1st XV - Worcester Wanderers: 22 - 14

Written by Website Administrator

Saturday, 24 February 2007

Leamingtonians played with refreshing enterprise to gain revenge for an earlier Division Four West (South) defeat.   In doing so the boys from The Crofts moved into the black as they chalked up their ninth win in 17 league starts to consolidate fifth position with four of their remaining five fixtures seeing them pitted against teams below them in a table dominated by unbeaten Droitwich.   Playing the first half assisted by an advantageous wind, the home side adopted an adventurous policy from the off as they repeatedly chose to bring a youthful back line into play. It resulted in some slick attacking movement with Wanderers forced onto a reluctant back foot.   Only seven minutes had elapsed when Leamingtonians smoothed in front with a copybook try, triggered by Adam Canning's defence slicing break and added to by slick support play before talented full-back Richard Riddler joined the party to speed over between the posts. Canning added the conversion.   Pleasing inter-passing continued to warm the home supporters but the second try was courtesy of a far more measured approach as the pack conjured up a powerful surge from a five metre scrummage to leave No.8 Jake Batsford to acept the touch down. Canning again converted before closing the half with a supreme penalty kick from way out.   If Wanderers felt that there would be a wind of change in the second period they were quickly made to think again. Any number of willing hands were involved after Riddler's initial involvement and winger Alex Pain produced the perfect ending to a smashing raid with a third try.   Little had been seen of Worcester's points potential, but they remained focused and could rightly argue that they enjoyed the best of the rest. Worcestershire and Scotland pace bowler James Brinkley showed that he also had an eye for a rugby ball as he bundled a muscular frame in for a try that Greg Fincher improved. And minutes from time Dan Clay added a second try with Fincher again on target.   It was too little too late, however, with Leamingtonians happily claiming a deserved victory made possible by a combative all-round showing highlighted by eye-catching performances from Riddler, Canning, Greg Williams and young Batsford, a promising result of the club's excellent junior production line.   A thoroughly enjoyable game was added to by the contribution of 22-year-old Devon Society referee Richard Harding. He emerged as a whistler with considerable promise.   Next match: Evesham, away Saturday 2.30.

 

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