Old Leams began this game in positive fashion taking the play to Shipston in a controlled and disciplined way.  Shipston spent the majority of the first quarter defending their own territory and whenever they managed to move into the visitors half, resolute defence prevented their usually effective backs any room to create forward play. After 20 minutes of mainly defending Shipston won a penalty in the visitors 22 meter area and a quickly taken tap penalty caught the visitors napping and the home side scored wide out on the left of the field. The try was unconverted.

Ignoring this set back OL's continued to play good 15 man rugby and again mounted pressure on the home defence which eventually resulted in a penalty award inside the home 22 meter area.  With the home side preparing to defend a touch kick, quick thought from fly half Adam Canning saw him kick a perfectly weighted ball across the field to winger Steven Dealtry who caught and touched down to level the score. Adam Canning kicked a fine conversion from wide out.

OL's continued to enjoy the best of the game, forcing Shipston into many handling errors as a result of the keen tackling and exceptional defensive work from three-quarters and forwards. The OL's forwards also proved hard to beat and created good ball from line outs and both tight and loose play. Debutant Ben Palmer stepping up from Colts to second row had an encouraging start to his first team career and showed much promise.

With OL's continuing to pressurise the home defence, and the forwards creating quicker ball than of late, Adam canning was provided with space and time to bring his creative play into being.  From a well won ball 30 meters out from the Shipston goal-line, he converted a fine drop goal to increase OL's lead shortly before half time to give the visitors the advantage of a 10-5 half time lead.

The second half saw play follow the same pattern as the first half with OL's playing the more controlled game and with Adam Canning repeatedly driving the home team backwards with well placed kicking, it provided platforms for the forwards to exert pressure on the home defences. Mid way through the second period, a good period of forward pressure in the home 22 resulted in prop Craig Ellis adding to his try count for the season. The try was converted by Adam Canning. As play went on Shipston came more into game and despite many attempts to breach the visitors defence, the defence was more that capable of stopping the advances.

This was a fine all round team performance from OL's with an outstanding game from Adam Canning who controlled the game with well placed kicks and good breaks that created space for the OL's backs and relieved a lot of pressure on the forwards. The score line possibly reflects the balance of the game but OL's could have had more tries that the standard of the team play on the day deserved.

OL's next league game is away to Kings Norton on Saturday 6^th. March - kick off 2.15pm.

Weather permitting OL's have a cup game at Leamington  RC on Wednesday 3^rd March - kick off 7.00pm.