Creative play fails to penetrate this stubborn Spartans Team

In recent years, Leamington have, for one reason or another, found this fixture a difficult test. More often than not, it has been down to injuries, which have been sustained during the game and today was no exception. Within the first quarter of the match, centres, Tom Daplyn and Danny Ruyssevelt had left the field and with a now, diminished bench, Coach, Alex Carroll’s game plan would have been weakened. This issue was emphasised by the fact that Leamington had got themselves into a good position early on, only to lose momentum as the game progressed.

The hosts fluffed their lines in the opening minutes of the match, spurning a kick at goal, near the Leamington line. This lapse was soon to prove costly as they lost the ball in midfield, following their scrum and with the Leamington defence up on them sharply, they fumbled the ball, giving Garrett Bell just the room he needed to sweep in, take possession and race in to score. Tom Jewitt knocked over the conversion attempt to give his side a seven point lead on eight minutes.

Spartans found themselves under more pressure when Jewitt chipped the ball ahead for Daplyn to run on to. The Leamington centre cut his way through the home defence and when tackled, had “Patch” Northover in support. The Leamington scrum-half carried the ball on, only to be held up just in front of the Spartans goalposts.

On the quarter hour, with Leamington on the attack, they allowed Spartans to intercept the ball and move it swiftly up the far side wing, ending with a score in the corner. The hosts then moved ahead when they once again forced their way through some indifferent Leamington defending, claiming a converted score.

Leamington were finding it difficult in the scrum at this time, often being pushed off their own ball. However, they were fortunate to have talisman and skipper, Craig Smith in top form and he was called up on time and again to clear up untidy possession at the base of the scrum, thus allowing Northover some room to manoeuvre the backline into attack.

As the half drew to a close, the hosts created a couple of gold-plated openings, only to lose possession at crucial times and thus let Leamington off the hook.

Half Time: 10 – 7

Leamington had a problematic opening to the second period, conceding a penalty, followed by a converted score within the first six minutes.

Leamington tried to respond and looked as though they had created something fruitful when Jewitt fed winger, come centre, Garrett Bell with the sweetest of offloads, only for it to be judged forward.

Spartans increased their lead with another penalty and followed it up with a try and at this stage it looked as though a big score could be on the cards for them. They had continued to boss the scrum and had created some clear cut openings, but had failed to capitalise on them fully.

This profligacy nearly came at a high price for the hosts, as Leamington finished the game firmly in charge. They got themselves back on the score sheet with some excellent football and it was the boot of Jewitt, taking advantage of a penalty, which set the scene. A lineout resulted and when Leamington took possession and set about a rolling maul there was only one outcome possible. New boy, Barney Lewis, was soon in tune with his fellow forwards and reacted first when the try line came into sight, getting the ball down. Jewitt’s dipping; pile-driver, conversion attempt was just off target.

This score certainly galvanised the Leamington squad, as they set about achieving at least one aim; that of a bonus point. Winger, Kenny Kwok, despite carrying a shoulder injury, forced his way up the nearside touchline, at pace, before being ushered into touch. This was quickly followed up with another attack, earning Leamington a lineout. Craig Smith claimed possession and allowed his forwards the room to set up another unstoppable drive. As the line appeared, second-row, Tom Lane was in at the death to claim the score. This time, Jewitt nailed the conversion attempt and suddenly his side were just one try away from a possible two bonus points.

Time was now against Leamington and despite more direct running from Garrett Bell and more creative work from the pack, they were unable to breakdown the stubborn, albeit now very wobbly, home defence.

Full time: 28 -19