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A bonus-point win by the narrowest of margins was the morale-booster urgently needed by Kenilworth. However, by virtue of what has become an unfortunate trait this season - letting their opponents run them ragged during the last quarter, they almost contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in this Midlands One West fixture. This was a pity, because their all-round performance against a yet-again bigger and more experienced side, had much to admire (writes Bob Jones).

The home side opened brightly, with runs by Jonny Cresswell and Gareth Renowden making inroads into Camp Hill territory. They were rewarded with a penalty goal by Tom Kendall on six minutes, after referee Dave Conway spotted obstruction. The lead lasted all of a minute, with Ian Briggs, the latest visiting kicker to enjoy a prolific afternoon, opening his account with a penalty for not releasing. Four minutes later, following an offence on the floor, Briggs eased the men from Shirley Park ahead. The Ks were intent on moving the ball wide at every opportunity. This gave Nyle Beckett and Andy Whitehall the chance to show both their speed and skill on a number of occasions. Indeed, it was Whitehall who posted the first try, seizing a loose ball from a 22 drop-out and scampering in, Kendall converting after 20 minutes. A sloppy phase of passing that threatened to let Camp Hill in was ended by a great intervention from Renowden, before a deft penalty to touch from fly-half Dave Johnston, who had an impressive afternoon with both boot and hand, gained good ground after the visitors were guilty of crossing. While they were not able to mount a series of concerted attacks, Camp Hill beavered away in the tight and were rewarded with another penalty goal by Briggs on the half-hour. Infringements were the order of the day at this juncture, and it was Kenilworth who next benefitted from them via a Kendall penalty goal, after an offside decision. Renowden and Beckett in particular were proving a handful for the visiting defence, and it was the former who instigated a sweeping move by the backs, which was finished in style by the latter as the half drew to a close. The try was unconverted but saw Kenilworth lead 18-9 at the interval.

The Ks put together numerous phases from the kick-off of the second half. However, the good work was rather spoilt when Cresswell decided to go it alone and was forced to hold on and concede a penalty. Good ground made from this enabled the Camp Hill attack to get in gear, with flanker Chris Goddard applying the finishing touch. The try, after four minutes, was unconverted. To their credit, the Ks came straight back. Following a scrum deep in Camp Hill territory, Johnston dropped a neat goal. He then showed showed his attacking acumen with a measured kick ahead that was gathered by Whitehall, who chipped over the defence, chased and won the foot-race to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try on 13 minutes. Three minutes later , the home side stretched their lead to 19 points. Good hands by the backs, with Jai Purewal and Renowden to the fore, released the flying Beckett, who needed no second invitation to get over, Kendall adding the extras as the third quarter closed. With a comfortable lead, it would have been prudent to have an effective deterrent to any fight-back. Unfortunately, two indiscretions in quick succession, both punished by penalty goals from Briggs, started the rot. Camp Hill, realizing that they could still get something from the contest, went up a couple of gears. In spite of some decent individual tackles, with Purewal prominent in these, the Ks were unable to collectively contain the pressure, and it was no surprise when centre Steven Leach broke clear to cross for an unconverted try around the half-hour. Five more minutes of indifferent defending ended when Briggs added to his points tally with a converted try. Following this and prior to Mr Conway's final whistle, it was all-out Camp Hill attacks. Thankfully, the one-point margin to the home side was maintained, to the delight of coach Richard Gibson and the sizeable band of supporters.

Kenilworth: Collett, Cresswell (Capt), Graur, Flowers, Openshaw, Dickson, Gibson, Phillips, Selby, Johnston, Beckett, Purewal, Renowden, Whitehall, Kendall. Replacements: Clifford, Burman, Muncaster.

The next league action is on Saturday November 12th, an away game at Lichfield. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.