Leamington opened up the new season with a visit to Newbold

Leamington opened up the new season with a visit to Newbold, a side who had narrowly missed out on the previous campaign’s Play-offs and who were buoyed by the addition of new recruits from the now defunct, Rugby Lions.

In superb playing conditions, Spa caught the home side napping with an early attack that produced a penalty, which Sam Nunn just pushed wide. Then, moments later, Jack Secher opened up the Newbold defence with a fine break, to create a great opportunity for Spa. With plenty of support, Spa over- complicated play and Newbold just managed to clear their lines.

Newbold quickly capitalised on this good fortune with a penalty goal and then went further ahead with a converted try on eleven minutes of play.

Leamington were fielding a side full of new faces and disappointingly, were only able to call on the support of two replacements. A situation that would cause severe problems in the second half. They can be calmed by the fact, however, that this new look side were full of enterprise and invention.

Newbold hit Spa with another penalty, before Sam Nunn got them on the score sheet with a well struck penalty. Spa added another penalty goal, courtesy of Nunn, after a break by Pete Blunt was halted by a late tackle. At this stage Leamington were looking good value, Craig Smith was securing clean ball in the line-out and Danny Ruysevelt was making some darting runs at the Newbold defence. Pete Blunt was having a fine game, co-ordinating play at the base of the scrum and all in all, against a tough outfit, play was evenly balanced. The scrum was also another positive area for Spa. Up against a heavier Pack, the Spa front five were steady in the set play and much of this was down to the resolute performance of Terry Curran, Serj Paddan and Tom Greevy in the front row.

Towards the end of the half, Spa came under pressure in the far corner and conceded a converted score.

Half Time: 23 – 6

Some early invention from Newbold enabled them to hit Spa with a converted try. Despite good work from Spa, a further try, sixteen minutes into the half, put the game beyond doubt.

Spa then had to contend with a number of injuries to key players. Ruysevelt had already left the park, before the influential Craig Smith was forced off with a back injury. As the injury toll mounted, Smith had to resume play for Spa and all of this disruption led to Newbold claiming two further scores.

On this showing, Newbold will be a difficult opposition for any club in the league. Spa will have plenty of positives to work on and with the addition of the experience they have in their camp available for selection; they will be looking to build on this very enterprising display.

Full Time: 49 – 6

Next week, Spa entertain Old Laurentians, kick-off, 3.00pm