Kenilworth 10 - Ludlow 20
Dec
As the Midlands One West season entered its second half, hopes of an on-going revival by Kenilworth were dashed in front of a sizeable crowd under floodlights at a chilly Glasshouse Lane. Leading at the interval, and within three points of their visitors until the final minutes, the home side could not find a way past a resolute, well-organized side, who used the rather liberal attitude of the referee to offside to better advantage (writes Bob Jones).
The Ks started brightly, with a clever Tom Kendall punt to the corner causing concern in the opposition ranks. However, after clearing the danger, Ludlow nearly benefitted from an all-too-prevalent trait this term, a disorganized defence looking on as left-wing Williams sped through a massive gap towards the line, which fortunately he failed to reach. Richard Gibson's charges were first on the score-sheet though, Kendall slotting a penalty goal on eight minutes. Ten minutes later, also following a rare offside decision by the match official, the men from Welsh border country levelled, courtesy of a Jamie Simpson penalty. A break by Josh McShane nearly opened the way for more pressure, but the visitors full-back Doyle, lock Brick and Williams then proceeded to cause greater consternation with penetrating runs, the one by the latter requiring a fine tackle from Nyle Beckett to prevent a touch-down. It was thus of no surprise when Simpson put over his second penalty goal, as the Ks were forced to transgress in the face of this onslaught. To their credit, they fought back, with Bobby Thompson, Jonny Cresswell and Catalin Graur prominent in up-field surges. They reaped reward after 36 minutes by means of a typical Cresswell try, converted by Kendall. The precursor to this, a good Kenilworth scrummage was followed by a neat move by the backs, McShane and Dominic Sheehan combining to send Andy Whitehall speeding deep into Ludlow territory. At the interval, the score was 10-6.
At the start of the second half, the Shropshire outfit came out with all guns blazing, and impressed with their quick support play. Right-winger Sparrow was nearly over, before a drive by the pack culminated in a try for prop Jones, the reliable boot of Simpson adding the extras, which nudged them into the lead after five minutes. Matters became rather frantic and heated, and resulted in a talk to both captains by the referee, who subsequently yellow-carded Jack Gibson for a retaliatory punch. He did not return to the action, Jonny Openshaw replacing him as the contest was about to enter its final quarter. Also at this juncture, Will Owen was introduced in place of Sheehan. Ludlow continued in command and the Ks found it difficult to make ground, leave alone mount any serious attacks by the three-quarters. A splendid pick-up and ensuing touch-finder that landed deep in the Ludlow half by Beckett promised better things, as did a powerful run by Owen, but nothing materialized. With little time remaining,the visitors made sure of victory by means of another drive by the pack that enabled No 8 Rawling to cross for a try, which Simpson converted.
Kenilworth: Graur, Cresswell (Capt), Collett, Flowers, Wood, Dixon, Gibson, Thompson, Selby, McShane, Beckett, Sheehan, Tyler, Whitehall, Kendall. Replacements: Dodd, Openshaw, Owen.
The next league action is on Saturday January 7th, when Kenilworth are away at Worcester Wanderers. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.
