Kenilworth 37- Stafford 7

The sun shone brightly after the biblical rain of the previous day as Stafford lined up against Kenilworth. For the first 10 minutes it was an arm wrestle with both sides exerting good pressure on each other. After some good Stafford phases Esme made a good break around the halfway line looked like crossing the try line only be thwarted by a last-ditch tackle by Kenilworth.
After that first period Kenilworth upped their game. They were relentless at the breakdown and retained a lot of possession causing Stafford to make a lot of tackles and Kenilworth scored the first try of the game 15 minutes in. The game remained tough and tight with a lot of turnovers at the breakdown for both sides, but Kenilworth managed to score twice more with breakout tries to finish the half 15-0.
With the wind now at Stafford’s back and there was a feeling that the game could swing our way. However, Kenilworth kicked smartly, and had a couple of outstanding backs that at times proved too quick and before Stafford knew it they were 25—0 down.
Stafford motivated themselves for the fight back. They upped their efforts in the tight and drove hard around the edges of the rucks and mauls and sustained a lot of pressure on Kenilworth. They were rewarded with a try from sustained phases near their line with Esmee crashing over. Connie then slotted a beautiful curling conversion over from out wide. 25-7.
However, Kenilworth were clearly a well drilled team with strength in all areas of the pitch. Their bench kept relentless pressure on the Stafford girls and there was no respite. Kenilworth manage to score two more tries to finish the game 37-7. But Stafford never gave in and a few parents on the side line said the Kenilworth team had played the best they have seen them and also commented that the game felt much tighter than the score line indicated.
So all in all, a tough loss but also a sign that when Stafford were focused, fired up and connected they are as good as anyone. The challenge is to offer that for 70 mins.

Awards:
Forward: Laila
Back: Esme
Dame: Esmee