Old Leamingtonians RFC Match Reports Saturday 13^th February 2010

Old Leamingtonians RFC 1^st XV  v  Edwardians RFC 1^st XV (League)

Venue  Edwardians, Shirley

Date    Saturday 13^th February 2010

Result  Edwardians RFC 1^st XV 7  -  Old Leamingtonians RFC 1^st XV 8

This was game played to match the conditions. A bitingly cold wind and slight drizzle appeared to affect both sides, neither being able to put together any concerted periods of play. Despite both teams creating space and good territorial advantages, neither was able to capitalise and the ball moved from end to end continuously.  There was no shortage of commitment or enthusiasm but both teams threw away good scoring opportunities by final passes that went astray or ball surrendering when in good attacking positions.

The only score in the first half was an Adam Canning penalty, well taken from distance, following an offside decision.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. The game swung in Edwardians favour after an OL's prop was sin-binned and an Edwardian attack finally breached the OL's defence wide out on the left and a try was scored in the corner.  The score was added to by a fine kick from the touchline to give Edwardians a 7-3 lead.

With 15 minutes to go OL's brought on replacements and there followed a good period of OL's forward pressure with Edwardians being driven back in the loose and set pieces. This forward pressure gradually moved the game nearer and nearer to the Edwardian goal line and eventually resulted in a fine try from prop Craig Ellis to give the visitors a one point advantage.  The conversion was missed and OL's held out for the remaining minutes under Edwardians pressure.

On the level of play neither side deserved to lose this game but OL's were rewarded for effort and commitment.  The OL's back row was again impressive in defence and attack and replacement Paul Brown, after a long absence through injury, showed that he had lost little of his front row technique and power during his15 minute cameo appearance.

DF