In parts they were very constructive and several of the squad put in strong performances

Leamington’ inability to capitalise on their periods of good possession came home to haunt them as they were suffered defeat in this tough home fixture. In parts they were very constructive and several of the squad put in strong performances, however, they seemed to lack the cutting edge needed, in the last quarter of the pitch, to get over the scoreline. One factor that would certainly help the side would be the ability to field a settled team. This has been a major problem over recent years and one that continues to affect the squad, even in this early stage of the season.

Spa had “Patch” Northover available and he put in a massive performance, with some tenacious running and probing, to try to get the team working. The side also benefited from another faultless display from Pete Blunt, at No8, who was always looking for to link with Northover, on the break and was strong in defence when Laurentians were on the attack.

As ever, Spa started in high tempo and Jack Secher made good ground into the visitors half. Although Spa went behind to a penalty on seven minutes, they continued to compete very effectively with some thoughtful play. Northover and Fly Half, Tom Jewitt were linking fluently to set the back line up with plenty of ball and this was being used wisely by Daplyn and Grant in the Centre. Play, however, seemed less effective in the Laurentian 22 metre area, as Spa failed to break through the cover defence.

Laurentians increased their lead with a converted score on eighteen minutes following a punt into the Spa’ quarter that bounced kindly for them and at the same time completely wrong footed the Leamington defender. They went further ahead with a fine individual effort from their wing, Simon Bayliss, who outstripped the Spa defence and sped in for another converted score.

Spa responded to these setbacks with a strong run from Craig Smith and then used a penalty opportunity to run at the OL’s defence, however, once again the move failed to produce a much needed score.

Just before the interval Laurentians hit Spa with another Try.

Half Time: 0 – 22

Early in the second period, Spa introduced Simon Magill and he had an immediate effect as he and Blunt worked the ball to Northover who then made some 40 metres up field with a darting run. Spa continued the move and pushed up on and looked as though they could eventually reap some reward for their hard work. Disappointingly though, not only did they lose possession, they allowed Laurentians to quickly recycle the ball down to the far wing and hit back with a converted score.

Spa were certainly lacking in cohesion, however they stuck to their task and were finally rewarded with a score. Magill punched another hole in the visitors defence and the Spa Forwards worked hard to keep the ball alive. Eventually, Northover claimed the ball, dummied his pass and dived over to score. His conversion attempt from wide out was just short of the target.

Spa fell to one last score from OL’s as they lost possession of the ball in a crucial area and paid full price.

Full Time: 5 – 36

Leamington return to league duty on the 29th September with a visit to near neighbours, Kenilworth, kick-off 3.00pm.