Ks anxiously looking over their shoulders

This critical contest between two National Three Midlands strugglers went the way of the home side at a sunny but distinctly chilly Fengate, writes Bob Jones.

After a bright opening, Kenilworth were thereafter only effective in small doses, and mostly lived off scraps provided by a more robust and well-organised Peterborough side, whose dominance of the set-piece was a crucial element in their success.

With five minutes on the clock, Kenilworth opened the scoring with an unconverted try for Dave Campton following some good forward drives.

The traditionally powerful home pack found their feet five minutes later, replying in kind with hooker Cook going over following a territory-gaining penalty.

In the aftermath of a lost scrum - the first of many - it took some stout defensive work to repel a Peterborough assault close to the line.

More of the same ensued, and it was no surprise when cracks appeared to allow centre Reid to step through for a try under the posts, which was converted by fly-half Low.

A break by Dave Clements was just about the only other notable inroad made by the visitors before the interval.

With the Cambridgeshire outfit seeking to capitalise on their forward dominance by running the ball at every opportunity, scrum-half Allen capped a good move with a try that Low converted in the 38th minute.

In time added on by referee Luke Haskins, Kenilworth clawed back three points via the boot of Adam Canning following a scrummaging offence.

Unfortunately, the Glasshouse Lane outfit succumbed to a try only two minutes into the second period.

Low threaded his way through indifferent defensive work to cross and added the conversion.

Bobby Thompson replaced Dan Careless and Jai Purewal came on for Jed Boyle as coach Jason Button searched for a solution.

Matters improved somewhat, and when the ball was quickly moved wide across the backs, Chris Murphy took the scoring pass. His try was unconverted.

Four minutes later, Peterborough stretched their lead with a Low penalty goal after Jack Gibson had shown rather too much enthusiasm at the breakdown.

It was all Peterborough at this juncture, and a great tackle by last-line-of-defence Clements was needed to prevent another home try.

On a rare occasion, the Kenilworth backs clicked into gear, with Mike Rust instrumental, they were rewarded with an unconverted try in the corner by Joss Andrews.

Ks’ hopes of a comeback were hampered, however, when Ian Phillips had to retire with a leg injury. Having used all their replacements, they were forced to play the final ten minutes with 14 men.