Old Leamingtonians began the new season with a decisive victory over newly promoted Burbage but it was not until the final quarter of the game that they took full control of the match.

From the kick off it was clear that the Burbage game plan was to use their heavier forwards to control play and for the first 15 minutes the home side put OLs under pressure. Solid defensive play by the visitors kept Burbage from creating scoring chances. On the 15 minute mark OL forwards won the ball in a maul and quickly sent the ball along the three-quarters for the first positive backs play of the game which saw the ball arrive with right winger Liam Wellings who broke through two defending tackles to touch down to open the scoring. The conversion was missed but OLs had taken the lead against the run of play.

Burbage continued to play a forward dominated game but the OL forwards were equal to the challenge and the game plan for the visitors was to use their fast three-quarters. All too often the ball was lost in attacks either by poor handling or stray passing allowing Burbage back into the game. On the 35 minute mark OLs were penalised for errors. Taking advantage of this, the Burbage forwards gained control and forced the ball over the goal line for an equalising try that was converted. Burbage continued to dominate by strong forward play and on the stroke of half time scored another forward driven try with the added conversion to bring half time with Burbage leading 14 points to 5.

The second half began with Burbage continuing to play forward driven rugby but OLs were beginning to throw the ball about much better and the improvement in play was evident. Holes were beginning to appear in the Burbage defence and from a quick flowing ball Captain, Tom Eales broke through the defence after only three minutes of second half play to touch down near the posts. The conversion followed from Henry Reynolds.
Photos at 1st vs Burbage
The home side responded well and with their scrum half enjoying a good game he managed his forwards well into the OLs 22 metre area from where they forced the ball over for try number three to move into a 19 points to 12 advantage. This was the last score for the home side and from this point on OLs took complete control. Having by this time realised that the home side’s strength was in the forwards and their backs were vulnerable to quick attack, OLs kept the ball moving along the three-quarters and continuous flowing moves including full back Bradley James coming into the line saw the visitors run in four well taken tries to secure a bonus point win.

The first of the four was scored by left wing Calum Semple, the second by full back Bradley James, the third by back row, Andy O’Toole, and the final try by centre Ciaran O’Connor. Henry Reynolds converted all four.

Despite taking a while to settle into a rhythm, the last 20 minutes of the game was a fine display of open play rugby created from well won ball by the forwards, quick play from the rear of the scrum and good running and handling by the backs. Bradley James and Callum Semple had fine games but the whole side played well once the new season nerves had settled.

Next week sees Coventry Welsh visit The Crofts with a 3.0pm kick off.

Report provided by Denis Fisher
3 Photos by Tim Nunan
1. Andrew O’Toole scoring
2. Ciaran O’Connor
3. Tom Eales

Nick Crighton
OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer
07768 775601

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Sep 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Midlands 3 West (South)

League position

Old Leamingtonians

Burbage

Team overview