Banbury always provide a test...

Leamington, sponsored by INFOR, quickly banished the disappointment of last week’s defeat at Bedworth, as they hit Banbury with four tries and in doing so, produced a display, combining consummate attacking rugby with stoic defending, when the need arose. The win takes Spa out of the relegation zone and enables them to keep in touch with the middle of the table, in this highly competitive league.

Banbury always provide a test, as opposition and boast a very solid set of forwards. They were the first to shine and it took the boot of Tom Jewitt to clear the early danger. Then Spa lost the ball at a lineout, deep in there half and as the ball went to ground, Banbury were quick to sneak possession and race in under the posts for a converted score.

This set back had little effect on Spa’s brimming confidence and they quickly reduced this early deficit. Skipper, John Raby, provided the opening as he raced into action and was given excellent support from Sam Nunn and John Holland. This incursion led to a scrum, which Nick Maxwell took against the head, allowing Spa to move the ball out. Unable to contain the cohesion of the attack, Banbury were forced to concede a penalty, which Jewitt calmly rifled over.

Spa continued to pressurise the Banbury line and their hard working forwards applied their mauling skills to great effect. Wing, Simon Magill then compelled the visitors into some desperate defending with a trade mark, darting and forceful run. All of this skilful play finally led to Spa taking the lead with their first try of the afternoon. Danny Birks hauled Banbury’s ball carrier to the ground, at the same time retrieving possession. Nunn was on hand to take advantage and sent a crisp pass into the hands of John Holland. The Spa full back hit the gas and powered past the defence to score in the corner. Jewitt just failed to seal maximum points, his kick slicing across the posts.

Despite all their efforts, Banbury were finding it difficult to muster up any creditable reply to Spa’s display. When they did manage to get into the danger zones, they met with firm resistance from the Spa defence. The visitors were also failing to get to grips with the pace in which Spa counter attacked. Alex Carroll and fellow Centre, Gavin Grant were the main source of this problem for Banbury; the former using his vision to create the opening for the latter to bulldoze through.

Not surprisingly, Spa increased their lead with another show of attacking flair. Danny Ruyssevelt set the scene as he charged out of the Spa half and enabled his fellow pack members to exert more pressure on the Banbury defence. Nunn and Jewitt quickly recycled the ball down the line to Raby who nipped in at the far corner.

Holland increased the heat on Banbury with a clever chip and chase and then Jewitt unlocked their defence with a jinking run. When the visitors responded, Nunn was on hand to clear his line with a solid boot up field.

As the half entered its final stages Spa were able to contain the Banbury attack with some excellent defending and finished on a high with a confident run from Raby, deep from his 22 metre area.

Half Time: 13 – 7

The interval did nothing to diminish Spa’s appetite to attack. Nunn was continually using the ball wisely, knowing his forwards had worked hard to gain possession. Craig Smith and Ruyssevelt were superb in claiming their lineout ball and Maxwell was marshalling the scrum, claiming several more nudges against the head. All this intelligent play, together with the manner in which Birks, Ruyssevelt and Mike Kelly were first to the breakdown, allowed Spa to boss the game.

This bore more fruit as Birks finished off a surge from the pack, to claim a try under the posts and Nunn proved his all round ability as he slotted over the conversion. Spa were then unlucky not to go further ahead as an exquisite chip to the wing from Carroll landed inches in front of Magill, with a huge space opening up the flank. Leamington were working very hard in all departments, something that will please the Coaching staff and they continued to run at Banbury. Another score was inevitable, with Spa in this mood and it was a clever kick up the wing from Nunn that created the chance. Raby was on to the danger immediately and he and Ruyssevelt linked up to give Gavin Grant the opportunity to punch through the Banbury defence to claim the try and round off a fine individual performance.

As the game entered the final minute or so, Banbury attacked and kicked the ball into the Spa 22 metre area. With the ball bobbling, Spa impeded the attacker and the Referee awarded a “Penalty Try”. This was the last play of any note and at the final whistle, Spa were worthy winners.

Full Time: 25 – 14

Next week Spa continue league duty with a trip to Dunlop, kick-off 2.30pm.