Ks’ lack of experience is exploited by Sutton

Given Kenilworth’s predominantly young and inexperienced team, plus the fact that the hosts were the current Midlands One West leaders, this was always going to be a testing afternoon, writes Bob Jones. And so it proved as the men from north Birmingham gradually wore down spirited first-half resistance to record an easy win, courtesy of a barrage of tries during the final quarter.

It was Sutton who had the first scoring opportunity, but Rob Watts’ strong run was curtailed by the attentions of Tom Kendall and Nyle Beckett.

A break by Russ Clarke, then a typical Bobby Thompson drive promised better things for the hosts but the ball eventually went to ground.

Following a turned scrum and subsequent pressure, the visitors opened their account after 17 minutes when fly-half Daniel Poulton jinked over for a try, which he also converted.

Five minutes later, Kenilworth were level. A Gareth Renowden snipe to within the opposition 22, followed by a drive by the pack saw the ball knocked on. As Sutton attempted to clear their lines after a scrum, the alert Beckett intercepted and went over under the posts, Kendall adding the extras.

The next few minutes were Kenilworth’s best. A smart turnover by Phil Dickson created havoc in the Sutton ranks and led to a penalty for offside, which Kendall dispatched, to edge the home side into the lead.

This was the wake-up call Sutton required and they began to show a variety of moves involving both forwards and backs that left the Ks with a lot of defensive work.

It was no surprise when centre Josh Groom outwitted the cover to touch down, Poulton converting after 32 minutes.

It took the combined efforts of Jonny Cresswell and the industrious Beckett to stave off further damage.

A Renowden tap-and-go nearly paid dividends, but the half closed with the visitors leading 14-10.

A penalty against Ks for not releasing straight after the start of the second half saw the ball sent to touch deep in home territory.

An excellent pass in the next passage of play was taken by prop Brook Davies, who was in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Sutton began to turn the screw and, after battering away close to the Kenilworth line, lock Anthony Worthington went over for another unconverted try.

As the game entered its final quarter, there was some respite and reward for the home side.

Sutton conceded three penalties in quick succession and Kendall nailed the last.

Ten minutes from time, the game really began to slip away from Ks. Groom collected his second converted try after a sweeping move by the three-quarters and, two minutes later, scrum-half Luke Ward had no difficulty in penetrating the cover for another converted score.

Worse was to follow as Watts was twice on the scoresheet within three minutes; each try being converted by Poulton.