Kenilworth are distinctly second-best

Kenilworth’s familiar failings came to the fore as they conceded 38 second-half points to go down to defeat in this National Three Midlands encounter, writes Bob Jones.

With their propensity for conceding early territory and points, a dropped ball from the kick-off by Bobby Thompson was not the start Ks wanted. A few minutes of Malvern pressure culminated in a try for flanker Simon Dawes converted by Adam Dixon.

A robust response from Kenilworth saw Rhys Llewellyn forced to retire with a blood injury, while home lock Matthew Williams was sent to the sin-bin.

Three minutes later, Mike Rust offloaded to the supporting Dave Clements, who crossed out wide for an unconverted score.

An opposition punch, seen by referee Chris Ashton, but punished only with a penalty, enabled Adam Canning to slot over a goal in the 32nd minute.

Kenilworth made it 13-7 at the break, with an unconverted try from Canning, who seized possession during a loose passage of play by the hosts.

It took the home side just two minutes to get on the scoreboard after the break. Freddy Pierrepoint was caught in possession and the ball was swiftly transferred to winger James Aston who stormed through acres of vacant space to touch down for an unconverted try.

Shortly after, Jack Gibson was sent to the sin-bin after using his hands on the floor in a ruck.

Following the resulting penalty, replacement prop Matt Humphreys stormed over, with Dixon adding the extras.

Malvern were in top gear and a sweeping move, which ended with an unconverted try for Tom Hughes, extended their lead.

An Alex Wallis run into home 22, before he was bundled into touch, was just about the only penetrative response by the Ks.

Richard Fleming, aided by some ineffective cover, reaped his reward after 62 minutes with a try, converted by Dixon. Three minutes later, it was Dixon’s turn to cross, then convert.

The final turn of the screw by the Worcestershire side was undertaken by centre Adam Billing and Dixon, with a try and conversion respectively.

The final points, however, went to the visitors. A surge by the forwards, with Thompson in the van, was finished in style by debutant Graur Catalin, Canning converting.