Last weekend saw the Ladies team play back at home ground at The Crofts in their final league game of the season. The game was a hugely competitive game between Old Leams and Lichfield Green 2 XV, the teams were ranked 1st and 2nd in the league table respectively before the game started.

The game was a tough, physical game of rugby for both teams, with hotly contested rucks and big tackles from both sides. Spectators commented positively about how this was a 'proper game of rugby', although nail-biting to watch from the sidelines. Old Leams showed perseverance throughout the first half, taking nearly 20 minutes of game play before putting points on the board. The opportunity for a try came from a penalty within the 22, and with a quick tap and having spotted the space, Jen made a beeline for the try line, which was then successfully converted by Abby. The first half score was 7-0 to Old Leams.

Old Leams again showed a great show of rugby, with some fantastic line-outs from the forwards, this is an area of the game which the team have dominated throughout the season, including stealing line-outs and getting excellent height and hold on Scarlett while in the air. More excellent opportunities were created from the forwards and backs working together. There were many brilliant pieces of play, too many to mention but here are a few:
*G momentarily in the back line at 12 who made a break gaining 25m in territory for Abby to run on to, but a forward pass was called
*Miriam using an interesting crawling through the opposition's legs in attack
*Strong tackles from the team, none of them wanting to let go of legs
*Successful jackals from Nat J winning a turnover ball
*Marine catching from the kick-off and running almost half the pitch

The second half was also a nail-biting watch for the spectators, there was approximately 80 people who came along to show their support. After a try from Lichfield, it was only a few moments before another successful backs striking play came to fruition from Old Leams, with Jen making a beautiful offload to Abby, who continued to run almost half the length of the pitch to score her 14th try of the season. This was also successfully converted. The final ten minutes of the game saw Lichfield score two tries, working to the edges of the field in both occasions. The last five minutes were intense, but the previous 65 minutes had also been very intense. Coach Arron at the end of the game commented 'this is the best rugby I have seen us play in the four years I have been coaching here'.

The final score of 14-15 showed the tough game that it was, with both sides putting out strong teams. Proud could not be a more poignant word, as the team came off the pitch with emotions high. Despite the loss of this game, Old Leams succeeded in their target for this season - win the league and demonstrate a mature game of rugby. Next season we will set a new challenge and new target, and all players and coaches are positive and excited for what lies ahead.

A big thank you to the sponsors of our team - Allthorpe Consulting, Roger Coy Partnership, Warwickshire Custom Prints, New Inn.
A massive shoutout also has to be given to our team of loyal supporters - family, lovers, friends, dogs, and the wider OLS family.