1st XV - Shipston: 50 - 13

Written by Website Administrator

Saturday, 14 April 2007

TALENTED full-back Robbie Ridler gorged himself on six tries as Leamingtonians ended a hot-cold Division Four West (South) season on the warmest possible note.   The Crofts devotees were treated to a spectacular running performance to banish memories of the previous week's dismal capitulation against Evesham.   Saturday provided thrilling evidence that there could be good times ahead if the young side is able to stay together and develop. The backs were in cavalier mood from the off, Ridler displaying speed and skill, Simon Magill, Dave Canning and Ian Mould all making telling breaks, with superb support from back row stalwart Ian Rowley who was able to mastermind second phase quick and quality ball to enable Ridler to spread his tries to both sides of the field.   Five of them came during a one-sided opening half which ended with Leamingtonians holding a 31-3 advantage. They were in no mood to repeat the Evesham disaster when surrendering a 17 points advantage, the second half continuing as the first with a one-way tide of attacks towards the visiting line.   To their credit Shipston gave it everything they had, their spirit being rewarded with two rolling maul tries, but Leamingtonians stayed focused to keep the scoreboard ticking, first through Rowley and then Ridler who completed a memorable afternoon with his sixth touchdown.   The final try came when replacement centre John Hall broke the Shipston defence inside his own half before unleashing a devastating sprint ahead of any number of hapless pursuers to score under the posts. Fly-half Adam Canning, whose performance was another plus, duly tagged on his fifth conversion to complete the rout and wrap up a topsy-turvy season of 11 wins and as many defeats for a fifth position.

 

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