Rugby Union
Bonus for Kenilworth in defeat

Worcester Wanderers 20 Kenilworth 13

RELEGATION-threatened Kenilworth secured a Midlands One West losing bonus point but were forced to play second fiddle to a more co-ordinated and inventive Wanderers outfit on Saturday.

After an opening five minutes during which the home side threatened to run riot, Kenilworth unexpectantly opened the scoring when a Josh McShane break was carried on with both style and power by Simon Tyler whose try was converted by Tom Kendall.

The visitors just about held their own throughout the first quarter, although the strong Worcester scummage was persistently causing them problems.

On one occasion, the considerable combined efforts of Jonny Cresswell and Jack Gibson were needed to secure the ball as the opposing pack were about to drive over the line.

The pressure eventually told and home centre Fincher slotted over a 27th minute penalty after the Ks were penalised for not releasing the tackler.

Three minutes later, following a slick bout of handling, hooker James was on hand to take the scoring pass.

Fincher added the conversion and kicked another penalty after the Ks strayed offside. Clearly rattled, they conceded two more penalties for back-chat before the break.

Kenilworth started the second half in positive fashion and Kendall struck a post with the penalty attempt after Worcester were judged to be offside

A knock-on from the rebound gave the visitors a scrum under their opponents crossbar. Dominic Sheehan then powered his way towards the line but was penalised for not releasing.

More pressure led to another penalty award to the Ks and Kendall made no mistake which reduced the deficit to three points after 48 minutes.

Unfortunately, directly from the restart, Wanderers punished some loose playand flanker Southwood charged over for a try which Fincher converted.

The home side piled on the pressure and it took a series of excellent last-ditch tackles, with Tyler and Sheehan to the fore, to save certain tries. Beckett, who was starved of the ball, showed his mettle in chasing down an intelligent kick ahead to the corner by Alex Selby, only to be beaten by the touchline.

It was then the turn of Andy Whitehall, similarly having seen little in the way of useful passes, to scorch to the opposite corner in pursuit of a touch-down from another punt ahead following an excellent break from deep by Cresswell.

Kenilworth had the final say in stoppage time when an indiscretion by Wanderers resulted in a penalty and, with Kendall out of action due to a leg injury, it was coolly dispatched by Tyler.

Kenilworth entertain local rivals and fellow-strugglers Stratford-upon-Avon, in a bid to extricate themselves from the relegation places in Midlands One West this Saturday (2.15pm).