Kings Norton 9

Tenbury Wells 6

THE close scoreline failed to indicate Kings Norton's dominance in this their second home league game of the season.

Once again the Ash Lane side lost their way in the latter part of the second half to nearly provide their dogged opponents with a "get out of jail" card as the Hopwood outfit failed to convert their superiority into vital points.

Norton seemed unable to adapt to the wet conditions, dropping the ball or attempting to over complicate their moves which played into the hands of the Tenbury defense.

Despite the entire first half being played in Tenbury's territory, it remained 0-0 at the break with the usually reliable Kings fly half Ken Whitehouse missing two kickable penalties while captain Matt Eagles was stopped short of the line with just seconds remaining.

Prop forward Richard Revell replaced Kevin Edwards at half-time and figured in the most bizarre incident seen at Ash Lane for many a day.

The home side had finally taken the lead after 15 minutes when Whitehouse slotted his first successful penalty kick and Norton were again dominant in the tight.

Three minutes later, following a strong drive by the forwards, Revell broke from the 22m line and charged for the line, knocking the referee out of his path. The prop's impetus took him over for a fine try but it was inexplicably disallowed by the official.

Winger Matt James had earlier left the field with a hip injury to be replaced by Jamie Clayton who was to prove to be Kings Norton's last gasp match winner.

Whitehouse took Norton into a 6-0 lead with another penalty but indiscipline gifted the visitors with their first opportunity and Tenbury's kicker reliably converted.

Two minutes later, with the home side in disarray, he slotted a second penalty to level the scores.

With the home side suddenly on the back foot Tenbury launched attack after attack and almost converted a third penalty kick on the stroke of normal time.

Kings dragged themselves back into the game in injury time but Clayton's long-range penalty fell short of the posts. As Tenbury conceded yet another penalty the referee indicated that the kick would be the final act of this game. Clayton stepped up and his massive effort from halfway bounced off the cross bar and over for the vital score.

Kings play host to Sleaford in the Powergen Junior Vase on Saturday (ko 3pm) while the u15s take on Luctonians in a cup game on Sunday (ko 11am).