Sat 25 Mar 2023
On a bright Spring afternoon the first point of order for the #kenfamily was to pay our respects to the late Tony ‘Snelly’ Snelson. Members of Tony’s family were present for the impeccably observed tribute.
And so to the game, Bridgnorth pipped us in the early season encounter, so hopes were high for this home encounter.
Bridgnorth playing left to right (viewed from the clubhouse) and with the wind behind them were first to score. Following a series of lineouts in the home 22, and several thwarted attempts, the heavy Bridgnorth pack eventually scored a converted try with just 10 minutes on the clock. Score 0-7.
But for a nice break from Kenilworth fly half Jowett, excellent on the day in the early stages of the game. Bridgnorth continued to dominate and scored their second try through prop and ex Championship player Nick Selway, signed to Bridgnorth since our earlier game against them. Score 0-14 with 20 minutes on the clock.
Two tries down inside the first quarter of the game, the Kenilworth supporters were hoping for a reaction from their charges; and so it was with some good approach play through the boots of half-backs Calviezel- Cox and Jowett, before Peppitt from 13, sliced through the Bridgnorth defence to open Kenilworth’s account for the afternoon. Morgan converted, score 7-14 with 35 minutes gone.
From the restart it was Kenilworth back on the attack, first Bobby Thompson, seemingly unstoppable in close-quarters, then Will Morgan with a deft chip over the top which was neatly gathered by the supporting Calviezel-Cox to score under the posts. Morgan added the 2 points. Score 14-14 with 5-10 mins left to the half.
Before the half was out, Bridgnorth scored their third try with a break out wide and added a good conversion. Halt time score 14-21.
Half time was an opportunity to re-jig our lineout; Boulton et al with fewer options than normal with one or two lads absent. Talk was of ensuring we get to the edges and look after the ball.
Bridgnorth, still mathematically in with a shout of promotion, started the second half as they had the first scoring 2 unanswered tries, converting one. Ten minutes of the second half gone, score 14-33.
Despite the late stage of the season, that the result would not affect our final league position and that we were missing a few, the Kenilworth lads were not finished yet and showed real grit in staying in the game and we’re rewarded with their third try scored by in indomitable Thompson barrelling his way over from 10m out. Morgan didn’t miss from close in. Score 21-33.
With the game approaching the final quarter, Kenilworth were now winning the collisions and had their tails up. A series of heavy carries took play up to half way before Jowett found his way through the first line defence, and rounded the full back to score as fine a solo (and bonus point) try as we have seen at Glasshouse Lane all season. Conversion good. Score 28-33, game on. 15 minutes to go.
The seesaw-like game continued as now the visitors rallied and scored 2 more tries. Score 28-45. 5 mins to go.
Determined to have the last laugh, Kenilworth rallied in this our penultimate game of the season; skipper Bobby Thompson finishing off a flowing passage of play with his second try of the game. Conversion good. Final score 35-45.
Fair play to Bridgnorth, good for the win, but for the home side it was another fine display of courage and grit, recognised by the home supporters. Kenilworth’s Mortgage Social man of the match was flanker Paddy Grace, and club stalwart Raj Bahey deserves a mention for stepping into the team at the last minute, a whole 4 years since his last first team game. #kenfamily spirit at it’s best and a lesson to some others.
Also this weekend, Kenilworth Women put in a proud performance but lost to an impressive Worcester Women 29-10, and Kenilworth Colts, fresh form the news that 5 of their players have been selected for Warwickshire, beat Old Leamingtonians 0-33.
