Ks lack the resources to compete

Facing a side of the quality of Bromsgrove would have been a big enough challenge had Kenilworth’s first-choice XV been available.

However, shorn of several key players, Ks struggled to cope with the hosts’ physical presence and were on the back foot from the outset.

Bromsgrove’s superiority also spread to the loose, where they won most of the collisions and produced good ball from rucks and mauls.

An injury to Kenilworth number eight Will Parkes meant that more than half the game was played with 14 men as there was no suitable replacement, while the loss of Jed Boyle to the sin-bin further hampered the visitors.

Despite their inadequacies, Kenilworth produced a defiant display with Andy Bladon outstanding in his work-rate and execution.

Bromsgrove met with fierce resistance but eventually their numbers and experience told and another try was scored.

On other occasions, missed tackles allowed Bromsgrove to attack from deep but certain tries were saved by last-ditch tackles.

It is not by accident that Bromsgrove are top of National Three Midlands, though, and their execution was first-class, with particular credit to their full-back who was near perfect with his place kicking despite the swirling wind.

Kenilworth did have significant periods on the attack but far too often a wayward pass or unforced error gave the advantage back to Bromsgrove.

This was a brutally harsh lesson for Kenilworth and has grave implications for the club’s continued presence at this level.

With so few quality players to chose from for key matches, Ks are clearly lacking the resources to compete.

Will Owen scored a brace of tries as Kenilworth 3rds edged to a 34-33 win at Earlsdon 3rds.

Mark Wylie, Mark Johnson, Mark Bennett and Glyn Owen also touched down, tith the latter adding three conversions.