1st XV - Southam: 8 - 3

Written by Roger Draper

Saturday, 20 October 2007

A close encounter between two well-matched teams ended with victory going to the Old Leamingtonians who have now won five of their six Midlands Four West (South) fixtures. Played in a fine spirit throughout, the respective defences enjoyed much the better of the exchanges to mostly negate positive ambition. The home side posted a deserved five points advantage at the break before coming under increasing pressure from a determined Southam side rewarded with a penalty two minutes from time. Leamingtonians started well enough with a dominant front five disrupting oppoosition set pieces to secure a surfeit of good ball. But over elaboration, a consistent failing this term, again prevented the host club from claiming the number of points their powerhouse forwards deserved. Fly-half Adam Canning saw two long range penalties attempt strike the woodwork before Leamingtonians finally edged in front when skipper Greg Williams took a catch from a lineout and was driven over the Southam line before popping up the ball for scrum-half Luke Staton to touch down. Southam raised their game at this point and it required a last-gasp tackle to deny them an equalising score. Nip and tuck rugby prevailed throughout the second half with Canning offering some breathing space when converting a penalty from in front of the posts. But Southam had the last word, their late penalty proving a deserved consolation for their efforts which were ably masterminded by their man-of-the-match scrum-half. Next match: Woodrush (away).

 

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