Result: Rugby St Andrews RFC 1st XV 44 - 22 Old Leamingtonians RFC 1st XV
Old Leamingtonians began this game by taking the play to the hosts and within five minutes, following a number of early incursions into the St Andrews half of the field, a three-quarters move ended with centre Ciaran O’Connor crossing the line for a well-constructed try that was converted by Full Back Bradley James. The next 10 minutes of play saw OLs continue to dominate territory and possession but without adding to the score line.

Play evened out at this point but the OL defence was equal to any attacking moves that the home side developed and on the half hour a yellow card infringement saw the home side reduced to 14 men. However OLs did not make the home side pay during the ten minute sinbin and St Andrews gained the advantage during the next ten minutes with two penalties awarded against OL forwards.

Half time was reached with OLs having a one point advantage at 7 – 6 and within minutes of the restart Second Row Joe Talamini again increased his growing try tally when he found himself on the end of a fine passing movement. He forced his way over to score and the lead was further increased with a Brad James conversion to bring the score up to 14 points to 6.

OLs continued to press with good rolling maul technique but time and time again when in good attacking positions the OL forwards conceded penalties for infringements and verbal indiscipline that gave the home side far too many opportunities to relieve pressure. Prop Bill Johnson was yellow carded early in the second half and his absence plus many other penalties allowed St Andrews to gain good territorial advantage from which they took control and ran in six second half tries, four of which were converted.

OLs did manage to score a late second half consolation forwards pushover try from Back Row Tom Smith and also a further 3 points from a Bradley James penalty but by then it was too late.

Final score was a home bonus point win 44 points to 22. OLs left with nothing from a game they could have won.

This was another below par performance from OLs who were never out of the game, but indiscipline and the penalty count against, coupled with too many wrong options in attack, prevented any co-ordinated play in the second half. These issues need to be put right before next week’s game at home to Shipston on Stour RFC, kick off 3.0pm.

Report provided by Den Fisher
Photo by Tim Nunan: OL rolling maul Rhys Cory carrying

Nick Crighton
OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer
07768 775601