RUGBY UNION: KENILWORTH moved up to third in the Midlands 2 West (South) league table following a comprehensive 77-5 victory over Old Yardleians, writes Sophie Freestone.
The Glasshouse Lane side wrapped up the crucial bonus point inside 15 minutes, with captain Bobby Thompson also scoring a hat trick.
The visitors set the tone for the match early on when, with just five minutes on the clock, Kenilworth scored two tries, firstly through fly half Alex Selby and then flanker Nick Gerber.
That lead was extended after 12 minutes of play when winger Rhys Jones offloaded to the supporting scrum half Gareth Renowden who dived over under the posts. Selby’s conversion extended Kenilworth’s lead to 19 points.
The four-try bonus point was then secured just three minutes later. Great hands from winger Simon Tyler released full back Rob Thomason to score on the right to give his side a 24-point advantage with just 15 minutes on the clock.
Old Yardleians then responded with a try of their own after 24 minutes of play, but it was to be their only points of the afternoon.
Three tries in eleven minutes for Kenilworth ensured the hosts went into half-time with a 41-5 lead.
Kenilworth started the second half slowly with 50 minutes on the clock before they crossed the whitewash again.
This time, captain Thompson was on hand to score in the corner after his side strung together some great attacking phases.
Selby’s excellent conversion added the extras to take his side to within two points of the half century.
Prop Dan Minks then took his side beyond 50 points, once again finding himself on the wing to score in the corner, having scored from a similar position against Nuneaton Old Edwardians.
Selby was once again on target with a difficult conversion to make the score 55-5 with 20 minutes still to play.
Bobby Thompson then put himself back on the score sheet after 62 minutes when great hands saw the ball reach the flanker for his second try of the match. Selby’s conversion added the extras.
Just five minutes later, Tommy Jones joined the list of try scorers for Kenilworth’s eleventh by going over on the left.
Thompson then secured his hat-trick to round off another impressive performance from the flanker.
Kenilworth’s final try of the match came after 73 minutes when powerful running from Harry Kaufman allowed the centre to find his way past the Old Yardleians defence to cross the line.
Selby just pulled his conversion wide of the uprights to give a final score of 77-5.
Next up for Kenilworth is a home match against local rivals Old Silhillians on Saturday. Kick off is 3pm.
