Kenilworth U12’s – 73, Broadstreet U12’s – 0
24 February 2008
Broadstreet arrived at Glasshouse Lane in strength with twenty-one players. To enable a fair game for all since Ken’s had a similar number, it was decided to play three twenty-minute periods.
The first ten minutes of the first period started competitively with tentative short attacks by Ken’s mostly not extending beyond the inside centre. These were well defended by Broadstreet who mounted some counter attacks mainly by the forwards of which there were one or two who we individually strong. However the support was lacking by the Broadstreet players for the ball carriers and quick and organised rucking by the Ken’s forward set the three-quarters with some quality ball. This short three-quarter attacking play started to gain ground until Kens camped in the last quarter of the pitch. Two runs to the right of the loose ruck were well stopped by the Broadstreet defenders but a sudden change to the left side caught the defenders flat-footed on the wrong side and allowed for Tom to open the score with a straight burst to the line.
It was clear that the Ken’s forwards were starting to dominate in the rucks and ball was becoming quickly available to Will at Scrum-Half who marshalled some superb pick and drives to open the field for a wider game before setting up two devastating attacks by releasing the ball early for it to reach the outside half where Sam ran in two unstoppable tries in the corners. These blows set the second period up for a highly confident team whereby four tries were run in by the three-quarters and one from a well caught line out and drive by David M. Probably the try of the match came from a defensive kick by Stuart on his own try line across field into space which was picked up on the bounce by James who then scored unchallenged. Apart from one occasion where Broadstreet had come inches from scoring in the first period but which was held up, they didn’t challenge until the third period where, to their credit, they came out determined to score. A concerted run by the Broadstreet forwards came within inches of scoring but failed to touch down instead just allowing it to roll forward resulting in a defensive scrum. Scrummaging by Kens was superior and several balls were won against the head. Jake played for a period as Hooker, and proved an excellent addition to the Ken’s team. Clearly he was adept at loose play and some skilful perception caused him to hold in the three-quarter line to ensure numbers were defending, found himself receiving the ball as temporary outside half, and from which he scored. Congratulations go to him for his first try for Ken’s.
Overall Ken’s played like an excellent and well balanced team, a clear change of balance between forwards and backs was achieved in this game and spoiling in the line, strikes against the head, wingers rucking to recover isolated players and quick ruck ball turned defence into attack. Support play by Oli F, Max and Jason recovered balls in the maul, and the cool recovery of ball kicked deep by Broadstreet, and picked up by Owen, Tom W, Oli E, Stuart and Brynn meant that ball which Broadstreet thought they had cleared only came back with interest and from which the final try was scored. Well done all.
Tries: 11, (Tom C, Sam G – 2, James – 4, Will, Dave M, Jake, Brynn)
Conversions: 9, (Stuart – 6, Oli E – 3)
Kenilworth U12’s – 63 Old Coventrians U12’s – 7
03 February 2008
Kenilworth welcomed OC’s to Glasshouse Lane on a dry but cold morning. There was a strong cross wind, which added to the cold and the pre-match warm-up could not take the feeling of cold from the fingers of the players. Despite this the passing by the Ken’s backs was superb and excellent rugby was played throughout the game.
Straight from the kick-off by Ken’s, a quick steal sent the Ken’s back-line into the first attack of the game with good, (if not cold), hands, which quickly ended in a try by Stuart on the wing. The restart was well caught by Ken’s and a couple of well set and won rucks released the back line into an expansive attack that was denied inches short of the line on the near side when the Ken’s player was forced into touch. The subsequent line out emphasised what was almost a comical difference in height of the forwards. The Ken’s forwards were dwarfed by the OC’s by head and shoulders. So tall were the OC’s forwards, that it was noticed that under the turned up collar of one forward it could be seen an U13 mark, so clearly bigger shirts were required – perhaps! The throw in by OC’s was easily won in the air by OC’s unsurprisingly, but they knocked it down whereupon Ken’s rushed through and a brilliant steal by Rob off the floor put him over for his first try for the club. Well-done Rob! Following this the flood gates opened and tries followed for James and Will, the latter coming from some of the best three-quarter play, first one way across the width of the field and then a switch-back all the way back across the width still with an overlap as Will crossed the line. This passing manoeuvre touched the hands of every single back player. Some excellent diverse and commanding play from Neil S in the scrumhalf position fooled the opposition permitting open sweeping attacks. Changes in the Ken’s line up brought Jason into play, who once again stood well up under pressure in the scrum in his newfound position as tight-head prop following the Earlsdon match.
The second half brought tries for Neil, Dan R and three for James N. However probably the best play of the second half came from a defensive kick by Neil S virtually on the Ken’s line, which was chased by Sam. The pressure put upon the defender by Sam was sufficient for him to loose the ball as Sam arrived to tackle him. Support play picked up the ball and this led to the first try of the second half. Great support by Max, Philip and Oli F maintained pressure in the rucks, mauls and line-out against apparent insurmountable odds in shear body size and weight. Determined tackling by the outside half Ben, and full-back Owen who stopped all but one concerted drive on the far side by OC’s, which resulted in their sole try. Well done to Henry who took to the field on the far wing in one of his first competitive games for Ken’s and got straight into action tackling and running in support of play. Ken’s U12’s also welcomed a new addition, Ben 2, who made his debut with the side today in the second half.
All tries were converted by Stuart and one by Oli F.
Again this was a brilliant team effort where most notably the forwards and backs came together to play a mixed but balanced game, the forwards supporting, recycling and making space for the back line to work expansive rugby. The devastating effect on an unusually large opposition for an U12’s side put into perspective a team working well together.
Earlsdon U12’s – 7 Kenilworth U12’s – 17
20 January 2008
After a week of heavy rain, waterlogged pitches, and the cancellation of home games at Kenilworth, the morning of the match was rain free and good weather for rugby. Also, the pitch at Earlsdon, whilst soft underfoot, was in playable condition. However, for Ken’s, player availability meant that seven regular squad members were unavailable for selection and this required that the remaining squad had to adapt to some late changes in position. 
From kick-off, Earlsdon fumbled the catch and Ken’s quick advance pinched the ball from the deck to form the first ruck of the game. Good feeding in the maul released Dan R who rushed the line supported closely by the forwards to open the scoring. Whilst the pitch was purpose marked with junior posts, it appeared to be narrow and this inherently forced a forwards game. Some good powerful short runs by the three-quarters which were often direct and broke several shoulder high tackles, set up some excellent driving mauls. The Ken’s forwards worked well together and superb support put pressure on Earlsdon for most of the first half in the Earlsdon’s half of the pitch. With four of the seven unavailable squad players being forwards, Jason stepped up to the mark to play tight-head prop. Whilst there was some consideration to his inexperience in this position, the scrum remained firm and on more then one occasion against a heavier pack, Ken’s drove the Earlsdon scrum back uphill in the second half. From such a set piece, Earlson whilst in their own half, and in possession, a maul formed. A superb steal from the arms of the Earlson player by Oli F directly resulted in the second try as James broke from the back of the maul. Ken’s forwards continued to dominate and Earlsdon repeatedly tried to kick the ball out of defence, but some excellent catching by Owen at full-back quickly ran back with interest. Domination by the Ken’s pack resulted in the third try by Will from the back of his forwards. Earlsdon were a sizable pack with several tall players and this made them dominant in the line-out. Ken’s rarely won ball but again good spoiling through the line out prevented quality ball for the Earlsdon backs. In the last seconds of the first half, Earlsdon had for the first time reached to within striking distance of the Ken’s line with a maul at five meters. The referee blew for off-side, Ken’s stopped playing and then Earlson put the ball down over the line and the referee gave the try. It was therefore unclear if he had in fact given a penalty try.
The second half was uphill for Ken’s. Directly from kick-off, Earlsdon almost scored in a similar fashion to the way Ken’s had done so in the first half, yet superb defence by the team stopped them inches short. A line-out at five meters was challenged and spoiled and a turn-over at the ruck gave quick ball to Stuart who kicked effectively to clear. Max was working away inside in the rucks and mauls, and ball rarely came clean for Earlsdon; Phil was deftly hooking the loose ball on the floor of the ruck and secured some good ball. Ken’s came close to scoring but were stopped short and Earlsdon never threatened the Ken’s line for rest of the match other then a short run along the line which Tom W stopped with an effective if not a slightly shoulder jerking tackle. Some maturity of play was creeping into Ken’s game. Tom C experimented with the inside scissors and this helped his forwards by bringing the ball to them in an exhausting second half. This was not pretty rugby but it was effective team working and one of the best displays of Ken’s players having to dig deep.
Rugby Lions 30 - Kenilworth U12’s 10
6 January 2008
Kenilworth travelled to Rugby Lions at Webb Ellis Road on a fine crisp morning. The under U12 pitch was restricted by available space but nevertheless the ground was good underfoot. This was expected to be a keenly contested match and Rugby Lions played to their forward strength from the off. Good rucking gave quality possession and inevitably this resulted in an opening try early in the first half, K’s were not penetrating from the three-quarters, but on two occasions broke from the loose to run for the line but were stopped each time by an individually excellent Lions player. The second try came when Lions skirted around the back-line defence and passed the far wing. Some slight confusion with the rules of the game allowed Rugby Lions to play a quick line out, which K’s were not expecting, and this resulted in a break away score. Confusion with school and club rules at this age group appears to be a recurring theme and handing-off was also a recurring issue. Lions scored the final try of the half again through good recycling of the ball. Unfortunately for K’s, a ball well driven over the line from a line-out was unsighted by the referee and the half ended. 
The second half started well for K’s who were more determined after loosing a score and having wiped away the Christmas relaxed spirit of the first half. This determination caused Rugby Lions to kick from defence several times. A great catch by Oli E was followed by a direct run of fifteen meters ending up with him taking a firm tackle but getting up shrugging off any hidden knock. The three-quarters started to show coherence and the ball passed well through Tom’s hands to make a more expansive game. All this was adding effect and a pick-up by James N finally succeeded in scoring a break away try, by running clear from the pack and not being caught by the Lions player who was otherwise engaged on this occasion. A determined set of K’s forwards began to win ball and repeated drives by Dan R and Dan P moved up the field to close on the line although in the process Dan P received a knock to the head which resulted in him having to come off. Further pressure resulted in Dan R scoring from a well-formed maul ten meters off the try line. Will, who was filling in superbly at Scrum Half from Neil, (who had to go off earlier with the residual effects of a cold), had to be replaced back by Neil, following a knock to his head.
No posts meant there were no conversions, so scores remained.
Man of the match probably should go to the Rugby Lions Centre who without doubt, saved single headedly three certain tries. A well-done and welcome goes to Rob who played his debut for K’s in this match.
Kenilworth U12’s 56 - Stratford U12’s 0
09 December 2007
Kenilworth welcomed Stratford to Glasshouse lane on another blustery and rainy day. This was expected to be a keenly contested match but from the kick-off by Stratford, K’s collected the ball and rushed deep into the Stratford half. A break from the first maul saw Dan R stopped inches short of the line. A quick thinking pick-up by Neil S saw him jink one way and then the other to open the scoring. In an almost repeat of the first try Dan R rushed from a maul shortly after kick-off but this time drove over the line. The flood gates opened and from the next kick-off James N caught the ball and ran to score immediately Not surprisingly, Stratford were down trodden and were not defending well. Possession was routinely given away and K’s were free running always making distance. The final try of the half was from Neil S with a rather expanise run to the near side followed by a cut back to the opposite side to score easily. All tries were converted in the first half by Oli E.
The second half was stared by K’s, caught by Stratford but Dan R immediately robbed the maul who went on to score with another unstoppable run. For the rest of the half K’s were camped in the Stratford half. A couple of balls were lost forward or not placed down by K’s and several five meter scrums ensued. Stratford were losing their discipline and some tempestuous fly hacking occurred just out of frustration. A defensive kick by Stratford from deep beyond the their own try line almost on the dead ball line put most of the Stratford team offside. A tackle of a K’s player by an offside Stratford player almost certainly denied a try but a quick take from the penalty awarded against Stratford by Neil S scored a deserved try. Four minutes from time saw Sam G with an excellent run to score. Dan R scored the final try from another characteristic storming run from a loose ruck, just at full time. Stuart converted all second half tries.
Well done K’s, for a fantastic well balanced display of rugby, and well done goes to Stratford for good clean and spirited sportsmanship.
Shipston-on-Stour U12’s 21 - Kenilworth U12’s 21
2 December 2007
One of the benefits of playing at home is the familiar grounds, easy to get to and therefore a full complement of players, and a home referee. Conversely, playing away sometimes means these can be disadvantages. On a day which threatened to pour with heavy rain, it appeared that this would be added to the list. Yet at 10:40 am it was a bright day, the rain had cleared and with sixteen players available the day looked good to start with. However, no sooner had the game started at 11:00 am the rain started to fall heavily. This did not deter the players and the K’s forwards were particularly working away at gaining ground. K’s opened the scoring with Neil S from the back of the ruck close to the line and shortly after Dan R scored from another break-away from the back of the maul. The K’s forwards were clearly stronger and as a result Shipston players appeared to be continually coming in from the side. However, Shipston did eventually score one in the first half from a three-quarter move. The first half ended on this and during half time the rain stopped. At the start of the second half K’s started with the same dominant forwards game primarily since K’s lacked some penetration from the back line. It was Phillip L who scored next from a fantastic loose forward move braking three tackles before scoring in the far corner, yet another first time try scorer. Shipston began to warm up and K’s appeared to be getting tired causing Shipston to move to the near side try line. Yet K’s kept them at bay for 5 minutes before the maul collapsed over the K’s line with several K’s players under the ball. Several fumblings of the ball resulted in the ball rolling to the side and many players then grappling for the ball. In what was a messy over the line struggle on the floor, a try was awarded to Shipston. Following this Shipston were rejuvenated and played an attacking game for the rest of the half, which Shipston finally scored a try. This was strongly disputed by the players for being over the touchline, but not upheld, and followed some seven minutes of extra time upon which full time was blown. The Shipston players were elated by the draw and K’s were a bit disheartened by this game. However, sometimes such situations do arise, and this will ultimately make their resolve stronger.
Kenilworth U12's 28 - Claverdon U12's 0
25 November 2007
After the previous week where cold weather and freezing and driving rain shortened training, this Sunday was ideal for rugby. With five regular players not available for this match, this presented an ideal opportunity for all to show their skills off to the full and that is exactly what happened. Claverdon fielded a determined team against a K's team who in some cases were familirising themselves with other players who were out of position or joined K's this year. Claverdon held K's for nineteen minutes with no quarter given but K's forwards were starting to dominate in the scrums, rucks and mauls. The persisent presussure started to tell and K's moved slowly towards the Claverdon line throgh forwards moves as the baks were unable to penetrate the 
Claverdon defense whose tackles were some of the best encountered all season. From a back line brackdown Dan R picked and drove from a loose ruck to within ten meters of the line before being stopped. He revovered and picked the ball again finally drining for the first try on the dot of half-time. Claverdons heads dropped for the start of the first half and within minutes of the restart saw Andrew C on the wing score his first try for K's from an expansive back move. After this K's won every ball from the scrum even against the head and all ruck balls. The onslaught was too much for Claverdon and the defense buckled twice more with tries scored by Will and Tom C. Both again were first try's for K's. A fantastic game for the sportsman like game played by Claverdon and for the opporunity taken by newer players. K's welcome Ben who in his first match for K's impressed with his playing ability and for James for his back-row game.
Album of U12s Vs Leamington 11 Nov 2007
Album of Broadstreet Festival 14 Oct 2007
Kenilworth U12’s Runners-up at
Kenilworth School Tournament 7 Oct 2007
The first competitive game of the season started with the U12/U13 Kenilworth School Rugby Tournament. The day format was two groups of four with winners and runners up of each group playing off in the semi-final and then forward to the final. Kens U12’s played in the group OL’s Jaguars, Birmingham & Solihull and Alcester. A convincing win over OL’s 42-0 started the day well. Kens were always in control in the loose rucks and were free running from the backs to score almost at will. The second 
game was a hard fought match with B&S, but a break from the front of the line out down the narrow side opened the score. Ken’s defended for much of the match and never looked like scoring against a tough and well organised side. Ken’s in the final group played Alcester; although tired, Ken’s dominated the game with four tries coming from well constructed play breaking through the line. With three wins to B&S and two to Ken’s these were to be the winner and runner up of the group stages. The Semi-final was against OL’s Panthers who had won the other group stage. From the Kick-Off, Ken’s attacked strongly up to the 22 meter line but a turn-over allowed OL’s to kick out of defence. The pick up by the Ken’s defence was run back to open the score. OL’s never looked like scoring and two further sweeping backs attack resulted in scores. A superb attacking kick and chase saw a tremendous pick-up from a fumble and bounce to score the final Ken’s score. Following a lack of concentration a scrappy try resulted by OL’s to end the game. The final was against B&S the only team Ken’s had lost in the day. This team was a strong and physical team and despite some valiant play by Ken’s, Ken’s were out classed and B&S opened the score with a break away try. This was followed by two more to end the game. With several injuries a tired Ken’s side were finally beaten but it was a well-deserved second place. This was a clear testament to the players and their commitment. Well done all.