THIS weather ruined Midlands Four West South league match had drawn result' written all over it as both sides battled bravely against the elements to gain any sort of result.

Dunlop, playing into the teeth of a gale, began the livelier and almost scored from the kick off as they chased down a through kick which the Kings' defence just managed to scramble away into touch. Both teams gave everything in this tough encounter but neither side were able to break through the others solid defensive play. Kings kept the resolute Dunlop side pinned back at every opportunity with monster kicks out of defence and slowly gained some superiority through persistent tackling and driving mauls. It took 15 minutes of midfield play before Dunlop were penalised for offside on their 22 metre line and Ollie Grove slotted his kick through the uprights to put the home side into the lead.

As the Hopwood Park side maintained the pressure on their visitors, Grove saw his second penalty opportunity fly just wide of the posts when Dunlop were caught illegally driving into a maul from the side. But just eight minutes later Grove made amends when he was on target with a well judged third penalty attempt after Dunlop infringed yet again.

Kings maintained the pressure on the visitors, attempting to release their backs at every opportunity but generally Dunlop's back row and centres were able to thwart every attempt that Norton could muster.

Craig Walker on the left wing combined well with both Grove and Clayton to launch a few attacks on Dunlop's try line but was kept at bay with resolute defending. Pete Noonan also had a couple of runs which threatened without gain.

The half finished with Kings holding a narrow six point lead, knowing that now turning with the strong wind in their faces they would have to defend at their very best if they were to get any sort of result from this game. Kings had an early scare when they infringed at a breakdown to provide Dunlop with their first penalty attempt which flew wide but soon got their first score with another penalty after 15 mins of play.

This then became backs to the wall time as Dunlop threw everything at the home side and their heavier and more mobile pack slowly began to dominate the loose play. Norton's back division were up to their task and tackling like demons, cancelled out every move that Dunlop attempted, by closing down all of their attacks.

Centres Chris Carlin and Jamie Clayton, supported by Grove at fly half, made a number of counter attacks to frustrate their Coventry visitors.

But after another 12 minutes of play Dunlop drew level with a simple penalty after the home team were caught handling the ball in a ruck. As the clock ticked down, the game became more equal with Kings' fitness levels showing through. Both teams eventually left the field satisfied to not have lost this difficult game.

oKings Norton Seconds lost at home to Old Yardleians 12-21.

Conditions did not allow either side to use their obvious skills to any great advantage as the wind and rain intensified during the afternoon. As it was, Old Yardleians were the best at dealing with the difficulties, outscoring Kings by nine points to take a deserved victory.

For Kings Norton, Gary Martin and Patrick Vallery both scored tries with Alan Deardon converted one in a very difficult wind.

A fascinating encounter takes place on Sunday in the semi final of the North Midland Shield (3pm) as the Hopwood Park club take on Bournville in what will be a repeat of last season's Vase final, a game which Kings won after extra time having scored more tries.

This season Bournville are flying high in Midlands West North having amassed an amazing tally of over 800 pts on the way.

New players of all abilities and ages are welcome at the Ash Lane Hopwood venue.

Qualified coaching sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 7. pm. plus Junior TAG for all ages Girls & Boys on Saturday mornings and U17s on Thursday evenings & Sunday mornings Full details are available on the club's website www.knrfc.co.uk.