Ks survive final flurry to secure morale-boosting victory

A bonus-point win by the narrowest of margins was the morale-booster urgently needed by Kenilworth, writes Bob Jones.

However, the unfortunate trait of letting their opponents run them ragged during the last quarter resurfaced again as they almost contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in this Midlands One West fixture.

The home side opened brightly and were rewarded with a penalty goal by Tom Kendall in the sixth minute after referee Dave Conway spotted an obstruction.

The lead lasted all of a minute, with Ian Briggs, the latest visiting kicker to enjoy a prolific afternoon, opening his account with a penalty for not releasing.

Four minutes later, following an offence on the floor, Briggs eased the men from Shirley Park ahead.

The Ks were intent on moving the ball wide at every opportunity, allowing Nyle Beckett and Andy Whitehall the chance to show both their speed and skill. Indeed, it was Whitehall who posted the first try, seizing a loose ball from a 22 drop-out and scampering in, Kendall converting after 20 minutes.

While they were not able to mount a series of concerted attacks, Camp Hill beavered away in the tight and were rewarded with another penalty goal for Briggs on the half-hour.

Infringements were the order of the day at this juncture and it was Kenilworth who next benefitted from them via a Kendall penalty goal after an offside decision.

Gareth Renowden and Beckett, in particular, were proving a handful for the visiting defence and it was the former who instigated a sweeping move by the backs, which was finished in style by the latter as the half drew to a close.

The try was unconverted but saw Kenilworth lead 18-9 at the interval.

A penalty for holding on allowed Camp Hill to make good ground in the 44th minute and flanker Chris Goddard was able to cut the deficit with an unconverted try.

To their credit, Ks came straight back. Following a scrum deep in Camp Hill territory, Johnston dropped a neat goal. He then showed his attacking acumen with a measured kick ahead that was gathered by Whitehall, who chipped over the defence, chased and won the foot-race to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try.

Three minutes later, the home side stretched their lead to 19 points. Good hands by the backs released the flying Beckett who needed no second invitation to get over, Kendall adding the extras.

Two indiscretions in quick succession, both punished by penalty goals from Briggs, started the rot and Camp Hill, realising they could still get something from the contest, went up a couple of gears.

In spite of some decent tackling, with Jai Purewal prominent, Ks were unable to contain the pressure and it was no surprise when Steven Leach crossed for an unconverted try.

Five more minutes of indifferent defending ended when Briggs added to his points tally with a converted try.

Thankfully, Ks’ one-point advantage was maintained during a desperate finale to the delight of coach Richard Gibson and a sizeable home support.