Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cup joy for Rhinos

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Kings Norton Rugby Football Club Rhinos Under 16s are celebrating winning the North Midlands Cup in their age group – for the first time in the club’s history.

In a tense final against Herefordshire team Luctonians, the Hopwood-based side won 34–19 to lift the trophy.

After a strong journey to the final, beating Newport in the quarter finals 71–22 and Evesham 57–10 in the semi finals, the Rhinos met Luctonians at Dudley Kingswinford RFC and secured the victory in front of a big crowd of spectators. The crowd included KNRFC President Ron Bunce and other distinguished club members.

The Rhinos started the match convincingly with sustained pressure, scoring two tries within the first 20 minutes. But a determined Luctonians side fought back, going into half time with a 12–10 lead.

The second half seemed to move up a gear, as the Rhinos started to look more and more dangerous. It took just minutes for them to score their third try and their confidence returned. Another converted Rhinos try followed 10 minutes later, but again, Luctonians fought back to bring the score to 22–19.

In a really tense last 20 minutes the Rhinos’ ball handling and tenacity in both defense and attack paid off as they took the ball over the try line another two times to make the final score 34–19.

Club President Ron Bunce said: “I can’t begin to tell you what a momentous occasion this is for our small rugby club! The last time we won a North Mids Cup Final was when I was captain of the Colts back in 1967. I am so very proud of these boys.”

For any further information contact U16s team manager Matthew Daines on 07896 704079. Kings Norton RFC is based at Ash Lane, Hopwood, Birmingham and has a thriving mini and juniors section.