Old Leamingtonians Blitz Old Wheatleyans

Old Wheatleyans RFC 1st XV 12 - 68 Old Leamingtonians RFC 1st XV

Old Leamingtonians Rugby Football Club
Senior Men's Match Report Saturday 13th January 2018

Result: Old Wheatleyans RFC 1st XV 12 - 68 Old Leamingtonians RFC 1st XV
Old Leamingtonians Blitz Old Wheatleyans

In a ten try bonanza OLs moved up to 3rd place in the Midlands 3 West (South) League with a convincing win to keep a run of good form going.

The first five minutes of the game belonged to the home side with early pressure on the Old Leamingtonians defences but after five minutes a loose pass from Old Wheats was intercepted by OLs fly half Bradley James who ran the length of the pitch to touch down and open the scoring.

The try was not converted but from the restart OLs took control of the game and constant pressure on the home defence saw Old Wheats concede a penalty in front of the posts which James converted. By now the home defence was beleaguered and with the OLs forwards creating space and depth into the Old Wheats 22 metre area, the OLs back row forwards had a field day and a hat trick of first half tries followed for Felix Heath. Plus one from Winger Liam Wellings

OLs finished the first half with a lead of 28 points to nil.

The second half opened with a try almost immediately for the home side. From the kick off the ball was sent deep into the OLs 22 and when it was allowed to bounce the Old Wheats winger collected the loose ball and crossed in the corner for a converted try. This was however a small setback for the dominant OLs who responded with relentless assault on the home defence and a series of forward drives saw the OLs forwards moving closer and closer to the home goal line. Time and time again Old Wheats attempted deliberate try-stopping infringement which eventually the referee penalised with a seven point OLs penalty try.
OLs also converted a second penalty.

After this the floodgates opened and tries for the Old Leamingtonians followed at regular intervals. Prop Forward Richard Lenton scored twice, Liam Wellings also scored as did and full back Ciaran O’Connor when he provided an overlap to claim a try when the ball was thrown along the threequarters.

It was a day when the forwards completely dominated; scoring six of the ten tries. 5 of the tries were converted and one conversion was from the penalty try which did not need kicking.to lift the OLs score to 68 points.

Old Wheats never gave up trying but their defence was unable to cope with the OLs superior strength and skill. They did manage a second converted consolation try mid-way through the second half making the score 68 - 12 but it was clearly OLs day with a win that entertained the travelling support and moved the team within two points of the top place.

There is a free week next week but the following week sees OLs entertain Rugby St Andrews who currently hold top place – kick off 2.15pm.

Report provide by Den Fisher Photos by Nick Crighton

Nick Crighton
OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer
07768 775601