Kenilworth exit Warwickshire Cup at the hands of much-sharper Nuneaton

Boasting three former Kenilworth players in their ranks, Nuneaton were much sharper and fitter, running in 11 tries to the visitors’ two.

Nuneaton started strongly with poor tackling and kicking by Kenilworth allowing them to take a 14-0 lead with two scores in the opening five minutes.

Kenilworth responded well and when Nuneaton conceded a penalty there was a superb catch and drive from the resulting lineout to allow winger Ed Hannam to touch down for a try converted by Tom Kendall.

Ks were very much in the game and turned over Nuneaton ball on a number of occasions only to lose possession themselves soon after.

However, silly mistakes and loose play allowed Nuneaton in for a further score. Hannam was prominent again with a tremendous try-saving tackle on the line but from the lineout Nuneaton scored after a handling error by the visitors.

Again Kenilworth came back with impressive running and kicking from Jimmy Middleton and fly-half Dom Sheehan but some loose passing and handling errors were to cost Kenilworth dear as Nuneaton ran in three further tries for a 38-7 half-time lead.

The second half took on a similar pattern with Kenilworth competing only to make silly mistakes that a much sharper Nuneaton outfit capitalised on.

Nuneaton scored again almost from the kick-off but Kenilworth responded well and following a period of sustained pressure and good forward drives, Bobby Thompson darted in for a try, again converted by Kendall.

There were some great try-saving tackles from Ross Lowthian and Hannam but they could not prevent Nuneaton running in four further tries, two of which came in the final minute.