Delight for Kenilworth as the 2nd XV retain the Warwickshire Cup.
Sunday 28th September and Kenilworth 2nd XV travelled to the neutral ground at Broadstreet RFC to contest the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup final. The opposition were Sutton Coldfield who were unbeaten going into the game having won 7 from 7 and topping their Midlands Reserve league scoring an impressive 384 points in the process.
Kenilworth kicked off and within 3 minutes were up and running on the scoreboard. The first Sutton lineout was taken in the air by Kenilworth back row Hugh Whidbourne and Sutton were under immediate pressure. Kenilworth seized the first opportunity to score and set up some short forwards carries to edge closer to the Sutton try line. The final pick and go was from Whidbourne who touched down under the posts, converted by Kieran Byrne to make it 7-0 to Kenilworth.
At around the 12 minute mark, Kenilworth scored again with an opportunity set up by the dominant Kenilworth pack pushing Sutton off of their own scrum. Another series of carries brought Kenilworth to within a few meters of the try line. Emerging with the ball from the ruck was the experienced 2nd row forward Ian Phillips who powered over from close range to make it 14-0 with the conversion from Byrne.
Shocked by the quick start and realising they were in for a tough game, Sutton switched on and tried to mount a few attacks of their own using their maul to make good ground. The Kenilworth defence remained strong with the fantastic line speed and hard hits. Unable to break Kenilworth down, Sutton often found themselves going backwards after several phases of play or kicking the ball away.
After a short stale period it was Kenilworth who extended the lead just before the end of the half. Another attack mounted from the set piece in the Sutton 22. Front row Adam Carey pouncing on a loose ball before feeding Ian Phillips. Phillips found Jacob Line in support who wasn’t able to go all the way so popped it up for scrum half Sam Miles to waltz in for a third Kenilworth try. Half time 19-0.
Sutton kicked off the 2nd half hoping to get themselves back into the game but Kenilworth had started as they had finished the first half, with big hits and high defensive lines causing Sutton problems. Frustrated by the lack of success, Sutton tried to exit their own 22 by carrying the ball but were turned over in dangerous territory. With Sutton looking tired, Kenilworth took a quick tap penalty and put the pressure on. Shouting for the next carry was vice captain Josh Marsden who bounced off several tackles to burst over under the sticks. Fantastic strength and determination shown from the young prop. The conversion by Byrne making the score 26-0.
Sutton bounced back from the kick off and embarked on their most successful period of play. The maul and big forwards causing some issues for Kenilworth. Sutton nearly scored their first try out wide but an unfortunate foot in touch kept their tally blank.
What followed was a largely uneventful and stale period of play marred by poor weather, knock ons and discipline issues for both sides.
The last try of the day came from another quick tap penalty for Kenilworth. Quick hands on the left culminated in a try for substitute winger Jake Elliott who had been on the pitch for a few minutes.
Final score 31-0 and Kenilworth retain the Warwickshire 2nd XV for another year.
