Old Leamingtonians RFC Extra 1^st XV  v  Dunlop RFC 2^nd XV (Merit Table)

Venue    The Crofts - Bericote Road

Date       Saturday 6^th  February 2010

Result     Old Leamingtonians RFC Extra 1^st XV    20  - 19   Dunlop RFC 2^nd XV

OL Extras went into this game without a win since 2009, and had something to prove after their exit from the 2nd team cup the week-end before. With several players back from injury the back line was as good as the first team. Adam Canning in his first game back after a lengthy injury made all the difference to an OLs side that has recently struggled to penetrate in attack.

OLs competed well from the kick-off forcing Dunlop into making a series of tackles that eventually led to a penalty. Adam Canning slotted the penalty easily from far out on the left giving the home side a 3-0 lead after 8 minutes. Then after excellent running from the three quarters the OLs No.8 headed towards the line where he was smashed down just 5 metres short by a reckless high tackle from the Dunlop 15. The referee might have awarded a penalty try but didn't; Canning duly converted the penalty to put OLs 6-0 up.

This seemed to spur Dunlop on and within minutes they were back in the game with a try due to some sloppy defence from the home side; the try wasn't converted which at the time didn't seem that significant. Soon after Dunlop went further into the lead and this time the conversion was made and OLs went into half-time 6-12 down.

The second half seemed to ebb and flow for the first quarter until tactical changes and injuries bought on two of OLs most senior players, Neil Hall and Captain Deano Harris. This seemed to steady OLs and they started to dominate the line-out and the rucks giving the talented three quarters good quick ball. Kev Greenhills powerful running along with substitute Dave Canning & Simon Hemming's good hands and angles of running pressed Dunlop deeper into their own half. Eventually the pressure told with Adam Canning scoring an excellent individual try, beating several  Dunlop players with side-steps and dummies to crash over. Canning converted his own try. Score 13-12.

The next try came from the home side after quick ball from the hard working pack. Powerful rucking from several phases of support play enabled Dudley to spread the ball wide. Dave Canning smashed through the defence putting OLs on the front foot. At 22 metre  line-out was won by OLs, the ball going wide to the left this time. The tackles went in fast and furious from the away-side, but OLs managed to retain possession & ruck the ball free with Adam Canning receiving good quick ball who then placed a cross-field kick into the direction of wing Hemming. The Dunlop winger fumbled and Hemming scooped up the ball to score in the corner, increasing the home-sides lead further. This time Canning was kicking from wide out . The conversion sailed straight through the middle putting OLs 20-12 in front.

The drama wasn't over yet with Dunlop coming straight back. After a series of penalties and drives Dunlop's No.6 crashed over from 2 yards out with the conversion being added to make the score 20-19.  At the final whistle OLs had won a very close encounter 20-19.  A truly dogged performance.   

Nick Crighton

OLRFC Press & Publicity Officer

07768 775601