Kenilworth are not quite at the races against Ludlow

As the Midlands One West season entered its second half, hopes of an on-going Kenilworth revival were dashed in front of a sizeable crowd at a chilly Glasshouse Lane, writes Bob Jones.

Leading at the interval, and within three points of their visitors until the final minutes, the home side could not find a way past a resolute, well-organised side, who used the rather liberal attitude of the referee to offside to better advantage.

Ks started brightly, with a clever Tom Kendall punt to the corner causing concern in the opposition ranks.

However, after clearing the danger, Ludlow nearly benefited from an all-too-prevalent trait this term, a disorganised defence looking on as left-wing Williams sped through a massive gap towards the line, which fortunately he failed to reach.

Richard Gibson’s charges were first on the scoresheet, though, Kendall slotting over a penalty goal in the eighth minute.

Ten minutes later, also following a rare offside decision by the match official, the men from Welsh border country levelled, courtesy of a Jamie Simpson penalty.

A break by Josh McShane nearly opened the way for more pressure, but the visitors’ full-back Doyle, lock Brick and Williams then proceeded to cause greater consternation with penetrating runs, the one by the latter requiring a fine tackle from Nyle Beckett to prevent a touchdown.

It was of no surprise when Simpson put over his second penalty goal as the Ks were forced to transgress in the face of this onslaught.

To their credit, the hosts fought back, with Bobby Thompson, Jonny Cresswell and Catalin Graur prominent in upfield surges.

They reaped reward in the 36th minute by means of a typical Cresswell try, converted by Kendall to make it 10-6.

The precursor to this, a good Kenilworth scrummage was followed by a neat move by the backs, McShane and Dominic Sheehan combining to send Andy Whitehall speeding deep into Ludlow territory.

The Shropshire outfit emerged for the second half all guns blazing and impressed with their quick support play. Right-winger Sparrow was nearly over before a drive by the pack culminated in a try for prop Jones. The reliable boot of Simpson added the extras, which nudged them into the lead.

Matters became rather frantic and heated and resulted in a talk to both captains by the referee, who subsequently yellow-carded Jack Gibson for a retaliatory punch.

He did not return to the action, Jonny Openshaw replacing him as the contest was about to enter its final quarter.

A splendid pick-up and ensuing touch-finder that landed deep in the Ludlow half by Beckett promised better things, as did a powerful run by replacement Will Owen but nothing materialised.

With little time remaining,the visitors made sure of victory by means of another drive by the pack that enabled number eight Rawling to cross for a try which Simpson converted.