A cracking opening game

A resplendent looking “Moorefiels” was witness to a cracking opening game of Cup rugby football, in this new, 2018/19 season. The match provided high quality entertainment from the start and its enigmatic finale, exemplified why Sport is such an endearing pastime.

The ground, known colloquially now as the “parc de Poynter”, provided a superb surface, especially as one takes into account the dry summer, for running rugby, which is well suited to Leamington’s style of play. The home side were quick to open the scoring as Garrett Bell’s intelligent chip ahead was gathered up by Fly-Half, Rich McKowen, who raced in for the try, converted by Jim Robertson. However, soon afterwards, in Silhillians first attack, they opened up the home defence on the far wing and it was only Garrett Bell’s quick thinking and intervention to spot the danger, that prevented a score.

A Leamington Penalty goal from Jim Robertson, either side of two from Sils, separated the sides, before the home side added a second, well-worked Try, on 26 minutes. Winger, Danny Ruyssevelt, took possession and spun out from an attempted tackle, before heading off down the right flank. His timely, inside pass to the Rich McKowen allowed the Leamington Fly-Half to score his second try of the afternoon, with Jim Robertson, obliging with the conversion.

Sils hit back with a converted score of their own, before Leamington increased their lead, once again, in text-book style. With the half drawing to a close, the visitors conceded a penalty, which Jim Robertson kicked to the far corner. Leamington took possession at the lineout and set up an unstoppable rolling maul, which Lewis Kelsey finished off. Jim Robertson claimed maximum points with an exquisite, touchline conversion.

Half-Time: 24 – 13

Early second half pressure from Sils was adequately dealt with by two huge clearance kicks from Robertson, before Leamington got back into stride again. Bell made a superb break from his own 22 zone and then Danny Phillips and Hooker, Harry Gooch increased the intensity of play with a neat exchange of passes. The Leamington attack were now advancing into the Sils danger zone and the visitors defence, expecting to see the ball moved out wide, by Scrum-Half, Chris John, were left completely flat-footed as he cut inside and darted over between the Posts. Jim Robertson added the conversion to give his side an 18 point lead at this stage.

Leamington continued to manage the game, by their patience, by keeping possession and by their dogged determination. Another forceful run from Bell, which included a delightful “show and take”, nearly opened up the Sils defence again and with barely 15 minutes of the match remaining, there looked to be only one winner.

There was, however, a major volte-face about to be witnessed, as the game suddenly went away from Leamington.

The visitors got themselves back into the match with a converted score, although this seemed to pale in to insignificance as Leamington quickly responded with one of their own. Bell, once again the provider and despite a slight juggle of the ball, he set Gareth Shuttleworth clean away for a try, which Robertson duly converted.

Whilst Leamington still had the lead, the momentum of play was now edging towards Sils and in a frenetic end to the game; they opened up the home defence twice, for converted scores, ultimately winning by one point.

Full-Time: 38 – 39

Next week, Leamington begin their league campaign, with a trip to Nuneaton Old Edwardians, kick-off 3.00pm.