This game was going to be a challenge for KC as Nuneaton were top of the table with 18 wins and only three defeats this season.
As was expected Nuneaton put early pressure in the KC half, this was resisted by KC until the opposition received a penalty. The referee had played advantage and blew his whistle close to the KC left-hand touch, he then took play back across the field near to the right-hand touchline ten metres out.
KC were slow to get back across, Nuneaton asked if they could take a quick penalty and with the reply in the affirmative scored an easy try leaving the KC defence floundering.
KC fought their way back into the contest with good forward drives matching the Nuneaton players for effort. Rob Philips and Rich Sollum playing in the centre were prominent in both attack and defence.
A moment when KC looked likely to score was when Rob Philips started a break in the KC 22 and passed to George Tildesley who beat several Nuneaton players before finally losing in the opposition 22.
KC were making good ground, Ryan Wainwright and Alfie Smith with good tackles. KC then earned two penalties in the Nuneaton half, both kicked by Jack O’Hagan with the second bouncing off the upright.
Mention must be made of the contribution made by Andy McLellan who was very safe under high balls and kicked astutely in his last home game for the first XV.
The second half began with more KC pressure and from his break Ryan Tiene passed to Chris Pinner and on to Simon Clarke; the ball was then driven by the forwards for five metres to score, Dave Kane claiming the try.
Jack O’Hagan added the conversion. Further KC pressure and territory gains due to the massive effort by all the forwards driving the ball close to the Nuneaton line and after several phases Dave Kane scored again.
With the wind behind them Nuneaton came back with their own pressure, initially resisted by the KC defence and then Nuneaton received a penalty under the posts. Spurning the chance of an easy kick for 3 points, they passed the ball wide and after good KC defence eventually scored a try close to the touchline, missing the conversion. More Nuneaton possession in the KC 22 with KC defence holding firm until it eventually cracked and Nuneaton scored close to the right-hand touch. line
This reduced the KC lead to 18-17 and the conversion gave Nuneaton a slender lead of 18-19.
This was a knock out blow for KC as many of their forwards were out on their feet after the marvellous efforts earlier in the game. During stoppage time Nuneaton scored a further try when they pushed over from a line-out.
This result, although an 18-24 defeat, showed the good progress that the KC team have made during the season. Injuries and non-availability have meant changes to the side and many of the young replacements have stepped up to the plate.
Report submitted by Kidderminster Carolians
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