaotic approach, characterized by a combination of over-eager and panic-stricken attacking moves, which almost invariably broke down, allied with weak defending that led to the majority of the home tries, proved their undoing against a sharp, well-organized outfit, who are enjoying their first taste of rugby at this level. To make matters worse, this was against the backdrop of overall territorial advantage and forward supremacy for the men from Glasshouse Lane (writes Bob Jones).

After ten minutes of Kenilworth dominance, the tone for the remainder of the game was set, when following their first move of the game, Ampthill's Benjamin Brierley scored an unconverted try, which saw several defenders clutching at thin air. The home side then lost scrum-half Thomas Warfield to injury, Thomas Jankowski replacing him, before they increased their lead with a penalty goal by full-back Kieron Davies on 21 minutes, after the Ks had strayed offside. Their injury toll continued, with flanker Jack Micans forced to retire, with Simon Rose coming on. Kenilworth responded with a clever break by Jamie Peacock, which Jimmy Middleton carried on to within the home 22. A loose pass by James Hersey set up threatening attack by Ampthill, and only a last-ditch ankle-tap by Peacock prevented a score. A Gareth Renowden chip to touch in the corner led to better things. The ball was moved left from a subsequent scrum, and Mike Rust, on the loop, outwitted the defence for a try that Russell Clarke converted on 33 minutes, to reduce the lead to one point. Two minutes later, again courtesy of profligate play, this had increased to eight, by virtue of a break-out try by wing Adam Shaw, converted by Davies. Adrian Hales seemed set to close the gap once more, as he scorched towards the line but then off-loaded to no-one in particular. The ball was scooped up by alert Amphill hands, and lo and behold, with the defence obligingly parting like the waters of the Red Sea, another breakaway try ensued, this time by centre Ryan Spencer, Davies adding the extras as the half entered added time, to make the score 22-7 at he interval.

The half-time exhortations of Mat Davies, his counterpart today being fellow Welshman, and former Wales and Worcester Warriors coach, Clive Griffiths, had good effect as the second half began. Concerted pressure by the pack, with Paul Thompson prominent, then a Renowden pass, enabled Rust to storm away before transferring to Hales, who completed the move after four minutes. However, Clarke was unable to add the conversion points. Hales was motoring again shortly afterwards but this time, his pass found touch, as did Peacock's torso, following an excellent run by the full-back. The forward exchanges were becoming heated, and following a robust ruck, referee Greg McDonald, spotting illegal Kenilworth hands, awarded a penalty, which the reliable Davies dispatched from close to the half-way line. Just prior to the start of the final quarter, when Aleks Stanojevic appeared in place of Renowden, with Peacock assuming scrum-half duties, and Andy Bladon was introduced for Charles Bailie, a rare piece of loose play by Ampthill was capitalized on by Hales. Trademark pace and guile from the former Rugby Lion resulted in his second try, which Clarke converted, to close the gap to six points after 21 minutes. The home side once more immediately responded. A blind-side move close to the Ks 22 yet again found defenders absent, and culminated in a try for Jankowski, converted by Davies on 63 minutes. The forward battle erupted just before the half-hour. A flurry of punches, one aimed at Thompson, saw Mr. McDonald issue only a warning, along with a penalty to Kenilworth. However, with the home pack bearing down on the visitor's line, he decided that Luke Watts had to go to the sin-bin for obstruction on 34 minutes. Davies duly punished the indiscretion with a penalty goal, before three minutes later, the speedy Shaw completed the rout with his second try, converted by Davies, after Peacock failed to gather an albeit excellent, kick ahead.

Kenilworth: Peacock, Rust, Hales, Hersey (Capt), Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Greevy, Baillie, Watts, Smith, Storey, Thompson. Replacements: Dodd, Bladon, Stanojevic

Kenilworth came out on top in this thrilling local derby despite trailing towards the end of the first half by 3-14.

Kenilworth started strongly with Ross Lowthian prominent in many attacks but it was Leamington who took a shock lead with a breakaway converted try. Kenilworth again were prominent and a Lee Cassell penalty reduced the deficit. However another Leamington breakout extended their lead with a converted try, 3-14. With the first half coming to an end Kenilworth finally got their act together with a superb Pete Roberts try and Lee Cassell conversion from the touchline. Half time 10-14.

Kenilworth then began the second half in the same manner with a Lee Cassell penalty and drop goal taking the lead for the first time in the game. This was however short lived as Leamington roared back into the game and were successful with a penalty to regain the lead, 16-17.

This only spurred Kenilworth into action and quick unconverted tries from Adam Trean, brilliantly set up by Griz McGuire and Peter Roberts, and Jamie McCance from a Leamington line-out set up a 26-17 lead with fifteen minutes remaining.

A blatant knock on from the Leamington winger was missed by referee Mark Rose and with Kenilworth waiting on the call Leamington waltzed in under the posts for an unconverted try. Immediately from the kick off Leamington took possession and slick inter passing resulted in a superb but unconverted try and a 26-27 score line.

Kenilworth had it all to do again and pressed hard and got their due rewards when a Leamington indiscretion allowed Lee Cassell to slot a penalty for the final score of the game.

Kenilworth then weathered the ten minutes of injury time to run out winners in a hard fought contest.

Kenilworth came within a whisker of a third successive defeat in National Three Midlands, overcoming basement-boys Bedford Athletic with a try on the stroke of full-time. It was a game that they did not deserve to win, and from which they can take a lesson in both application and concentration from their visitors. The failings of previous weeks, notably ad hoc play by the backs and infectivity at the breakdown, were again to the fore, and will need urgent attention for sterner challenges in forthcoming fixtures (writes Bob Jones).

Ath came out with all guns blazing. After fly-half Lawrence had contrived to loose the ball, rather than touch it down, a high tackle by the Ks resulted in a penalty goal by centre Ryder on nine minutes. With this wake-up call, the home side came more into the contest. Luke Watts was in the van of a good surge that ended with a penalty award - one of many by somewhat over-zealous referee Luke Haskins,which Russell Clarke dispatched to level the scores on the quarter-hour. He was successful with another kick two minutes later, following a scrummaging offence. At the start of the second quarter,the home cause was not helped by a yellow card, for coming in from the side, for Robert Varney, who had taken just 30 seconds at the start of the game to first incur the displeasure of Mr. Haskins. End-to-end, scrappy exchanges were enlivened by a superb James Hersey break to within the visitor's 22, after 28 minutes. Unfortunately, his exertions ended in a heavy fall, which forced him to retire, following a lengthy spell of treatment. Lee Cassell was introduced at full-back, with Jamie Peacock moving to centre. Slack defensive work, plus great determination from the scorer, saw flanker Beagent touch down after 35 minutes, Ryder converting to regain the lead. As the game moved into a substantial period of added time before the interval, loose play by both sides was concluded by a decent drive by the home pack, which facilitated a Gareth Renowden touch-down. Not to be outdone, Ath immediately responded with a smart drop-goal by Ryder. Clarke had the last scoring opportunity, putting over a penalty goal to regain the lead, and make the score 14-13 at half-time.

A bout of aerial ping-pong, currently all-too-familiar at every level of Rugby Union, characterized the opening exchanges of the second half. The Ks bad habits then surfaced once again. The ball was jettisoned in an attack by the backs that was both hurried and over-elaborate. Ath stormed away, and in spite of a last-ditch tackle, the ball was popped up to wing Jones, who crossed for a converted try after three minutes. Varney, becoming increasingly likely to be shown a red card, was wisely withdrawn by coach Mat Davies on eight minutes, Nick Collett replacing him. Sensing that things were shaping up for the worse, the Ks increased their momentum. Following one good drive by the pack, Beagent was sin-binned for deliberately slowing down play. Although it seemed beyond them to work out how to capitalize on their man advantage, the ever-alert Renowden eventually chased a kick ahead and touched down for his second unconverted try, which reduced the deficit to one point. The game became increasingly forward dominated, with Ath's speciality being wheeling the scrum. Their front row was particularly effective, and it was no surprise when a driving maul culminated in a try for lock Stones, the cultured boot of Ryder adding the extras on 34 minutes. Cue a frantic last effort by Kenilworth. A rather disjointed move was tidied up by Adrian Hales, whose pace and power did the rest. Clarke failed to convert, as he did following a Peacock try in the last seconds, which came via a Hales pass. This was thoroughly deserved by the utility player, who had just failed to get over following a stunning individual break. Get out of jail indeed!

Kenilworth: Peacock, Rust, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Greavy, Overton, Varney, Baillie, Watts Smith, Storey, Thompson. Replacements:Collett, Carrick, Cassell.

Kenilworth, still with a very limited squad due to injury and unavailability, bounced back in style from an indifferent spell in National Three Midlands, defeating a strong Bromsgrove side with a splendid all-round display. Most of the worrying attacking and defensive deficiencies of the last few weeks were absent. Notably, bodies were on the line in the face of a determined come-back by the home team, whose bulky front-row were instrumental in many of their moves (writes Bob Jones).

The opening exchanges were dominated by Bromsgove, with their big pack setting out their stall. Opposing fly-halves Copson and Russell Clarke each missed penalty goal attempts, while having to battle wind gusting across Finstall Park. It was thus a surprise when a rare Kenilworth break-out saw the ball reach the Division's leading try-scorer, Adrian Hales, who proceeded to demonstrate why, with a speedy and strong run to the line from a long way out, which left defenders for dead. Clarke's conversion attempt rebounded from a post on 13 minutes. Bromsgrove kept attacking but the defence held firm, with one Matt Greavy tackle standing out. The Ks pack, while substantially lighter than their opponents, who favoured brawn over brain, were by far the better technically, especially in the loose. This began to pay dividends, and reward ensued when a move, started by a Jai Purewal break, was carried on with a series of drives that culminated in a try for Andy Bladon, Clarke converting to stretch the lead as the game entered added time. During this, the combined efforts of Jimmy Middleton and Gareth Renowden saw a Bromsgrove attacker dispatched into touch as the line loomed.

A change by coach Mat Davies early in the second half saw Tristan Wati appear in place of Nick Collett. Clarke was using the wind intelligently, finding excellent touches deep in home territory. The game continued in much the same vein, another smart effort by the forwards leading to a second try for Bladon after seven minutes, Clarke adding the extras to make the tally 19 unanswered points. Bromsgrove suddenly got the bit between their teeth, with their forwards, as ever, to the fore. A strong drive from close quarters ended with a try for prop Salisbury, Copson converting after 11 minutes. Three minutes later, the influential No 10 capped a sweeping move with a try and conversion, to narrow the gap to five points. Constant pressure for the next eight minutes resulted in a try by centre Quinn, Copson converting to edge the home side ahead. This good work was almost immediately undone by holding on to the ball illegally, the offence being punished by a Clarke penalty goal, which restored the narrowest of leads. The entertaining battle continued, end-to-end, with similar ingredients. Excellent defensive work by Kenilworth, allied to their technical superiority up-front, enabled them to edge further ahead after 35 minutes, Wati touching down after strong pressure in the Bromsgrove 22. In the dying throes, with everything bar the kitchen sink being thrown at them, a monumental tackle by Hales stopped what looked like a certain try, and a raking touch-finder by Clarke relieved more pressure, before time was called.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Renowden, Hales, Purewal, Middleton, Clarke, Peacock, Greavy, Overton, Collett, Baillie, Watts, Bladon, Storey, Thompson(Capt.). Replacements: Wati, Trean.

Enigmatic Kenilworth. Following last week's stunning success, their see-saw season continued with defeat, in a game that they should have had dead and buried by half-time. Old failings, seemingly put to bed, resurfaced in the face of a determined come-back by a close-knit and physical Hereford side, who barely entered home territory during the first quarter of the contest (writes Bob Jones).

The game was just a few seconds old, when the shrill whistle of referee Douglas Neagle, all too frequent for the remainder of the encounter, heralded the first in a string of penalties against the visitors, as they struggled to come to terms with the technical superiority of their hosts, notably up-front. In the face of this onslaught, it was no surprise when a Jamie Peacock try opened the scoring, albeit with the aid of a convenient hole in the Hereford defence, Russell Clarke adding the extras on nine minutes. Clearly rattled, the Wye Valley outfit began to go beyond the bounds of Mr. Neagle's limited range of tolerance, with prop Hillstead first to be brandished a yellow card. A deliberate knock-forward followed, this being punished by a Clarke penalty goal. Then, centre Knight received the ten minutes in the sin-bin for coming in from the side. With a two-man advantage, plus territorial supremacy, it could reasonably be expected that Kenilworth would take advantage and rack up the points. They did not. Indeed, a Hereford interception of a loose pass nearly ended with a try, before Matt Greevy's departure to the sin-bin, for coming in from the side, gave them further impetus. Although play was scrappy, the visitors were getting on top, and it took several good tackles, notably by Jai Purewal and Gareth Renowden, to snuff out dangerous attacks, before the interval.

From the restart,the portents were not good for Kenilworth, when an elementary error resulted in a scrum, to the delight of the increasingly influential and heavier Hereford pack. Following this, centre Griffiths cut through some weak tackles, but was eventually hauled down just short of the line. It was now the Ks turn to panic and infringe, with Bruce Storey singled out for killing the ball, and sent off for a ten-minute spell. Unlike their hosts, the visitors capitalized on their man advantage at once, and were rewarded with an excellent try by Knight, whose jinking run to near the posts afforded fly-half Powell a relatively easy conversion. The introduction of Tristan Wati for Greevy after ten minutes, improved the forward play, and the backs began to see a little more of the ball. However, an Aleks Stanojevic break culminated with a poor pass, and other moves also fizzled out. It was left to Andy Bladon to go closest, a good run ending just short, and with him being penalized for holding on. Hereford drew level as the game entered its final quarter. A dubious offside decision afforded the accomplished boot of Powell a penalty goal attempt, which he dispatched with aplomb. An exciting break by Peacock was spoilt because he had no-one in tandem to carry on the move, before Bladon became Mr. Neagle's next recruit for the sin-bin. This was costly, as Powell popped over the resulting penalty, thereby edging Hereford into the lead, with five minutes of normal time remaining. Pete Roberts now appeared in place of Purewal. Within a couple of minutes, he had provided a pass that enabled the hard-working Paul Thompson to touch down, completing a sweeping move, which started with an excellent run from Jimmy Middleton. A Clarke conversion seemed to have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. It was not to be. In time added, with Dom Carrick on for Charlie Baillie, and Hereford hungry for the spoils, a last-ditch attack that took advantage of some weak tackling, ended with an unconverted try wide on the left for right-wing Gynne.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Renowden, Viggers, Purewal, Middleton, Clarke, Peacock, Collett, Overton, Greevy, Smith, Baillie, Bladon, Storey, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements:Wati, Carrick, Roberts.

Another heavy defeat. Yet, until the closing minutes of the third quarter of this encounter at Leicester Road, Kenilworth had managed to keep in touch with a strong Hinckley side, whose teamwork and enthusiasm were testimony to their current lofty position in National Three Midlands (writes Bob Jones).

An encouraging opening by the visitors, highlighted by a strong James Hersey break and strike against the head, was nullified by a try by centre Steve List, converted by scrum-half Joe Glover after nine minutes. This capped a good move, which, however, was enabled by loose Kenilworth play. Frantic end-to-end action, littered with mistakes by both sides, was then the pattern. The first offence to be punished with points was by the Ks, when they strayed offside, Glover extending Hinckley's lead on 18 minutes. Two minutes later, Russell Clarke opened the visitors account with a penalty goal, after the ball had been killed. His boot was in action again after 24 minutes, adding the extras to a try by Sam Viggers that resulted from a good, uncomplicated, attack. The scores did not remain level for long. Influential home fly-half Guy Swadling jinking his way over for an unconverted try. After Clarke had missed a relatively easy penalty-goal attempt on 32 minutes, the Ks upped the ante for the remainder of the half, with Adrian Hales twice making good inroads, but to no avail.

Kenilworth were caught cold, when following intense pressure right at the start of the second half, right winger Swift worked his way to the line for an unconverted try. They responded immediately and magnificently. A brilliantly-executed, sweeping move was finished in style by Sam Overton, Clarke's conversion narrowing the gap to three points, after just three minutes. Stung, Hinckley swarmed and stormed, and were rewarded with a second try by Swift, converted by Glover on 10 minutes. Once again, the Ks immediately came back. A series of very effective driving mauls culminated in a try for Tristan Wati, which was converted by Clarke on 12 minutes, returning the deficit to three points. With the hallmark of a good side, Hinckley now took charge, and began to force errors from their visitors, who also contributed to their ensuing downfall with some poor tackling. Glover stretched their lead with a penalty goal for offside, before converting a try by centre Rich Harris that started with an interception. With the game fast slipping away, Jamie Peacock was introduced at scrum-half in place of Gareth Renowden. His inventiveness was quickly to the fore, but a great break and transfer to Hales was spoilt by a poor final pass. The last ten minutes, when Jai Purewal replaced Richard Smith, were a nightmare for Kenilworth. They shipped two more tries, the first by Glover, the second by Harvey, converted by Glover. The first was via a quality move, the second courtesy of a series of missed tackles.

Kenilworth:Stanojevic, Hales, Hersey, Viggers, Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Wati, Overton, Greevy, Baillie, Hobbins, Bladon, Smith, Thompson(Capt.). Replacements: Peacock, Lowthian, Purewal.

The men from Wigston Magna arrived at windy and occasionally wet Glasshouse Lane with the armoury characteristic of recent seasons - a powerful pack, plus the accomplished boot of fly-half Mark Lord. They departed beaten, after being outplayed all-round by a much improved Kenilworth. To their credit, they never gave up, and were rewarded with two tries in the last few minutes, as the home side unwisely appeared to rest on their laurels (writes Bob Jones).

South Leicester started strongly. Lord had his first attempt a penalty goal after just one minute, after the ball was not released. This went just wide, but two minutes later, he was successful, following a five-metre scrummage offence. The Ks soon gelled, with the forwards once again showing great technical expertise. One drive, with Matt Greevy and Bruce Storey in the van , was particularly impressive. The visiting pack, clearly surprised and rattled, began to transgress, and lost prop Jones to the sin-bin on nine minutes. His folly was punished, when following an ensuing scrum, the ball was transferred to James Hersey, who bustled down the blind side to score an unconverted try. Further good breaks by Luke Watts and Jimmy Middleton were snuffed out, before South Leicester's Lang made the first of several dangerous runs that culminated too close for comfort. However, on 22 minutes, Middleton sped over to finish a move initiated by a clever steal by Paul Thompson, Clarke adding the extras into a swirling wind. It was all Kenilworth now. Mike Rust was powerful in attack and sure in defence, Hersey took on all-comers, and Adrian Hales and Gareth Renowden showed their mettle, with the pack providing good ball. The visitors were hanging on for grim death, but a high tackle brought them further punishment. A clever punt to the corner by Clarke, clean lineout ball, and a push-over by the pack, saw Sam Overton emerge triumphant on 38 minutes. Clarke's conversion drifted narrowly wide.

It took a few minutes at the start of the second half for Kenilworth to gauge their wind advantage. For their part, South Leicester decided to concentrate on pick and drive in the face of the elements. While the latter undoubtedly played a part, there followed a long passage of self-inflicted, untidy play by both sides. Kenilworth's efforts were often spoilt by loose passes. Jamie Peacock was introduced in place of Renowden after 17 minutes. He was on hand a couple of minutes later to distribute for Hales to embark on his favourite activity, a long, swift, strong, arcing run that renders defenders helpless. The resulting unconverted try opened up a 19-point gap. Coach Mat Davies withdrew Sam Viggers and Nick Collett in favour of Jai Purewal and Rob Varney respectively, as the contest, admirably refereed by Mat Carley, from London and the South-East, entered its final ten minutes. The visitors, who, apparently this season, have made this something of a speciality, struck back late and strongly. As their hosts seemed to be contemplating a job well done, a driving maul set up a try for No 8 Bale, Lord adding the extras. They needed two more minutes to cross again, winger Cartwright finishing a deft move that this time, Lord was unable to improve.

Kenilworth: Rust, Hales, Hersey, Viggers, Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Greevy, Overton, Collett, Baillie, Watts, Bladon, Storey, Thompson(Capt.). Replacements: Varney, Purewal, Peacock.

Kenilworth made an early exit from the Warwickshire Cup, going down disappointingly but deservedly, in this first-round tie, to a fired-up Sutton Coldfield, in appalling wet and windy conditions in north Birmingham. With unavailability necessitating a rejigged side, this was always going to be a tough encounter for the National Three outfit, whose opponents reside in Midlands One (writes Bob Jones).

The home side set out their stall from the outset. Their beefy pack kept things tight, and aided by the wind, and sensible kicking by fly-half Alan Rowlands, took control. It was no surprise when they took the lead after seven minutes, No 8 Hesy Fakatou touching down wide on the right after an elementary Kenilworth error had afforded them field position close to the line. The Ks were ineffective in both the scrums and line-outs, so the backs saw little of the ball. When they did, they contrived to loose it by virtue of poor passes. Given the weather, it was not surprising that the whistle of referee Greg McDonald was frequent, as bodies slithered and the ball behaved like a bar of soap. A dubious offside decision against Bruce Storey by the Staffordshire official, enabled Rowlands to stretch the lead on the quarter-hour. A James Hersey break gave hope but the ball was lost, before an excellent penalty kick from beneath his posts to well in the opposition half by Aleks Stanojevic set up a promising position, which also did not bear fruit. Another offside, this time by Hersey, was punished by another penalty-goal by Rowlands on 33 minutes. The remainder of the half, with a substantial slice of added time, first saw Sutton full-back Matt Gilick go close. Then after camping near the Kenilworth line, their pack pushed over for an unconverted try, which opened up a sixteen-point gap. A vehement dressing-down behind the posts by coach Mat Davies worked wonders. Straight from the restart, a powerful drive by the forwards ended with an unconverted try for Tristan Wati.

With more Welsh words of wisdom and encouragement ringing in their ears, and the wind at their backs, the Ks came into the second-half with all guns blazing. A slick move from the kick-off saw the ball in the hands of Adrian Hales, who waltzed through the home defence and in under the posts, Stanojevic converting, to narrow the gap to four points. Sam Overton was introduced for Ross Lowthian after 15 minutes, and the better spell continued . Mike Rust and Seb Assefuah made powerful breaks, Spencer Brown some clever runs, and the first signs of panic appeared in the Sutton defence. Two free-kicks to Kenilworth gained valuable ground and provided the platform for pressure by the pack. This culminated in a a second unconverted try for the hard-working Wati, which edged the visitors into the lead after 27 minutes. This was the signal for a final all-out assault by the home side. With their bulldozing forwards in the van, they camped in Kenilworth territory for much of the time, and won a series of penalties into the bargain. Matt Greevy replaced Nick Collett, and Davies entered the fray himself, in place of Wati, for the final few minutes. However, the momentum remained with Sutton, who clinched the tie just prior to the final whistle, with an other push-over try that followed a sustained assault within a few metres of the Kenilworth line.

Kenilworth: Brown, Bladon, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Assefuah, Stanojevic, Rust, Collett, Lowthian, Wati, Careless, Watts, Phillips, Storey, Baillie. Replacements: Overton, Greevy, Davies.

The portent, a bodged kick-off, was not good, and until a late mini-revival gave the score an air of semi-respectability, this must rank as the low point to date, in an already patchy season for Kenilworth. Defeat on merit by a better-organized and seemingly more enthusiastic Kettering side, which has not enjoyed the best of starts to their campaign in National Three Midlands, will doubtless lead to some soul-searching at Glasshouse Lane (writes Bob Jones).

A scrappy opening 15 minutes, with the visitors already in the ascendancy, concluded with a try by scrum-half Etheridge, converted by his half-back partner Bridgeman. Such had been the difficulty of the home side to come to terms with their opponents without transgressing, the precursor to this score saw Sam Viggers sent to the sin-bin by referee Tom Foley. Kenilworth at last mounted a serious attack, with Mike Rust making good ground before the move fizzled out. They clawed back three points, courtesy of a Jamie Peacock penalty goal on 28 minutes. A break by Gareth Renowden livened up proceedings. However, Kettering were in no mood to let their hosts back into the game. So much so that they too, resorted to illegal tactics, one of which resulted in a yellow card for prop McKenzie after 33 minutes. James Hersey, Rust and Adrian Hales combined to open up the visitors defence to offer a further glimmer of hope. Subsequently however, a wrong option with a penalty in a danger area by Peacock, led to further pressure, and a resulting penalty, which was put away by Jon Penberthy on the stroke of half-time.

From the restart, a decent drive by the home pack, whose technical skills were more than negated by the power and commitment of their opponents all afternoon, ended in disarray. The ball was chipped ahead, and with more than a suspicion of offside dismissed by Mr. Foley, the lively Penberthy dashed over, then converted his try. With Kenilworth still smarting from this perceived injustice, Kettering immediately struck once more, stringing together a decent move that culminated in an unconverted try for No 8 Freeman, which stretched the lead to 19 points after just five minutes. In such circumstances, it was a mystery why visiting centre Gibson, whose powerful runs had hitherto created havoc, also decided to incur the displeasure of he match official from the South-West Region, and be sin-binned for offside. His absence told. A rare bout of pressure by the Ks, and an offload by Hales, enabled Rust to cross wide on the left after 11 minutes. This advance was soon checked, when Penberthy popped over another penalty goal for not releasing. In an attempt to halt the slide, coach Mat Davies introduced Rob Varney for Nick Collett and Rick Smith for Luke Watts, just prior to the start of the final quarter. Also at this juncture, Peacock was forced to retire injured, Aleks Stanojevic replacing him. Kenilworth could not gain any useful possession, often being driven off the ball. Inevitably, a further try to Kettering followed, flanker Lyness touching down after 24 minutes, to complete another effective driving maul. Suddenly, the Ks got out of bottom gear. A Stanojevic penalty to touch set up field position. The pack got the ball and drove for the line. Renowden was on hand to finish the job with a flourish, and Stanojevic added the conversion points on the half-hour. Four minutes later, a sweeping move by the backs released Hales. As usual, no contest. The flier was away and over, Stanojevic once more converting to narrow the gap to eight points. Alas, no more. With a few minutes remaining, Penberthy increased his haul, and compounded Kenilworth's misery, with another penalty goal.

Kenilworth: Rust, Hales, Hersey (Capt.), Viggers, Middleton, Peacock, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Greevy, Baillie, Watts, Bladon, Storey, Thompson. Replacements: Varney, Smith, Stanojevic.

Kenilworth reached the semi final of the Warwickshire Second XV cup with a good win against Sutton Coldfield, gaining a small bit of revenge for the senior cup result the previous week.

There were tries from Pete Roberts, Ian Bowden, Mark Johnson and Jez Noon. One conversion each for Ian Bowden and Andy Fox.

The tie was given added spice with the attendance of Sky Sports News cameras who wanted to gauge reaction at junior level to the recent debate on how the laws of rugby are changing the game. The resultant brief coverage was shown on Sky Sports News on Mon 30th Nov.

Another defeat to a side that had not made the best of starts to the season, but shown considerable improvement of late, saw Kenilworth slide further down the National Three Midlands table, and come away away from floodlit Trentham Fields with much to ponder, as the campaign begins its second half. Longton had supremacy up front. Their visitors, while enjoying some good spells, were incapable of finishing moves, because of a combination of wrong options and poor handling (writes Bob Jones).

The game started disastrously for the Glasshouse Lane brigade. Less than a minute had elapsed, when home No 8 Rawlings crashed over for a try, following what could at best be described as an injudicious pass from debutant scrum-half Grant Hancock, deep in his own territory, which set up field position. Full-back Hallam compounded the agony with a conversion. With their rangy and powerful forwards calling the tune, Longton went further ahead after nine minutes, hooker Wilson touching down for an unconverted try. When Jimmy Middleton, Mike Rust and Adrian Hales combined on 12 minutes, it was just about the first time that the Ks had their hands on the ball to good effect, and it took a further ten minutes for them to enter the home half with any sense of purpose. This attack saw Hancock taken out illegally, but Russell Clarke was wide with the resulting penalty goal attempt from in front of the posts. Using both the wind and slope to their advantage, the home side consolidated, and scrum-half Brandon was able to pop over a neat drop goal on 34 minutes. As the half drew to a close, Kenilworth responded to the 15-point deficit with a couple of determined runs by Hales. The second, initiated by a clever pass from Jez Noon, culminated in an unconverted try for Rust, wide on the left, just before referee Wayne Falla signalled the interval.

The first fifteen minutes of the second half were dominated by Kenilworth. Aided by some astute kicks from Clarke, and a much more concerted effort by the pack, in which Tristan Wati replaced Nick Collett, they unsettled their hosts. So much so, that lock Booth was sin-binned after just two minutes. However, they could not capitalize on the man advantage, and with poor handling playing a major role, spurned several scoring chances after good pressure. Their cause was not helped by a yellow card for Bruce Storey on 54 minutes. Longton showed how to benefit from this, a couple of minutes later posting a further unconverted try, this one by second-row Thompson. Hard as the Middleton-Hales-Rust axis tried, they got no reward. Kenilworth also lost Charlie Baillie to the sin-bin after 71 minutes, as Longton once more began to exert serious pressure deep in the Ks half. While this imbalance in personnel did not result in more points for the men from Stoke-on -Trent, neither did the very late introduction of Aleks Stanojevic for Middleton, and Jai Purewal for Baillie, for their visitors.

Kenilworth: Rust, Hales, Noon, Viggers, Middleton, Clarke, Hancock, Collett, Overton, Greevy, Watts, Phillips, Baillie, Storey, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Wati, Purewal, Stanojevic.

Kenilworth ended their losing run with a narrow, last-gasp victory over a predominantly young, spirited Malvern side, in an encounter which was scrappy in more ways than one. While the home pack, with a couple of interesting selections, put in a very creditable performance, especially in the set piece, the backs once more squandered numerous opportunities because of poor handling and decision making (writes Bob Jones).

The end-to-end, and not very elegant, exchanges which characterized the opening quarter, were replicated for much of the remainder of the game, with referee David Procter struggling to get to grips with right and wrong. A Malvern turn-over, when the Ks were pressing, did not bode well, but determined efforts by Gareth Renowden and Paul Thompson somewhat rectified matters. It was the visitors who opened the scoring on seven minutes, when, with the aid of the cross-bar, accomplished fly-half Adam Dixon slotted a penalty goal. With both sides desperate not to loose, tensions were high. Trouble first surfaced after 17 minutes, when a flying Malvern boot sparked a bout of fisticuffs. Adrian Hales, as ever, constantly powerfully probing for an opening, nearly got one, before Russell Clarke levelled the scores with a penalty goal. The visitors mounted several threatening attacks, and from one five-metre scrum, were held up over the line. However, it was the home side who took the lead, courtesy of another Clarke penalty, on 34 minutes. Four minutes later, after Aleks Stanojevic and Hales had saved he day with great tackles, the fly-half added another, after barging in a line-out, to make the score 9-3 at the interval.

With the second half barely a minute old, Kenilworth were reduced to 14 men, when Stanojevic took out winger Farris, after the latter had chipped over him and was clear to the line. The next action of note was a splendid steal by Jai Purewal, later repeated on several occasions to either rescue situations or set up movements. Malvern took the lead after 11 minutes, Dixon crossing then converting, following yet one more bout of sloppy passing by the Ks. Pete Roberts made a classy break that deserved a better finish. The home cause was not helped by loss of their line-out ball on at least six occasions. Luke Watts, normally secure in this department, made amends with a storming run, as the game entered its final quarter. The home pack embarked on an impressive phase of pick and drive, with Tristan Wati in the van. Inevitably, in the context of previous events, tempers flared. Wati, carrying an injury, was replaced by Ross Lowthian for the final few minutes. Still trailing by the narrowest of margins, things looked bleak for Kenilworth. They pressed on, and were rewarded just on the stroke of normal time. Malvern full-back Fleming was shown a yellow card by Mr. Procter, for a deliberate knock-on, Clarke slotting the resulting pressure penalty-kick with aplomb. The five minutes of time added were uncomfortable for the Ks. Nonetheless, good, if somewhat desperate defence, including a high tackle by Hales, which led to a sin-binning, kept Malvern at bay.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Hales, Purewal, Roberts, Middleton, Clarke, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati, Watts, Greevy, Viggers, Phillips, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Lowthian, Dodd, Hancocks.

With what members of their travelling entourage described as their worst performance of the season, league-leaders Ampthill continued their seemingly inexorable progress into the next tier of the National League. While it is true that Kenilworth put up a spirited display, and on numerous occasions, especially in the second half, matched their visitors both up-front and behind the scrum, only one outcome seemed likely from early in the piece (writes Bob Jones).

The home side started brightly, forcing the men from Bedfordshire to concede a penalty, before a delicate chip ahead into space by Russ Clarke was gathered by Mike Rust, who had a relatively clear run to the line. Clarke added the extras to open up a seven-point lead after just three minutes. A Gareth Renowden kick ahead then caused problems for the visitors defence, before Alecs Stanojevic and Rust combined threateningly. After Clarke was just short with a penalty-goal attempt, Ampthill pulled themselves together, with their powerful pack to the fore. It was a rolling maul in the Ks 22 that brought them their first try, by prop Keni Baratt, converted by fly-half Keiron Davies, on 19 minutes. Another Clarke penalty shot was unsuccessful, prior to the league-leaders backs showing, for the first of many times, why they are so potent - a slick, sweeping move only being defeated by the dead-ball line. More was to follow. A break by Davies and transfer to Jonathan Raven, saw the centre home under the posts, via a missed tackle en route. The sure boot of Davies increased the lead after 29 minutes. Worse was to follow three minutes later. With Kenilworth enjoying a brief spell of pressure in the Ampthill 22, alert left-wing Adam Shaw seized a loose pass by Tristan Wati and sprinted the length of the field to touch down for another converted try. Davies then showed his mettle with the boot in open play, kicking ahead and gathering to cross for a try, which he also converted, close to the half-time whistle. Seeing the game fast slipping beyond their reach, the Ks mounted some last-ditch pressure. A good drive by the pack, with Wati in the van, unsettled their opponents, and saw lock Samuel Richbell sent to the sin-bin by referee Craig Maxwell-Keys.

The second half was barely five minutes old when flanker Andy Bladon was forced to retire injured, to be followed by Wati. Nick Collett came on, and Jai Purewal moved to the back row. As part of a non-injury led reshuffle, Coach Matt Davies then introduced Dave Clements at fly-half. This proved to be the catalyst for a very bright spell for the home side. A lovely break by the ex-Rugby Lions man, plus typical pace and determination from Jez Noon, were instrumental in the move that resulted in an unconverted try for Sam Viggers on 17 minutes. It was now Ampthill's turn to be rattled. Replacement Simon Emms was yellow-carded for foul play on the floor, then a scuffle resulted in Baratt and Ian Phillips following suit. With no other front-row available to Ampthill, the scrums became uncontested. On the half-hour, Renowden was withdrawn in favour of Grant Hancocks. The Ks continued to press, Clements sending Ross Bayston away, but the winger was isolated and penalized for holding on. Against the run of play, an error by the otherwise very impressive Clements set up a second try for Raven, this one unconverted. Kenilworth struck back almost immediately. A superb move, again with Clements and Noon to the fore, released Rust for his second try wide on the right. The conversion was unsuccessful, and Ampthill had the last word, flanker Thomas Jankowski crossing, and Davies converting, just prior to the final whistle.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Rust, Noon, Purewal, Bayston, Clarke, Renowden, Wati, Overton, Greevy, Phillips, Smith, Bladon, Viggers, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Collett, Clements, Hancocks.

Kenilworth Colts rose to the challenge of a make or break cup match with a 26 to 3 points victory over Nuneaton, which takes them through to the final stages of the National Plate.

Kenilworth exploded out of the starting blocks and put Nuneaton under extreme pressure pinning them down in their own 22. The backs and forwards then combined in an excellent display of running rugby. The move was finished by left wing Nick Rowley who stepped his opponent in the corner then managed to touch down near enough to the posts to ensure a certain conversion by Will Maisey.

After such a magnificent start the Kenilworth team were so fired up that they started to give away penalties and concede territory. As a result Nuneaton eventually managed to gain three points. However, after this wake up call Kenilworth asserted their supremacy again and shortly before half time the forwards turned on the power with a series of scrums and mauls in the Nuneaton 22. The pack finally drove over to try line resulting in a crunching score by Tom Egginton.

The half time team talk called for more of the same but understandably given the importance of the occasion Nuneaton did not give up. Launching wave after wave of attacks it was the turn of Kenilworth to defend. But battle scarred and bloodied, fortress Kenilworth held with some great tackling throughout the team. Notably, Will Maisey tracked back several times to snuff out running breaks and Bobby Thompson in contact was a nasty shock to several of the Nuneaton forwards.

In the final quarter, the worst news for Nuneaton was that they had awoken the demon, Sam Hobbins who proceeded to lead the pack on a devastating series of offensives. Two massive tries by Sam both converted by Will Maisey, tore the heart out of Nuneaton and sealed an emphatic victory.

A poor performance at perishing Putnoe Fields, but valuable National Three Midlands points for Kenilworth, who struggled to overcome a hitherto winless Bedford Athletic. After a bright start, the visitors lost their way against a determined Ath side, whose try count and score added two bonus points to their meagre haul for the season (writes Bob Jones).

The opening encounters, indeed, almost all that followed, were scrappy. Kenilworth took the lead after nine minutes, with a try by Luke Watts, who galloped through some weak tackles, Russ Clarke adding the extras. A prolonged attack then ended with Ath not releasing, and a successful penalty goal attempt by Clarke. The home side subsequently began to give as good as they got, and with a little more cohesion, could have scored several times. Rick Smith retired with a shoulder injury on 22 minutes, Andy Bladon replacing him. Nonetheless, it was Kenilworth who posted the next points, a try and conversion by Clarke that followed a smart break by the fly-half, aided once more by some indifferent defending. Just prior to the interval, an attack, with flanker Sam Viggers in the van, was halted by an Ath hand on the ground, Clarke bringing up 20 unanswered points with the penalty goal. Ath opened their account in the dying throes of the half, centre Jones winning a foot-race to the line, following a break-out and missed tackle. The try was unconverted.

Encouraged by their score, Ath tore into their opponents directly from the restart. A sweeping move ended with an unconverted try for right-wing Miller after just two minutes. More pressure, deep in Ks territory, saw Dave Clements yellow-carded for illegal defending. Penalties, liberally awarded by referee Graham Dickens all afternoon, again bore fruit. Fly-half Ryder slotted one on 11 minutes for Ath, to reduce the deficit to seven points, and Clarke replied in kind three minutes later. After several good drives by the pack, an Ian Phillips charge was held up over the line. Play immediately switched to the other end, and a driving maul ended with a an unconverted try for hooker Neale, as the game entered its final quarter. Little was seen of the Kenilworth backs in attack., although Gareth Renowden nearly managed to get Clements away, and Mike Rust always looked dangerous with ball in hand. Nick Collett replaced Matt Greevy on 26 minutes. Then followed the best move of the match-by Ath, which culminated in an unconverted try for full-back Auld, to bring the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the elusive Rust made good ground. This led to a powerful drive by the forwards, and release to Watts, who thundered over for what proved to be the winning score of an otherwise eminently forgettable contest.

Kenilworth: Clements, Bayston, Rust, Purewal, Renowden, Clarke, Stajka, Greevy, Overton, Wati, Phillips,Watts, Baillie, Viggers (Capt), Smith. Replacements: Bladon, Collett, Hancocks.

A narrow but thoroughly deserved victory against Bromsgrove, thereby recording a seasonal double over the currently second-placed side in National Three Midlands, stabilized Kenilworth's precarious position in that Division, and provided a welcome boost to their confidence for what will be a testing final series of games (writes Bob Jones).

The Glasshouse Lane faithful could be forgiven for thinking that the failings of recent weeks, notably the propensity to ship far too many points because of poor defensive work, had not been rectified, when within the first minute, weak tackling allowed left-wing Oliver to touch down and fly-half Coulson added the conversion points. However, the home side soon pulled themselves together. Ian Phillips and Luke Watts were prominent up front, and Mike Rust and Sam Viggers behind. This is not to say that the visitors lost their way. Indeed, their predominantly young, fit and well-drilled side were always in the hunt. Their work at the breakdown was especially impressive , with Number 8 Burrows catching the eye. If anything, their endeavour was overdone, and it first cost them after 20 minutes, when Russ Clarke opened the Ks account with a penalty goal that followed some blatant obstruction. Burrows was proving a real handful, and it took a last-ditch tap-tackle by Gareth Renowden to prevent him breaking clear. Then a splendid Clarke clearance kick was required to snuff out danger that was brought about by an incisive move by the three-quarters. It gradually settled into an even, end-to-end encounter, with good drives by both packs. Tristan Wati was instrumental for the home side in these. Defensive work was sound too, with two powerful Bromsgrove attacks near their line held up in fine style, and Andy Bladon particularly prominent about the park. Just prior to the interval, a neat move by the backs sent Ross Bayston away but he was engulfed as the line beckoned.

Bromsgrove surged out of the blocks at the restart, and as in the first half, scored within a couple of minutes. This time it was a well-constructed second try for Oliver, with Coulson again adding the extras. Once more, however, Kenilworth responded well. So much so that a few minutes later, in the face of a determined assault, the visitors full-back Murray transgressed and was yellow-carded by referee Lee Towers. Clarke first reduced the deficit with the resulting penalty-goal attempt, then Rust sped away for an unconverted try, which followed more good work by Phillips and Watts. Bromsgrove continued to plug away, and a rash piece of defending by Dave Clements saw him consigned to the sin-bin on 14 minutes. Matt Greevy was now introduced in place of Nick Collett, and a little later, James Wadey was withdrawn in favour of Will Parks. Rust was looking particularly dangerous, with one chip and chase to near the line ended by a hasty mark. Once more, over-enthusiastic defending cost Bromsgrove dearly. The talismanic Burrows received a yellow card on 22 minutes, and it took just three more for Rust to produce a piece of magic with both feet and hands before offloading to Viggers, whose power took him over. Clarke added a difficult conversion to edge Kenilworth into the lead. The remainder of the contest was cut and thrust, with much to admire in the performances of both teams. For Kenilworth, sound clearance kicks by Alex Stajka and Clements relieved pressure, before Mr. Towers called time.

Kenilworth: Renowden, Rust, Clarke, Viggers, Bayston, Clements, Stajka, Collett, Overton Wati, Wadey, Watts, Phillips, Bladon, Thompson(Capt.). Replacements: Greevy, Stanovejic, Parks.

The mini-revival of last week was followed by a comprehensive defeat at muddy Wyeside. Kenilworth were unable to cope with either the conditions underfoot, or the power and nous of Hereford, who reside in the same sector of National Three Midlands. Against the traditional backdrop of the Cathedral and a noisy, partisan home crowd, it was hard going from referee Andy Attwell's first to last whistle for the Glasshouse Lane brigade (writes Bob Jones).

The opening quarter was the best if the game for the visitors. They just about gave as good as they got, and were building a decent move, when alert flanker Guy Thompson intercepted and galloped away to touch down, fly-half Dean Powell adding the extras. Sam Viggers featured prominently in several Kenilworth attacks that failed to bear fruit, before Hereford lost prop Ben Hillstead to the sin-bin for coming in from the side on 27 minutes. The man advantage was to no avail, although a searing break by Mike Rust which released Ross Bayston nearly paid dividends. Rust was then forced to retire with a leg injury, Alecs Stanojevic replacing him. Just prior to half-time, a great run by Luke Watts ended in disarray, and Russ Clarke penalty goal attempt was unsuccessful.

The second half opened with more uncompromising, forward-dominated exchanges, during which the beef and bash of the men from the Welsh Borders prevailed. A great tackle from Gareth Renowden was required to snuff out a threatening move, but another led to a try wide on the right by centre Richard Rees after 10 minutes. James Wadey was now withdrawn, Will Parkes coming into the pack. More good defensive work by the visitors enabled them to repel a succession of onslaughts. Hereford, seeing that they were in the ascendancy up-front, opted for scrums over penalty kicks. Following one of these in the Ks 22, imposing No 8 Matt Prichard went over, as the game was about to enter its final quarter. A break by Dave Clements was all that Kenilworth could muster in serious response, before Matt Greevy was yellow-carded by Mr. Attwell on 26 minutes. Tristan Wati was now introduced into the front row. Unlike their visitors, the hosts capitalized on their numerical advantage, a kick-ahead and gather by Thompson bringing him his second try just two minutes later. Powell converted to open up a 24-point lead. A last-ditch effort by the Ks saw several attacks deep in Hereford territory. From one, Alex Stajka darted over for a consolation try that Clarke converted, but it was too little, too late.

Kenilworth: Renowden, Rust, Clarke, Viggers, Bayston, Clements, Stajka. Collett, Overton, Greevy, Wadey, Watts, Phillips, Bladon, Baillie. Replacements: Wati, Stanojevic, Parkes.

Another defeat, albeit narrow, at the hands of a potential fellow-entrant into the relegation mire of National Three Midlands, was the outcome of a tough encounter at Glasshouse Lane. Neither side played particularly well in muddy conditions, but the power and alertness of the men from the Fens, aided by spells of wayward rugby from their hosts, determined the outcome (writes Bob Jones).

Kenilworth started brightly with a Sam Viggers break and several good drives by the pack. The latter were too much for Peterborough flanker Andrijauskas, who was sin-binned by referee Graham Dickens after just six minutes for coming in from the side. No advantage came from either the resulting penalty award or the extra man, but Alex Stajka then opened the scoring with a penalty goal following yet another transgression by the visitors. Restored to full strength, they immediately put pressure on the Ks, inducing an offside, which fly-half Low punished with a penalty goal as the game entered its second quarter. A try-saving tackle by Jez Noon that followed an interception marked the onset of a rocky spell for the home side. Matters were not helped by an injury to Alecs Stanojevic, which saw Grant Hancocks replace him. Against the run of play, Ross Bayston twice hacked on a loose ball, before winning the race to touch down on 27 minutes. Stajka, whose all-round kicking was otherwise admirable, failed with the conversion. Further injury woe ensued, with Ian Phillips forced to retire in favour of Will Parkes just before the half-hour. Peterborough retained the ascendancy, and it was no surprise when prop Steencamp popped up in the loose to finish a good move near the posts, Low adding the extras after 34 minutes. The torrid episode continued, and with Kenilworth mistakes adding to the mix, centre Marcisauskas was on hand to complete another smart move. The try was unconverted but Peterborough led 8-15 at the interval.

Disarray was still the order of the day for the home side at the start of the second half. A bodged move saw the ball go to ground. Winger Ciuchlejus then emulated Bayston, hacking on before gathering and touching down for an unconverted try in the right corner after five minutes. Cue a comeback by the Ks. Deciding to concentrate on close-quarter work, a series of drives by the pack culminated in a try for Tristan Wati, converted by Stajka, five minutes later. With the game seemingly now under some semblance of control, and a five-point deficit, it was disappointing that a mere three minutes elapsed before Ciuchlejus collected his second try after a breakout, Low converting to stretch the lead once again. To their credit, Kenilworth responded well. A good Paul Thompson charge to deep in Peterborough territory saw a penalty chance ensue, which Stajka put over, as the game entered its final quarter. The forward exchanges were uncompromising, and resulted in Parkes being yellow-carded soon after this, as the Ks mounted a solid defensive effort within their 22. Rob Varney was introduced in place of Matt Greevy for the final few minutes. This energized the home effort. A couple of penalty awards enabled Stajka make ground to touch near the corner. A very effective drive by the pack ended with at try for Sam Overton. However, Stajka's conversion, which reduced the arrears to two points, was soon followed by Mr. Dickens final whistle.

Kenilworth: Stanojevic, Rust, Noon, Viggers, Bayston, Clements, Stajka, Greevy, Overton, Wati, Watts, Phillips, Baillie, Blaydon, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Varney, Parkes, Hancocks.

Although they garnered another losing bonus point, a third successive National Three Midlands defeat, this time at the hands of high-flying Hinckley, did little to markedly improve Kenilworth's chances of avoiding the drop back to Midlands level rugby next season. That said, this was a creditable performance by the home side in a scrappy encounter, with their pack measuring up well to their opponents. However, it was a lack of execution by the backs which, not for the first time this term, proved to be their achilles heel (writes Bob Jones).

The first half was evenly contested and littered with penalties, awarded by referee Ben Wish. An initial burst by Hinckley that resulted in an unsuccessful kick at goal by scrum-half Glover after just two minutes, was countered by some good defence, with Andy Bladon especially prominent. Sam Viggers was sent on his way but lost the ball as a touch-down beckoned, then a forward pass to Mike Rust halted the flier as he made for the line. Hinckley opened the scoring after 24 minutes. The Ks lost their own scrum deep in their 22. An ensuing drive by the visitor's pack saw prop Peck get the ball down and Glover add the extras. Viggers and Rust then combined to release Ross Bayston, but his run ended in touch, courtesy of some sound defensive work. Kenilworth pulled back three points just before the half-hour, Alex Stajka popping over a penalty goal following an offside decision. Dave Clements was first called on to illegally stall an attack that was initiated by a chip ahead, then to make an excellent clearance to touch from near his own line as Hinckley poured forward at every opportunity. The Ks responded with a decent move of their own, Jez Noon the initiator, but were forced to hold on to the ball and concede yet another penalty. Line-out steals by Paul Thompson and Luke Watts were not capitalized on just prior to the interval, at which the score was 3-7.

The home side made the livelier start to the second half, but it was the visitors who scored next. Another strong drive by their pack saw Peck collect his second try, which was converted by fly-half Swaddling on nine minutes. The good spell by Kenilworth soon resurfaced, and was epitomised by several effective driving mauls by the pack in the Hinckley 22, but still no reward was forthcoming. James Wadey was withdrawn in favour of Will Parkes, whose mobility about the park immediately began to pay dividends. Full-back Smith was sin-binned after 15 minutes, after he transgressed during a threatening attack by the Ks. Still, however, passes, either with prescriptions attached, or directly to ground, were the order of the day. Not only did the loss of a man fail to bear fruit, it saw Hinckley edge further ahead by virtue of a splendid drop-goal by Swaddling on 19 minutes. The final quarter of this bruising battle opened with Matt Greevy hobbling off, to be replaced by Tom Dempsey. It was left to Parkes to show a secure way forward, but even his brilliant long, mazy run just before the half-hour, petered out. With so much at stake, both sides were over-eager, with Hinckley especially niggly during the final minutes, which included eight added by Mr. Wish. The wily Rust took advantage of this situation. Receiving a rare decent pass , he unleashed a spectacular curving run that left defenders clutching at air and took him over wide out. Stajka was unable to convert. Deep in added time, with play cascading from end-to-end, Kenilworth were penalized for offside, Swaddling obliging with a goal which left the hosts needing two tries, one converted, to draw. In a frantic finale, they managed one, unconverted. A driving maul saw Gareth Renowden on hand to touch down. Once more, too little, too late.

Kenilworth: Clements, Rust, Noon, Viggers, Bayston, Stajka, Renowden, Greevy, Overton, Wati, Wadey, Watts, Bladon, Baillie, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Dempsey, Parkes, Mbarga.

After a short sojourn elsewhere, the Warwickshire Second XV Cup has returned to Glasshouse Lane. Kenilworth, parading a potent mixture of experience and youth, comprehensively demolished a poor Earlsdon side on a perfect day for Rugby Union at Old Leamingtonians RFC (writes Bob Jones).

Kenilworth started the game as they finished it, totally dominating Earlsdon in all aspects of the game. Credit then to the men from south Coventry for keeping the score to reasonable proportions by never giving up, and getting a late consolation try. The opening score was a try by Rob Varney on 10 minutes. This followed a driving maul, and was improved by a Jamie Peacock conversion. Peacock and Jai Purewal were especially effective at calling the shots, as Earlsdon struggled to cope with wave after wave of attacks. They soon resorted to transgressions, and from one too many for referee Rob Hunter, Peacock increased the lead with a penalty goal. Mr. Hunter then caused a compendium of amazement, frustration and mirth among players and supporters, by halting play for several minutes because he (correctly -although why he or his fellow officials had not spotted this at the outset), insisted that an Earlsdon player who was wearing tights, leave the field and remove them before the game could continue. Soon after normal service resumed, Stuart Lynch claimed a second try for Kenilworth, following yet another surge up field, Peacock again adding the extras. Earlsdon's tight-head prop was yellow-carded after more persistent offending, but Peacock was off-target with the penalty attempt. However, as matters became heated up-front, and subsequent to a minor fracas, he duly extended the lead with another penalty goal.

The second half was a mirror image of the first, with Earlsdon never in the hunt. Luke Brown and Jimmy Middleton got in on the act with good breaks, and it was no surprise when a sweeping move by the threequarters culminated in a try for Adam Trean on the quarter-hour, Peacock converting to post 27 unanswered points. Ten more minutes of intense pressure by the Ks ended with an unconverted try for Brown, after a scintillating move by the backs. With ten minutes remaining, and against the run of play, Earlsdon broke out and crossed for a try, which they failed to convert. A raft of replacements by Manager Neil McComiskey, and continued pressure until the final whistle, brought no more points for Kenilworth, but the game was long-since in the bag.