Inspirational Kenilworth leave Droitwich out for the count

The winger was unceremoniuosly dumped to the turf in the dying throes of the game, but not before producing a sparkling performance to help his side open a five-point lead at the top of the table.

The first few minutes saw both teams testing the other out and when Kenilworth mounted the first real attack of the game the visitors showed rush defence but were penalised for preventing release at the ensuing ruck.

Tom Kendall made no mistake to put Kenilworth into a three-point lead.

The first set scrummage was alarmingly one-sided and the much-larger Droitwich side would look to build on this all afternoon.

Lineouts proved a more even contest and some good defence by Kenilworth stopped a series of rolling mauls before they were pinged for offside. The Droitwich ten made good with the kick to level the match.

Ks launched into another series of attacks in an attempt to up the tempo but hands in the ruck followed by some backchat from the Droitwich flanker made Kendall’s attempt at least 10 metres easier and the three-point advantage was restored.

Kenilworth were now on a run of sustained attacks but hands in the ruck denied them quick ball and when it finally became available, Matt Holton’s slip pass was slapped down by the Droitwich ten. A penalty was adjudged the appropriate response and Kendall stretched the lead to 9-3.

Droitwich were finding it hard to live with the pace of the home side and Beckett was halted by a high tackle to allow Ks to extend their advantage to nine points at the interval.

The second half began with Beckett taking a clearance kick and tearing up the right wing before finding a good touch. A series of phases within five metres of the line finally produced a score when Bobby Thompson collected the ball from a ruck and went over from short range for the first try of the afternoon.

The elements now came into play with surging rain and a biting wind making playing conditions awkward but the gloom was broken by one of those Beckett moments that have become almost obligatory.

The winger collected the ball 22m out and, with a throng of Droitwich defenders between him and the line, danced his way inside before handing off the last tackler to score a scintillating try and effectively close out the game with 20 minutes to go.

The last quarter saw Kenilworth strive to add to the try count in an attempt to gain the crucial bonus point but it was not to be.

And, with time running out, Beckett went off on another of his runs but this time the entertainment was brought to a halt by the fist of the Droitwich lock which left the speedster on the turf and saw his assailant receive a yellow card for his efforts.