1st XV - Leamington: 11 - 5

Written by Website Administrator

Sunday, 10 December 2006

TWO Jamie Brown penalties proved the difference between two evenly-matched sides on Sunday with Leamingtonians just getting the better of their near neighbours to reach the second round of this season's Coors Warwickshire Cup.   Horrible conditions, both wet and windy, proved difficult to overcome with numerous handling errors making for a stop-start encounter. But there was total commitment throughout the 80 minutes of a contest played in the best of spirits in front of a large crowd at The Crofts.   Leamingtonians, who play their rugby a division below their opponents, took the initiative from the start as their forwards gained the upper hand and their pressure finally paying the richest of dividends with a 20th minute try for winger Simon Magill who was on the end of a crisp backs move and perfectly positioned to force his way over from the tightest of angles.   The tempo remained with the home side and Jamie Brown, whose conversion fell short, soon atoned with a successul kick from in front of the posts following a Spa infringement.   A spark of ingenuity on the stroke of half-time then allowed Leamington to close the gap to three points. Good work by their forwards was rewarded with a penalty inside the OL 10-metre line and while the Leamingtonians were ambling back in readiness for what they thought would be a pop at goal, quick-thinking scrum-half Tom Secher tapped and spurted between the pots for an opportunist try. Sadly for them, Leamington's conversion attempt was directed wide.   The second half was mostly played in a similar fashion to the first with the OL pack just having the edge. But after Brown had kicked a second penalty it was Leamington's turn to threaten through some attacking resolution that came to nothing as possession was repeatedly lost, due to both soap-like fingers and some solid defence. They also passed up the chance of kicking for goal when a cluster of opportunities arose, choosing instead to kick for territory.   It was another overall all-round showing from Leamingtonians who have now stretched their winning sequence to four. Individual honours must go to Keith Pritchard, Dave Simms, Lee Hardy and Jamie Brown and the bar staff for dealing with the multitude of thirsty punters  The tills were ringing, if not merrily for their game and gutsy opponents!    So a revenge win for Leamingtonians following last season's exit at Moorefields and a second round tie against either Nuneaton OE or Old Laurentians at The Crofts.   Next match: away Berkswell and Balsall (Saturday 2.15).

 

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