A creditable performance in appalling conditions

Appalling playing conditions; cold, rain throughout the match and a heavy pitch, meant that free-flowing rugby football was conspicuous by its absence, although despite the climatic negatives, both sides produced creditable performances, with the home side just edging out a determined Leamington squad.

Leamington did, however, earn a valuable bonus point, to maintain fifth place in the very competitive environment of Midlands 2 West (South) and also welcomed back Toby Bruce to the squad, for the first time this season, following injury. The Coaching staff will also be delighted to see the continued progress of young Back-Row forward, Ed Gray, who was dominant in the Spa line-out and tireless around the park. One highlight of his performance occurred early in the first period, when he out-paced the home side’s winger, to race back into his 22 metre zone, retrieve a loose ball and ultimately win his side a penalty with some clever play and thus alleviate a potential try scoring chance for Evesham.

The home side, playing down hill, started very brightly, perhaps adapting to the testing conditions quicker than Leamington and began to exert pressure on the visitors try line, putting their bulky Pack to good use. However, one attack was broken up by Leamington Prop, Dan Barber, using his power to force his way out of trouble. Then, another attack by Evesham was thwarted by Gareth Shuttleworth who set about a 30 yard charge up field before finally running out of support.

With 11 minutes played and with Evesham still dominating play, they won possession on the nearside wing, before spreading the ball inside. Still retaining possession, the home side cut back and broke through the Leamington defence for an unconverted score.

Following this set-back, Leamington found some momentum and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet when a kick from Fly-Half, James Dunne, just failed to fall kindly for winger, Connor Chamberlain, with Evesham exposed. Full Back, Sam Nunn then fielded a high clearance from Evesham, under intense pressure, to give the home side food for thought about adopting a tactical kicking game. This positive play continued, with Toby Bruce and Patrick Northover combining to set Danny Ruyssevelt away for a run at the Evesham defence. This led to a penalty for the visitors, which Dunne kicked for lineout possession. However this promising piece of play broke down, when the greasy ball led to possession being lost at the set-play.

The home side, having weathered the Leamington threat, increased their lead with two penalty goals.

As the half drew to a close, Leamington forced their way into Evesham territory and won a penalty. Scrum-half, George Jacobs, took a quick tap ball and weaved his way through the home defence, before securing another penalty for his side, which Dunne despatched to reduce the arrears.

Half Time: 11 – 3

The start of the second period saw the introduction of Mark Warrilow and John Brear to the Leamington forward line-up. Both had the desired and immediate effect, by producing some forceful runs, as the visitors began their most productive period of the afternoon. Northover sent over a couple of clever kicks to the near side wing for Connor Chamberlain to exploit and there was an overall sharpness to the Leamington attack, which had not been so apparent in the first half.

Where, of course, the visitors would be disappointed, is their inability to turn this pressure into points and after soaking up an inordinate amount of pressure, Evesham began to get back into the game and suddenly Leamington found themselves having to defend, deep in their own half.

The conditions were also deteriorating and therefore adding nothing to the game, which became a somewhat dour affair.

Matters did liven up when Leamington found themselves “light”, courtesy of a couple of yellow cards. However, despite the perceived advantage, the visitors dogged defence managed to keep the home side from scoring.

As the match drew to a close, Leamington found some energy and once again began to test the home defence. During these moments, they created a couple of try-scoring chances, however, this time it was the home side’s defence that held firm. With little time left on the clock, a penalty kick from James Dunne enabled Leamington to both reduce the arrears and get into “bonus point territory”.

Now with the some return from the game, Leamington still had to endure a torrid few minutes, as the home side tried to spoil their prize. In the last seconds the home side won a kickable penalty, however their attempt hit the upright and bounced back into play, causing chaos for both sides. Fortunately, the Referee blew for time, leaving the home side with a win and Leamington with an all important bonus point.

The quality of play had certainly been influenced by the weather, leaving an eminent Welshman, from the Leamington set-up; to quip “....the type of day where it proves rugby should be a summer sport”!

Full Time: 11 – 6

Next week, Leamington continue with their league campaign and entertain Stratford, kick-off 2.15pm.