BUT for the Old Halesonian full-back this Division Four West (South) game might have thrown up a far different scoreline.

 

The talented No.15 scored all 28 points via four tries and as many conversions and proved an unstoppable force against young and spirited opponents who led 10-0 at one point early in the first half.

 

A stirring contest saw Leamingtonians happy to mix it with their far more experienced, sometimes aggravating, opponents who happily sailed close to the illegal wind without atracting much in the way of restraint from the referee. They also defended with commendable defiance to blunt home attacking ambition.

 

Only three minutes were on the clock when the home side took the lead with a stunning try.Quickly rucked ball was fed along the line at pace and Richard Blower was equal to the task of providing the finishing touch. Adam Canning kicked the conversion from wide out and soon after added a penalty.

 

Halesonians gradually eased their way into contention, with their superior experience up front and at half back beginning to eat away at the OL game plan. A penalty reduced the arrears before the visiting full-back made his first impression with a try.

 

The same player, a guy boasting searing pace and an eye for the half chance, took complete control after the break and wrapped up the points for his third-placed team in splendid fashion.

 

Youngsters Mark Foley and Canning stood out amongst the home backs and, almost inevitably, Ian Rowley was the pick of the pack. It was a good game to watch and there are clear signs that the fledgling OL team in beginning to gel.

 

The match was sponsored by Steve Smith of Murphy Salisbury.

 

Next game: Copeswood, home Saturday 2.15).