Ludlow 17 - Kenilworth 5
Sep
After the latent promise of their opening encounter, and dominating the initial quarter of their first away game in Midlands One West, this was a desperately disappointing display by Kenilworth, against a no more than moderate Ludlow side. While wet weather did not make it easy, and injuries took their toll, there is much to address by Director of Rugby Richard Gibson and his coaching team (writes Bob Jones).
An early penalty goal by centre Will Morton for the home side, after the Ks had strayed offside in front of their posts, was followed by a period of dominance by the visiting pack. A punt to touch deep in Ludlow territory by Jamie Peacock and a subsequent surge by his half-back partner Gareth Renowden, plus a lineout steal by Rob Smith, nearly paid dividends, before a Will Owen break released the speedy Nyle Beckett, who crossed in the right corner for an unconverted try after 15 minutes. The men from the Welsh Marches gradually upped their effort, and it took some stout defending to keep them at bay. Handling errors and other transgressions were frequent by by both sides, and the penalty count was substantial. Following one scrummaging offence, a kick to touch in the corner, then pressure in the Ks 22, resulted in a try by Mike Jones, converted by Morton on 33 minutes. The remainder of the half, indeed the contest, was scrappy.
A Renowden - Beckett combination relieved a very early phase of pressure by the Shropshire side, as the rain lashed down on the dramatic setting beneath the towering castle. Kenilworth then began to accumulate a catalogue of injuries. Jonny Openshaw departed to be replaced by Sam Flowers, and shortly afterwards, Smith, for whom Dominic Sheehan deputised. A Peacock penalty goal attempt on 10 minutes was unsuccessful. The standard of play further deteriorated, but was somewhat redeemed by an interception, break-out and good support play by the hosts, for whom full-back Joe Doyle completed the job under the posts, Morton adding the extras after 25 minutes. Renowden was forced to retire around the half-hour, with Nick Collett entering the fray, this necessitating a positional reshuffle. For the remainder of the game, Ludlow looked the more likely to add to their tally, usually via a break-out. Kenilworth enjoyed one period of pressure close to the home line, and in spite of a series of penalty awards, were unable to touch down.
Kenilworth: Dodd, Muncaster, Llewellyn, Openshaw, Smith, Wood, Dixon, Thompson, Renowden (Capt), Peacock, Bowden, Purewal, Owen, Beckett, Bennett. Replacements: Collett, Sheehan, Flowers.
Next Saturday (September 17th), Worcester Wanderers are the visitors to Glasshouse Lane. Kick-off is at 3pm.
