Kenilworth RFC

Playing in front of a sizable crowd, all eager to see Bobby Thompson in his last game as captain, Kenilworth Men defeated Lichfield 57 point to 21.

Though Lichfield have had a tough time of it this season, and that they were already relegated, was of little comfort to the home faithful who knew only too well, the strangle-hold that Lichfield had on the fixture over the past two seasons.

As this is the final game of the season, this reporter has chosen to provide an abbreviated summary of the game, in order to take the opportunity of recognising those who have helped make this season such a success.

Firstly, to the game. Cometh the hour… skipper for the last time Bobby Thompson delivered another imperious performance to lead from the front and add to his already impressive points haul. Thompson ends the season as leading try scorer (10 for the season) on 257 games and 647 points for the club. The good news is that whilst stepping back from the captaincy role, Bobby will be playing again next season.

Other notable performances came from Max Robinson and our Club President, Dom Carrick’s choice of man of the match, Todd Freemantle. Players at opposite ends of their rugby careers but both going above and beyond for their team on the day. Ollie Stone added to his personal try tally for the season (9) with a trio of drive-overs from close quarters.

Points scored by: Stone (3), Robinson (2), Thompson, Peppitt, Harrison and Grace. Morgan 6 conversions.

Having been promoted, there was an element of the unknown about this season. Looking ahead to the challenge, and whilst we kept the ambition private to the group, the players set themselves the objective of finishing in the top four- a gutsy and possibly over optimistic target for the new boys in the league. Whilst we did not achieve the season aim, there can be little disappointment in a campaign that has established Kenilworth as a, if not the, leading junior club in Warwickshire. Note to self- it is more difficult to stay towards the top than to get there.

As the players head off for a summer break, or pleasingly as is the case for several, onto represent Warwickshire, all that is left to say is thank you. Thank you to all the players, coaches, medical, management and committee reps. who have all played your part in this season’s success. To all the club members, supporters, sponsors and wider #kenfamily, thank you for getting behind the boys and being there home and away.

Final thanks must go to coaches Phil Boulton and Joe Snow who both step down from their respective player/ head coach and assistant coaching roles. One of only 2 coaches to beat Kenilworth in the 18/19 season (the other was Todd Freemantle) Phil has been our head coach for the last 3 seasons (includes the Covid curtailed 20/21 season) and played more 1^st XV games than any other player this season; quite clearly Phil has been the rock that we have built everything on and will be a hard act to follow. In his time with the club Joe has developed into a fine coach, combining a wealth of knowledge as a player for Coventry and before that Exeter Chiefs, with a keen eye for detail. Joe has led video analysis something that has underpinned our collective effort. The process of replacing Phil and Joe is being headed up by club Director of Rugby, Jai Purewal and Todd Freemantle who we are pleased to say are continuing in post next season.

Also on Saturday, Kenilworth Women narrowly lost to Novocastrians 8-10 but gained a vital losing league bonus meaning that they stay up in the league for next season. Kenilworth Colts put in a fine performance beating Broadstreet 31 points to 14.

Before signing off for the summer, a date for your diary- KENFEST, Kenilworth’s inaugural, family- friendly, beer and music festival is 28-30 April. Tickets are selling fast, gets yours at https://buytickets.at/kenfest23