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Savaged but saved from relegation. This was the outcome for Kenilworth after their trip down the long and winding roads to Luctonians splendid Herefordshire headquarters. Their biggest defeat for some time at the hands of a team still with an interest in the play-off spot in National Three Midlands, was countered by the fact that not far away from Kingsland, Malvern had lost to Hinckley, which means that National League rugby will remain on the menu at Glasshouse Lane next season (Writes Bob Jones).

In perfect conditions for open rugby, the fit, fast, well-drilled and powerful home side began as they were to continue, moving the ball at every opportunity, a tactic with which their visitors could not live for most of the contest. With just two minutes on the clock, an Ian Bowden ankle-tap saved a certain try, but after only a few more minutes had elapsed, lock Trevor Bufton had opened Lucs account with an unconverted try in the right corner. and wing Alex Smith crossed, full back Michael Thompson converting to open a 12-point lead. The prime Herefordshire beef was constantly on the rampage, and Thompson added a penalty goal on the quarter-hour, after the Ks had infringed in front of their posts. The visitors briefly pulled themselves together and concocted a decent move involving Dave Clements, Sam Viggers and Mike Rust. However, one-way traffic soon resumed, with Thompson finishing another sweeping move with a try, which he also converted on 24 minutes. With the dust barely settled, Smith was over for his second try, this one unconverted. Kenilworth once more responded,this time for rather longer and with better effect. A series of drives by the pack deep in home territory first enabled Tristan Wati to touch down and Clements convert, then Gareth Renowden to dart over, and thereby add an air of respectability to the score just after the half-hour mark. Shortly before referee Craig Maxwell-Keys whistle for the break, the Ks, up against it once more, were forced to illegally hold on, Thompson adding to his tally with a penalty goal.

Coach Matt Davies introduced Luke Watts for Sam Hobbins at the start of the second half. Lucs soon hit their stride again. A scything run culminated in a converted try out wide for No 8 Daniel Smith after six minutes. With a heavy defeat staring them in the face, to their credit, Kenilworth plugged on regardless. A great run by Clements, a series of driving mauls, notably featuring Tristan Wati and Collett, and a rare turnover, nearly paid dividends, before a trademark Renowden snipe took him over for a converted try, as the game entered its final quarter. That though, was as good as it got. Thereafter came a procession of further tries by Lucs. The first, by winger Charles Meredith, converted by Thompson was aided by a loose Kenilworth kick. Smith then duly collected his hat-trick, the try again converted. Wati was replaced by Ross Lowthian for the final few minutes. During these, replacement Brett Prior first had no difficulty outrunning the Ks to the line after intercepting, then Leon Mells, his centre partner, completed the rout with a brace of tries, the last converted, as the Kenilworth defence parted like the waters of the Red Sea.

Kenilworth: Bowden, Rust, Bayston, Viggers, Middleton, Clements, Renowden,Collett, Overton, Wati, Hobbins, Baillie,Parkes, Blaydon, P.Thompson (Capt.). Replacements: Watts, Lowthian, B.Thompson.

The last league game of the season is on Saturday 17th April, away at Luton. Kick-off 3pm.