Kenilworth claim crown to close in on Twickers trip
KENILWORTH 15 KIDDERMINSTER 10 KENILWORTH made it three from three against Kidderminster this season with a narrow victory to be crowned Midlands Division winners and book their place in the semi-finals of the national RFU Intermediate Cup,
It was the second time in a week and the third time in just five months that Kenilworth met their league rivals Kidderminster Carolians with the Glasshouse Lane side once again coming out on top to reach the last four.
With only five minutes gone, a scrum 15 yards out was won by Kidderminster. Two quick passes later winger Arthur Morgan ran in his side’s first try. With the wind now gusting diagonally across the pitch, the conversion attempt was blown wide and in a repeat of the previous week’s game, Kidderminster had taken an early advantage.
Also in repeat, the score was to galvanise Kenilworth who, from the kick off, gained possession of the ball and forced their way deep into the Kidderminster half. Skipper Bobby Thompson set off on a penetrating run ending with an offload to scrum-half Gareth Renowden.
The ball then moved quickly between the hands of Ed Hannam, Mikkel Andresen and finally to flanker Sam Harrison who covered the remaining ground quickly to touch down.
The try was converted by Hannam, against the wind, which meant Kenilworth now led 7-5 - an advantage they would defend into the half-time break.
Kenilworth found themselves almost immediately camped in the Kidderminster 22 only a few yards away from PICTURES: WILLIE WHITESMITH the visitors’ try line. Eventually, they were awarded a penalty which was successfully kicked by Hannam.
After working through the phases and retaining the ball well, Kenilworth realised that there was space out left. A couple of passes later, flanker Harrison crossed for Kenilworth’s second try. The wind, as expected, conspired to prevent a Hannam conversion.
With just a couple of minutes to go Kidderminster were awarded a scrum only a few yards from their line from which winger Ryan Tiene ran the best part of 70 metres to touch down. With the conversion missed, Kidderminster were only five points behind. Kenilworth faced a nervous couple of minutes but the side remained solid to see the game through to the final whistle for a cup-winning scoreline of 15-10.
Kenilworth, as Midlands Intermediate Cup winners, now progress into the semi-final stages with a game against the winners of the Northern Intermediate Cup, South Shields Westoe on Saturday, April 20. For the victors of that match, the RFU Intermediate Cup final, at Twickenham, awaits.