Old Leamingtonians RFC Extra 1^st XV  v  Southam RFC 2^nd XV (Friendly)

Venue    The Crofts - Bericote Road

Date       Saturday 2^nd January 2010

Result     Old Leamingtonians RFC Extra 1^st XV    7   -  6   Southam RFC 2^nd  XV

Not the pre-arranged game but a very enthusiastic and determined pair of teams who wanted to avoid another Saturday without playing. After losing the toss OLs found themselves up the slope and from the kick off playing against a very aggressive Southam side, putting pressure on the home side in both defence and attack. This pressure soon paid off with Southam forcing errors and kicking the resulting penalty. This only seemed to spur on OLs with the backs and forwards combining well, with several well constructed phases of play, to bring the rampaging forwards within metres of the Southam line.

The ball remained here for what seemed to be well over 15 minutes but a controversial decision saw a well worked try from Captain Dean Harris disallowed and a penalty being given to the away side. 

OLs remained in the Southam half putting on pressure, until a loose ball shot from the scrum just 5 metres out and Southam's open-side flanker pounced onto the opportunity and returned it to within 25 metres of OLs line. A penalty ensued which was converted and OLs went into the break at 6-0 down. 

The second half was similar to the first with the OL pack dominant and the backs ever probing, but scores were hard to come by due to some excellent defensive work from the away side. Kev Greenhill's rampaging runs, Tom Whelan's excellent defensive work, and Ciaran O'Connor's distribution and kicking kept OLs in touch throughout, until a series of rolling mauls plus a penalty saw No.8 Ollie Parkes crash over from short range with only 5 minutes remaining. O'Connor duly converted to put OLs 7-6 in the lead. A late penalty would have given the visitors victory but the ball floated just wide of the up-rights to provide OLs with a wining start to 2010.  

Nick Crighton

OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer

07768 775601