North Midlands interest in this season’s RFU Cups ended with defeats for Kidderminster Carolians and Tenbury in the Midlands finals.
Kiddermnster were beaten 15-10 by Midlands Two West (South) league rivals Kenilworth at Glasshouse Lane in the Midlands Intermediate Cup final and Tenbury’s unbeaten record this season was ended by a 36-19 defeat by Mellish in the Midlands Junior Vase final at Palmer’s Meadow.
Kidderminster’s defeat was their third by Kenilworth this season and their second at Glasshouse Lane in as many weeks.
A strong downfield wind dictated how the match was played and Kenilworth emerged with a two points advantage at half-time when they had the weather conditions against them.
Kidderminster took the lead with an unconverted try from left wing Arthur Morgan but Kenilworth went ahead when flanker Sam Harrison burrowed over and Ed Hannah added the conversion.
Hannam, with the wind at his back, kicked a penalty midway through the second half, closely followed by Harrison’s second try.
Kidderminster gave themselves a glimmer of hope when right wing Ryan Tiene rounded off a thrilling counter-attack but time ran out on them.
Tenbury also fought bravely in the biggest match in their history but Mellish scuppered their hopes of a Twickenham final appearance to mark their 60th anniversary.