Luton 53 - Kenilworth 22
Apr
A not unexpected defeat against high-flying and free-scoring opponents in their last league game was tempered by a four-try haul, the bonus-point reward for which elevated Kenilworth to a final ninth place in National Three Midlands. On their first visit to Newlands, and with a distinctly makeshift side, while they were frequently cut to ribbons by Luton's attacking play,this was a gutsy performance to end a torrid season for the Glasshouse Lane brigade (writes Bob Jones).
In perfect conditions for running rugby, Luton were soon on the scoreboard, when flanker Terry Cooper finished the first of a constant stream of fast, clever moves, full-back Dan Howells adding the extras. Howells converted a penalty chance just prior to the quarter-hour mark, as Kenilworth struggled to contain the assault. When within the next ten minutes, the home side had added three more tries, the first by prop Joe Lynch, the other two from flying winger Mark Kohler, both converted by Howells, to open up a 29 point lead, a score in line with cricket seemed on the cards. Suddenly, the Ks realized that by keeping the ball tight, they could exploit the one weakness in the home side - their lack of forward power. A series of drives by the pack saw Rob Varney touch down just a couple of minutes later. More of the same, with the wily Paul Thompson orchestrating matters enabled Tristan Wati to add a second try after 36 minutes, Alex Stajka converting.
The visitors held their own for the first few passages of play of the second half. However, not for the first time, either this afternoon or season, they paid the price for a series of missed tackles, centre Matt Allen crossing for an unconverted score on six minutes. Wati was now withdrawn, with Jack Gibson introduced into a reshuffled pack. In open play, Kenilworth were distinctly second-best and lived off scraps, with Dave Clements making the best inroads. As the game entered its final quarter, the pressure once more told on the visitors, with first, replacement Aidan Kenny going over, then Ryan Staff, with Howells converting both. Ross Bayston departed in favour of Ian Bowden on the half hour. Proceedings then took a turn for the better for the Ks. A Mike Rust kick ahead and chase nearly came off, before the team's leading scorer finished a neat move in style after 72 minutes. Luton were not finished though. Yet another swift, sweeping attack sent in Howells for a try, converted by himself to send up the half-century of points. The last score, just prior to referee Andy Attwell's final whistle, went to the hard-working Sam Overton. A driving maul that began deep in home territory enabled him to touch down. The try was unconverted but secured the priceless bonus point.
Kenilworth: Clements, Rust, Renowden, Viggers, Bayston, Stajka, Hancocks,Collett, Overton, Wati, Varney, Lowthian, Parkes, Blaydon, Thompson(Capt.). Replacements: Gibson, Bowden.
