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Another significant step towards security in National Three Midlands by Kenilworth, who edged out comfortably-placed Longton with a determined display, after a hard-fought encounter, in their last home game of the season. Nonetheless, with some of the other results involving teams battling to avoid the drop not offering assistance to this end, and with two tough away fixtures remaining, the nail-biting continues (writes Bob Jones).

Matters started badly for the fired-up Glasshouse Lane brigade, when they strayed offside within the first minute, and allowed fly-half Chris Buck to open the scoring with a penalty goal. They were not denied for long. Jimmy Middleton nearly succeeded in charging down a hurried clearance near the visitors line, before a drive by the pack set up a move, first involving Gareth Renowden and Sam Viggers, and finished in style by Dave Clements. Alex Stajka, whose kicking was admirable all afternoon, added the extras after eight minutes. The men from Stoke-on-Trent responded as they were to mainly continue, with driving mauls. However, and also a recurrent theme in their play, they conceded numerous penalties in this aspect of the game, as they did for their scrum feeding, both transgressions well dealt with by referee Andy Palmer. From one such indiscretion, Stajka extended the lead with a penalty goal on the quarter-hour. Ed Mbaraga was in the thick of the action and Renowden always looked lively, but it was Longton who nearly scored next, but winger Grant Hallam knocked-on at vital moment. Subsequent play by both teams was fast and untidy. Visiting full-back Edwards was dangerous with ball in hand on a couple of occasions, before a neat break ended with an unconverted try for their No 8 Gareth Rawlings on the half-hour. The remainder of the half was dominated by the Ks. A superb break by Viggers was snuffed out by a try-saving tackle, then Renowden pinched the ball from a Longton scrum in their 22, but the advancing Mbaraga was off-balance as he went to take the pass, with the line beckoning. A minor bout of indiscipline by the home side saw Longton make ground with a penalty to touch. However, from this, a line-out steal by Paul Thompson led to the visitors once more offending at a breakdown, and thereby enabling Stajka to extend the lead with a penalty goal.

Kenilworth opened the second period in just the way needed-with several powerful drives by the pack to deep in Longton territory. Tristan Wati, in the van of all action up-front, touched down after only two minutes for an unconverted try. Their plans were disrupted soon afterwards, when flanker Rick Smith was forced to retire injured, Viggers moving to his position, and Ross Bayston entering a reshuffled back line. Cue an all-out effort by the Staffordshire outfit, which lasted for much of the remainder of the game. To their immense credit, Kenilworth defended superbly in the face of repeated forward-led moves. They were aided by more indiscipline from their opponents, with Stajka punishing them with another penalty goal on 22 minutes. The pounding by the potent Potteries eight eventually told, with second-row Rich Thompson diving over for an unconverted try three minutes later. More pressure resulted in Stajka being judged by Mr. Palmer to have tripped an opponent in full flight. Buck made no mistake with the resulting penalty goal attempt. The final ten minutes saw frantic passages of play by both sides. Sam Hobbins stormed away for Kenilworth but had been given a forward pass. Stajka was either booting the ball to safety of popping penalties into touch. Longton mounted one last charge. They were awarded a penalty that found touch just short of the Ks line, but after several phases, could not capitalize on it. At the final whistle, with almost ten minutes of time having been added,the relief among both home players and supporters was palpable.

Kenilworth: Clements, Mbaraga, Clarke, Viggers, Middleton, Stajka, Renowden, Collett, Overton, Wati, Wadey, Hobbins, Smith, Parkes, Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Lowthian, Bayston, Hancocks.

The penultimate league game is on Saturday 10th April, at Luctonians. Kick-off 3pm.

WARWICKSHIRE COLTS CUP, 1/4r FINAL

KERESLEY 5 KENILWORTH 35

A superb win for KRFC colts in a tough physical game. K’s superbly marshaled by fly half Will Maisey. Formal report and scorers to follow. K’s opposition will be Barkers Butts away on either 3rd or 4th April, to be confirmed.

9732 Captain Sam Hobbins

9754 Will Maisey

NEWBOLD 2’s 7 KENILWORTH 2’s 74

A superb performance by 13 man Kenilworth against 15 man Newbold.

Scorers to follow.

SOUTHPORT TOUR

SOUTHPORT TEAM 17 KENILWORTH PIRATES 42

Scorers to follow.