Rugby Union
Snow joke at Bournville

Bournville 68 Kenilworth 14

FROZEN grounds decimated the Midlands One West fixture list on Saturday but high-flying Bournville and lowly Kenilworth took to an artificial pitch at Birmingham University in near-freezing conditions and with snow falling throughout.

The result, predictable in any circumstances on current form, was achieved in a farcical manner, with the lines having to be constantly cleared of snow as play progressed and the participants slithering and sliding in what was a first experience for both teams.

Bournville, already with a host of rugby-related advantages over their visitors, adapted much better to the conditions and began to run in tries at will from the first whistle.

An understandable reluctance by the Ks to take risks on the floor, plus their usual leaky defence, did not help matters, neither did their persistence in taking the ball into contact in mid-field rather than spreading it wide, as their opponents were doing so successfully.

Seven touch-downs, some converted, plus a penalty goal, built up a lead of over 40 points at the interval.

Kenilworth had nothing in the way of a penetrating attack until the final few minutes of the half. The precursor was a couple of penalties that took them near to the Bournville 22 but nothing more materialised.

When just three minutes into the second period, the hosts posted another try, it left the small contingent of hardy Kenilworth supporters fearing a cricket score.

However, better was to follow. With Andy Whitehall skilfully kicking them both out of trouble and into promising positions, the Ks came more into the game.

They put together some neat passages of play and were rewarded with tries by Adam Clifford and Tom Lane, both converted by the admirable Whitehall.

Bournville, who had contributed to this resurgence by slacking-off somewhat, now moved up a gear and went over for three more tries before the referee mercifully called a halt to proceedings with ten minutes remaining.

Kenilworth’s battle for league survival continues on February 18 when Bedworth, one below them in the bottom three of the table, visit Glasshouse Lane.