Kings disappointed with loss (From Redditch Advertiser)

Kings disappointed with loss

10:52am Wednesday 3rd February 2010

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RUGBY UNION

Kings Norton 10 Harbury 13.

DESPITE putting together a squad that promised better, Kings Norton’s on field team-play failed to match its potential and another opportunity to take points from a team also struggling at the wrong end of Midlands Three West (South) went begging.

The visitors’ forwards went straight into action right from the kick-off, forcing the rattled Kings Norton defence to concede a penalty, which was comfortably dispatched just two minutes into the match.

Kings Norton orop Richard Revel led the pack forward to meet with similar treatment from the visitors and there was little opportunity for strong-running wingers Gareth Johnson and Matt James to be turned loose.

Just before half time, Harbury launched a strong drive down the left wing, to deliver another, again unconverted try, making it 13-3 at the break.

Territorial advantage went Kings’ way at the start of the second half following Simon Eldred’s probing kick off and they were unfortunate not to have earned a penalty try.

Replacement forward Phil Snare was introduced into the action, adding power to the tiring pack, and it paid off when he got on the end of a strong running effort by Gareth Johnson and drove through the Harbury defence to cross for a touchdown.

Eldred made no mistake with this kick and Kings found themselves back in the game, just three points adrift; and with time to repeat the process.

Intent on another onslaught over the Harbury line, scum-half Dai Thomas fed centre John Hefford who burst forward and released Johnson, James and the marauding prop Richard Revel, whose efforts were rewarded with a nasty knee injury.

By now the visitors were running the time down as best they could and the whistle eventually ended what was effectively a four-pointer, in their favour.

Kings Norton entertain Southam at Hopwood Park on Saturday (2.15pm).

l Any lingering hopes of promotion that Woodrush disappeared on a frozen pitch at Shipston in a 17-8 defeat.

Steve Smart with a try and John Anderson with a penalty got the points for Woodrush but it was not enough.

They are away to St Andrews on Saturday in the quarter-final of the RFU Senior Vase (Midland Region), kick off 2pm.

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