Kenilworth under the weather at Ludlow

After the latent promise of their opening encounter, and dominating the initial quarter of their first away game in Midlands One West, this was a desperately disappointing display by Kenilworth against a moderate Ludlow side, writes Bob Jones.

While wet weather did not make it easy and injuries took their toll, there is much to address for director of rugby Richard Gibson and his coaching team.

An early penalty goal by centre Will Morton for the home side after the Ks had strayed offside in front of their posts, was followed by a period of dominance by the visiting pack.

A punt to touch deep in Ludlow territory by Jamie Peacock and a subsequent surge by his half-back partner Gareth Renowden, plus a lineout steal by Rob Smith, nearly paid dividends.

A Will Owen break then released the speedy Nyle Beckett, who crossed in the right corner for an unconverted try after 15 minutes.

The hosts gradually upped their effort and it took some stout defending to keep them at bay.

Handling errors and other transgressions were frequent by both sides as the penalty count mounted up. Following one scrummaging offence, a kick to touch in the corner and pressure in Ks’ 22 resulted in a try by Mike Jones, converted by Morton.

As the rain lashed down on the dramatic setting beneath the towering castle, Kenilworth began to accumulate a catalogue of injuries.

Jonny Openshaw departed to be replaced by Sam Flowers and, shortly afterwards, Smith made way for Dominic Sheehan.

A Peacock penalty goal attempt ten minutes into the second half was unsuccessful and the standard of play further deteriorated.

This was somewhat redeemed by an interception, break-out and good support play by the hosts, for whom full-back Joe Doyle completed the job under the posts, Morton adding the extras.