Saturday marked a historic moment as the Sils made their long-awaited debut in Regional 1 Midlands, in front of a boisterous crowd at Copt Heath. The game represented the highest standard the club has ever reached, and the lads did not disappoint (even if the weather did).

Things started a little shakily as Kenilworth took an early lead with a penalty. But it was not long before a lineout from Tom King and some relentless mauling from the forwards saw Kingy able to bundle the ball over the try line to put Sils ahead. Tommy Lee’s kicking was consistent throughout, completing four of six conversions.

The lads found success from the lineout again as Matt Spink rose highest from Kingy’s throw. The ball was worked out to Harry Jones who rode numerous challenges before offloading to Jack Brennan at the perfect moment, who kept up the pace to outrun the Kenilworth forwards and score Sils’ second try of the match.

The final try of the half saw the roles reversed as Jack passed the ball onto Harry, who again escaped a couple of tackles to burst through and add to the advantage. Tommy converted a penalty late on and Kenilworth scored a try on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit, but it had still been a mightily impressive display from the lads who saw themselves 24 – 8 ahead at the break.

Oranges were consumed as Tom Manise, Rod Petty and skipper Fred Howard spoke wise words in the interval. Meanwhile, on the pitch the heavens had opened, but the boys’ spirits weren’t to be dampened as they came out for the second half.

Sils continued in much the same vein, their front-footed approach rewarded through Tommy’s second penalty of the match. Kenilworth then scored another try but it was only a matter of minutes before a seemingly speculative dink from Rich Kirby turned into a brilliant kick chase, offloading (while lying on the ground) to Louis Roach, who darted inside to tick Sils over the thirty-point mark.

Ten minutes later and Louis was at it again, receiving a pass on the left wing from Harry, racing forwards and sliding across the slick surface to score Sils’ fifth try of the match.

Although Kenilworth did keep pressing and scored another try, the forwards defended resolutely throughout. The most committed moment came when Charlie Parry confirmed he is the reincarnation of Conor McGregor by deciding to tackle an opposition player with his face, receiving both the man of the match award and a fractured eye socket as a result.

With the win now assured, in the final minute of the game Harry decided to get on his dancing shoes to evade four challenges and score his second try of the match, putting the seal on an all-round superb team performance. (It’s safe to say he was happy about his try too). Tommy converted his final kick to bring an end to proceedings, with Sils victorious 44 – 20.

Chairman Lee Jones and President Emma Smith watched on proudly as the lads recorded a monumental win in their new league and if they keep up that level of performance this season, it’s safe to say it will not be the last.

UTS