After a positive start Leamington fall to a well-drilled Silhillians

Leamington were caught out several times in this match by the pace of the opposition, on the break, and were unable to impose themselves sufficiently throughout, to gain any advantage.

They did, however, have the best possible start to the match and were quick to exploit a penalty decision, one of the few that actually went their way during the afternoon, to kick for position, in the corner. With the lineout possession secured, the Leamington Pack forced their way over the visitor’s line, with Lock Forward, Tom Lane, getting the final touchdown.

This positive opening soon became a forgotten highlight, as the opposition quickly equalised, with an unconverted try and then added two further tries, one of which was converted, to power ahead, with half an hour played.

Leamington have plenty of craft and creativity in their locker and in one very promising attack, Rich McKowen broke clear, linking with Tom Greevy, to try to open up a path for winger, Josh Jones to use. This attack seemed to have petered out when Sils regained possession; however, under pressure from Josh Jones, they dithered in defence and conceded a penalty, which Tom Jewitt converted to bring his side back into the match at the interval.

Half Time: 8 – 17

The second opened with two quick tries for the opposition and with plenty of time on the clock, it looked as though Leamington were in for an uncomfortable ride!

The introduction of Nathan Batchelor had an immediate and positive effect for the hosts, as his robust tackling knocked Sils off their stride. Although he and his team were unable to do anything to prevent two further breakaway scores for the visitor’s.

This concluded the scoring for Sils, who were now content to sit back and defend their healthy position. This action did though, prove useful to Leamington who were quick to expose one or two defensive frailties and get back to scoring ways.

Firstly, Centre, Rich McKowen, cut through Sils defence, on the far wing and set Chris John up for a try in the corner. Then Skipper, Craig Smith, opened up the visitor’s defence with a break, which culminated in a lineout for his side. With Ali Weedon securing the ball, the Leamington Pack drove through the Sils line, allowing Batchelor the chance for a third try.

An important bonus point was now looking a distinct possibility for Leamington, however, with the clock ticking, Sils managed to hold out.

Full time: 18 – 41