A large gathering of patrons plus representatives from the club’s major sponsors, Jewson and Denso enjoyed a splendid lunch before Alcester kicked off, only to find themselves a try down without touching the ball again.

The kick off was caught by OLs who charged up the field with sustained forward pressure resulting in second row Joe Talamini crossing the line in the right hand corner within one minute of play. The conversion was missed. Alcester restarted the game only to see the same happen again with another upfield rampage and OLs pressure resulting in second row John Carlos crossing for a second unconverted try with the match less than three minutes old.

Throughout the first half Alcester were kept under continuous pressure with a now rampant OLs fifteen enjoying maximum possession creating acres of space and on the 12th minute of the game full back Tom Eales running a superb angle joined the line to create try number three between the posts. This try was converted by Fly Half, Mark Foley.

OLs penalty count was pretty high throughout the game and Alcester did get on the scorecard with a converted penalty kick but OLs continued to dominate the match and further tries followed, two from centre Simon Hemming and another from Tom Eales, all three of which were converted by Mark Foley to give OLs a half time lead of 36 point to 3.

Six first half tries had virtually settled the game but the second half continued with OLs dominant.

It was only a matter of time before the home side increased the try tally and this time it was winger Ciaran O’Connor who crossed the line for try number seven. The conversion was missed but OLs continued to put pressure on the visiting forwards, driving them back in the loose exchanges and it was left to front row forward and captain Reece Jones to score try number eight when he picked up at the base of the scrum to force his way over the goal line.

This try was converted by Ciaran O’Connor to bring the final tally to 48 points to 3.

This was much improved performance from OLs than of late with excellent 15 man rugby played to which Alcester simply had no answer. The match was thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd of club Patrons attending and the bonus point win has elevated Old Leamingtonians into the top half of the League table.

Next week sees OLs travel to newly promoted Bromyard RFC with a 2.15pm kick off.

Report provided by Denis Fisher

Nick Crighton
OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer
07768 775601