Injuries and errors take gloss of latest Kenilworth victory

Alex Selby was denied a try for Kenilworth after the officials brought play back for a forward pass.

A beautiful September afternoon suggested an entertaining game but straight from the kick-off, the first, and most serious, of the afternoon’s injuries saw Stratford flanker Torres motionless on the floor.

Medical assistance was quickly provided and some 25 minutes later play resumed with the injured player having been taken to hospital by ambulance.

From the restart, Kenilworth were quickly into their stride thanks to a big advantage in the set scrum and Tom Kendall opened the scoring with a three-pointer following a Stratford offside.

A mix-up among the Kenilworth centres allowed the Stratford winger to intercept and run in under the posts to temporarily halt the home side’s onslaught.

But, despite the loss of Dickson to a recurrence of a knee injury, Kenilworth remained on the front foot.

A half-clearance was collected by Ed Hannam on the 22 and the centre stepped two would-be tacklers on his way to a great solo try.

Kendall added the two to put the home side ahead.

Ks continued to press but a series of promising moves were curtailed due to handling errors or penalties and the hosts had to be content with two further Kendall penalties to extend their lead to 19-7.

Shortly after, poor defence by Kenilworth allowed the Stratford winger to run unopposed to the points to reduce the deficit to five points.

Both sides then slotted over a penalty apiece as Ks ended the half - a full hour and 10 minutes after it started - 22-17 up.

The second half saw both sides trading errors until finally Kenilworth settled down and begin putting some phases together.

One such move looked to have given Alex Selby a good score under the posts but a late whistle brings play back for what was deemed a forward pass.

A fine steal from Jack Gibson then set up a passage of play which was finished with Selby and Gareth Renowden combining to send Hannam over.

Kenilworth’s best spell of the game then saw them take advantage of a spill in midfield, with Josh Hickman winning the race to the line after the ball had been kicked ahead

Kendall added the two to extend the cushion to 17 points.

Within seconds of the restart, Stratford gathered the ball and ran in unopposed to bring the score back to 34-22 but it came too late to threaten the home side’s victory.

 Dan Rink scored Kenilworth Colts’ only try as they suffered a 20-7 defeat at Barkers Butts.

Stuart Budd added the conversion.