KENILWORTH RFC ended their five-game losing run with a 32-23 win against Syston to begin the New Year with a much-needed victory.
Charlie Hudson crossed for a hat-trick of tries while Charlie West also dotted down as Kenilworth secured a bonus point win at the Jack Davies Memorial Ground.
And the result means Kenilworth sit ninth in the Regional 1 Midlands table.
The bumper home crowd respectfully marked the passing of club stalwart John Davies with a minute’s silence prior to kick-off.
Syston took an early three-point lead courtesy of a penalty after Kenilworth infringed at a ruck.
However, Hudson scored the game’s first try from a catch and drive move at a lineout soon after with Mark O’Connor impressively converting from the right touchline.
The visitors reduced the deficit with another penalty before West touched down in the left corner after strong bursts from Mikkel Andresen and Lewis Kavanagh.
And O’Connor stretched Kenilworth’s lead to nine points at the break with a penalty shortly before half time.
Kenilworth increased their advantage after the interval when Hudson powered over from another catch and drive move at a lineout with O’Connor kicking the difficult conversion.
However, Syston scored two quickfire converted tries and kicked a penalty to turn the game on its head and leave the home side stunned.
The hosts came surging back as hooker Charlie Morris produced a sublime 50-22 kick before Hudson completed his hat-trick and secured a bonus point from another lineout move.
A late penalty from O’Connor denied Syston a losing bonus point as the home side returned to winning ways.
Kenilworth are next in action away at Bromsgrove on Saturday, January 13 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Finstall Park.
