Warwickshire Colts RFU

As the score indicates a very close and enthralling contest between two local rivals. Earlier in the year Southam ran out easy winners but found a completely different opposition this time around. Travelling again with a big squad it was Southam who found it hardest to shake off the xmas lay off with Leamington starting in a very determined fashion. Good possession and recycling in the ruck gave Leam the edge in the first 15 minutes and a resolute Southam defence was put under some pressure at times. Southam’s usual control in the scrum was disrupted and this meant not enough clean ball was shipped out to their potentionally strong back line. The game to and froed until poor communication in the Southam ranks allowed a dropped catch to get hacked on and Leamington to take an easy score under the posts which they duly converted.
Southam responded almost straight away when a neat move was completed with a careful chip ahead by centre Will Wood which was touched down by the lightning winger Sam Bench, the conversion was missed. The rest of the first half stayed at a stale mate with some excellent rugby being played. Southam were awarded a penalty right at the end of the half but instead of attempting a kick at the posts they went for the corner only then to see the ref blow for half time, poor decision making like this was to cost them even more later in the game.
To support the whole squad of 23 players Southam made a number of changes at half time but instead of causing a problem it brought an increase in work rate and In the second half against the slope and wind Southam stepped up a gear and should have finished a really neat move off with a try only for the ball to get knocked on as the player went to touchdown. The next 30 minutes continued at quite a pace thoroughly entertaining a very vocal and appreciative crowd. Poor decision making was to rob Southam of victory when awarded a penalty in front of the posts only 10 metres out they opted for a quick tap penalty instead of the guaranteed 3 points which in hindsight would have won them the game.
A thoroughly entertaining game played in a very good spirit but a disappointing day at the office for the Southam lads who really could and should have won the game. All credit to Leamington who certainly have improved through the season.