| 2nd XV - Old Laurentians 2nd XV: 21 - 24 |
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| Saturday, 23 September 2006 | |
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[Match report written by Old Laurentians!] Old Laurentians made the short trip to Leamington on the back of an excellent display last week and made a few changes due to call ups to the 1st team. Old Laurentians welcomed Matt Newbold (Pinners), Matt Miller, and Scot Whyment into the team, all going on to produce excellent displays in defence throughout the game. Old Laurentians kicked off and immediately put OLs under pressure from Pinners and James Morgan, forcing an error from the home pack. From the ensuing scrum Laurentians had many phases of possession but it seemed were unable to get the final pass to hands to finish off excellent support play. These errors allowed Leamingtonians to gain good set piece ball to clear there lines and kick for territory. The back three of Dan Tilley, Simon Bayliss and Matt Miller ran the ball back at times, however they didn’t seem to get support they needed to attack and punish the Leamingtonian kicks.The first half continued in much the same vein, Old Laurentians having all the territory and possession but could not punish the well organised Leamingtonian defence. This was until Marc Owen took a quick tap penalty and weaved around defenders until he finally was caught. Unfortunately, a knock on ensued and a scrum to the home side was awarded. The front row of Marcus Gregory Andy Orbinson and Bob Barba forced a turnover; the ball squirted out Ed Wallis pounced on the loose ball and then powered his way over for the 1st score, Mark Llewellyn converting. With half time approaching and Old Laurentians wanting to maintain their small advantage, it all went horribly wrong. A kick and chase from Leamingtonians back row put extra pressure on the Old Laurentians defence and the home side managed to force their way over the line for a converted try. Half time score 7-7. The 2nd half followed much the same pattern as the 1st. Old Laurentians having all the territory and possession, but not able to find the gaps in a well organised defence. As the bigger Leamingtonians pack tired, Old Laurentians started to run at every opportunity. However, the ball never always seemed to find its way to the last man. When it did Old Laurentians looked dangerous with Simon Bayliss profiting from good handling from the backs to score in the corner. The game was made safe when Llewellyn kicked a penalty from discretion at the lineout; this gave a final score of 15-7. Old Laurentians 2nds certainly look good for the next few games with a number of players returning to the fray. This can only put more pressure on selection and also pressure on the 1st team. A number of players had outstanding games, Morgan and Pinners shone in defence and appeared to be at every breakdown. Miller and Ed Wallis looked exciting going forward and excellent in defence, However, Andy Orbinson gets the Superman award for this game. He was asked to play out of position in the front row, but performed as he always does in the back row sniffling opposition ball and even managing to get a few against the head in the scrum! |
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