Copsewood - 1st XV: 13 - 23

Written by Website Administrator

Saturday, 28 October 2006

Ten points inside the final eight minutes delivered a back-to-back win for laboured Leamingtonians at Allard Way. A scruffy encounter had seen Copsewood dominate for much of the second half until two individual errors allowed the visitors to nose in front through Jamie Brown who grabbed the opportunity to score a try, conversion and penalty in those closing moments. It was hard on Copsewood, but Leamingtonians can take some credit for their defensive discipline with a high tackle count proving a pleasing statistic as they upped their points tally to six from as many fixtures. The postage stamp pitch did not lend itself to running rugby with 30 players making for an untidy traffic jam. A missed pass or two might have helped untangle the clutter, but Leamingtonians stuck to a routine route through the backs to restrict their chances of taking a short cut to the line. The visitors started well enough and for 10 minutes pressed strongly before Copsewood struck the first score through their excellent full-back who hoofed a long-range penalty with impressive ease. There was a quick response from Leamingtonians with winger Dave Canning darting over in the corner for a well-worked try before Alex Pain added a penalty. Sustained home pressure then followed and the half ended with the Copsewood pack grabbing a push-over try to lead 10-8. Leamingtonians lost no time in regaining the initiative, winger Simon Magill scoring a fine individual try when out-running his marker before stepping outside the last line of defence to race over. There was still little to shout about, but Copsewood began to exert greater pressure thanks to an honest set of forwards who showed a greater appetite to win the ball in the loose, and especially in the lines-out where visiting hooker Dickie Davies, in only his second appearance, and his jumpers were rarely as one. It looked as though the home side might come through when their full-back again displayed accuracy and power to level matters with a penalty success from way out. But relieved Leamingtonians were to have the final say as Brown accepted the mantle of match-winner with his 10 points flourish. A flattering win, but another move up the division. This Saturday's game at Dunlop is likely to prove just as difficult.

 

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