Careless mistakes hand win to Luton

KENILWORTH brought about their own downfall in this National Three Midlands clash, with a clinical Luton side taking advantage of a string of stray passes, writes Ralph Murray.

The afternoon began on a sombre note as the teams lined up for a minute’s applause in memory of Alex Wallis, the young Kenilworth colt who lost his life in a car accident on New Year’s Eve. The teams were joined by youngsters from the club in paying their respects.

The conditions promised to make life difficult for both teams and an early attack from Kenilworth resulted in a second-minute penalty which was converted by Adam Canning.

A period of sustained pressure from Luton then produced the first try of the afternoon, with slick hands from the backs providing an opening for the winger to touch down. Despite the swirling wind, the Luton fly-half converted from near the touchline to put the visitors 7-3 ahead.

From the restart, Kenilworth chased down the kick-off and recycled the ball quickly, but an attempted miss-pass in midfield allowed the Luton centre to intercept and run the 60 metres to the line unopposed.

This conversion was much more straightforward and extended the visitors’ lead to 11 points.

Once again, Kenilworth chased down the restart and a promising series of pick-and-go moves looked set to add to the home side’s score. However, a penalty for holding-on relieved the pressure.

Towards the end of the half, a breakaway by Kenilworth gave Gareth Renowden the ball 20 metres from the Luton line and a clever kick through was followed up by Dave Clements, who touched down for a converted try.

Kenilworth gathered the restart and a probing kick from Canning was kicked on by Renowden. The ball was eventually fed out to Mike Rust who touched down in the right-hand corner. Although the conversion was missed, Kenilworth went into the break just a point adrift.

With the wind at their backs, Luton needed just three minutes of the second half to touch down, with the extras taking them 21-15 up.

Kenilworth hit back, with sustained pressure yielding a penalty. However, the wind took the ball off the tee just before Canning made contact.

As the game moved into the final quarter, Luton scored another opportunistic try following more Kenilworth possession. Mike Weston was the man to touch down under the posts, with Joe Murphy continuing his 100 per cent conversion record.

Trailing by 11 points, Kenilworth displayed a greater sense of urgency and, following a series of phases, they reduced the deficit with a penalty and a converted try for Ben Spokes.

With time running out, Kenilworth threw everything into attack but, once again, a stray pass was seized upon by a Luton player, with Jimmy Spiers taking advantage to go over for his second try of the game.