Well beaten

Leamington came up against a very solid, 2nd placed, Old Laurentians side and although they stuck to their task for a full 80 minutes, they came away well beaten.

Indecision in the opening seconds of the game gifted a try to the home side, thus giving Spa the worst possible start. On nine minutes OL’s scored a converted try and shortly after, influential Forward, Chris Dickinson left the park injured. It was becoming apparent that Spa were going to be in for a challenging afternoon.

Spa had the chance to reply as they moved the ball swiftly along the back line and they were unlucky to be adjudged in touch, with the try line begging. This however, was one of the few opportunities that fell to them in the early part of the half and they were constantly being forced to defend as the home side got into full stride.

Three further scores came OL’s way before the break and Spa’s only real threat was a run up the far side flank by Tarquin Snell, followed by a clever cross kick, which the home defence managed to clear.

Half Time: 33 – 0

Old Laurentians continued their positive first half performance by once again hitting Spa with a converted score in the opening moments of the second period.

Three further scores followed before Spa were able to catch breath and damage limitation was now the order of the afternoon. Spa found the best way to do this was by producing some clever attack play of their own, which at times had a “calming effect” on the home support. Mike Kelly and Gareth Shuttleworth had tackled tirelessly throughout the afternoon to try to shore up Spa’s defence and now took the opportunity to hit the home side with some dynamic running. “Patch” Northover was also harrying the home side with his trade-mark sniping runs and robust tackling. Their efforts did finally bear fruit as Shuttleworth moved the ball out to the flank and allowed Mark Timson a charge at the home defence. Spa recycled the ball quickly and Kelly bulldozed his way over for some reward for his individual fine display. Tom Jewitt added the extras.

The home side finished off with one last converted score.

Full Time: 75 – 7

Next week Spa travel to Earlsdon, kick-off 3.00pm.