KENILWORTH have climbed to the top of the Midlands One West summit after a comprehensive 42-17 bonus-point triumph over rock-bottom Kidderminster Carolians.
In the re-arranged fixture, the promotion challengers were a class above at Kidderminster’s Marlpool Lane home, where they were supported by a sizeable travelling crowd.
An early converted try got the ball rolling for Kenilworth, provided by Gareth Renowden after five minutes, with Jayde Cruickshank the provider of the extras.
After going in front, Kenilworth’s next intention was to build on their lead, threatening to do so through a couple of driving runs from winger Ollie Burman.
While Kidderminster showed signs of fight, the hosts fell further behind when trickery from Sam Morris allowed Sam Harrison to crash down between the posts. Cruickshank again converted.
A third try put Kenilworth in full control of the match when Bobby Thompson and Rhys Jones linked up to send through Tom Naismith for a third converted score of the afternoon.
Kidderminster left themselves with a shout of a revival when ending the half with the final score, courtesy of five points from Chris May-Miller.
Any fears of a comeback were quickly swept aside by a succession of Kenilworth tries to start the second half.
With a scrum taking place a matter of metres from the hosts’ try line, the ball made its way to captain Bobby Thompson, who switched the ball to Cruickshank to cross the whitewash, before adding his fourth conversion of the game.
A repeat show by Cruickshank extended Kenilworth’s lead to 35-5, followed by a sixth converted try of the game – this time provided by Thompson – three minutes later.
Two late scores from Kidderminster’s Ryan Tiene and Tom Maher, both converted, issued a positive response for the hosts to close the scoring.
Kenilworth can reinforce their title credentials at home to second-placed Lichfield, who are a point behind on 76 points, on Saturday (2.15pm).
