In a very competitive game against the Kenilworth Medics a determined Crowd Pleasers XV emerged victorious to win the clubs first silverware of the year.

On a warm, dry evening played under natural light, OL’s Crowd Pleasers put together a solid performance to become only the second winners of the Warwickshire Double-Tops Shield. The conditions, in stark contrast to the games which lead to the final, encouraged a fast flowing game, resulting in a stunning display of 15-man rugby from both sides. Finishing 6-3 to the Crowd Pleasers.

Leamingtonians enjoyed the better of frantic early exchanges, with the forwards providing a good platform for a youthful backline to carve out a number of opportunities. Infringements from such forays into the Kenilworth half gave the opportunity for an early lead, however two penalties were both dragged wide of the posts. At times the Medics made good use of the ball however solid tacking, in particular from CJ Bahey, ensured the scoreline remained level at 0-0 into half time.

The second period was played at a similar pace to the first, with both sides eager to make a significant breakthrough. Reward came for further OL’s dominance when Mark Foley held his nerve to slot a penalty from just outside the 22. A Kenilworth resurgence dictated that the slender lead be short lived, with a penalty under the Leamingtonian posts levelling the match at three points each.

Undeterred, the Crowd Pleasers pushed forwards and with one of the last actions of the game a sublime drop goal from Simon Hemming secured the shield.