Leamingtonians, joint top of the Division Four West (South) table, went into the match boosted by six consecutive wins and with only two defeats behind them. But Shipston, slumped deep in the relegation dog fight, displayed commendable enthusiasm to emerge with two valuable points.

 

Harsh conditions rarely promised a game of free flowing rugby and it was surprising that Leamingtonians, given the flair of their back line, should opt to take on Shipston in a raw forward battle. It was a disastrous tactic and the visitors happily cashed in.

 Shipston took a 10th minute lead via a pushover try and although the home side got back on terms when John Carnell touched down following a rolling maul a second Shipston try followed almost immediately as an OL knock-on gifted them the opportunity.

 

The second half saw Leamingtonians secure more of the ball only to kick it away with some uninspiring play by their half backs. Adam Canning did add a late penalty from in front of the posts, but two other efforts went wide to allow battling Shipston to hang on to the spoils.

 

Leamingtonians went into the game minus several first choice players and with others deployed out of position to compensate. But they got exactly what they deserved on an afternoon when Shipston, and their classy No.8 in particular, came through with credit and the promise of an upturn in fortunes.

 

Next game: Old Coventrians (Saturday,away).