Rugby Union
Another try spree for OLs

Old Leamingtonians 44 Redditch 12

FREE-scoring OLs ran in eight tries to demolish Redditch and climb up to second place in Midlands Three West (South).

OLs signalled their intent at the first ruck and maul encounter when they forced the Redditch forwards back 15 yards.

Fifteen minutes of constant pressure was eventually rewarded by a forward surge that saw hooker Chris Huckvale touch down a try which was converted by captain Mark Foley.

The joy proved short-lived as Redditch took advantage of wild pass to end their first foray into OLs half with a converted try.

The lapse stung OLs into action and they exerted more pressure in a display of 15-man rugby that resulted in a break from defence by flanker Ed Radcliffe who presented a well- timed pass to Foley who sprinted clear from the halfway line and restored OLs lead.

Props Nick Bingham and Craig Ellis, along with second row Dan Careless, enjoyed fine games repeatedly breaking the Redditch defensive line and further tries followed at regular intervals.

Bingham scored the third try after a storming run from just inside the visitors 22 with Tom Hyam also touching down. Hyam converted his own try to put OLs 24-7 ahead at half time.

The pattern remained the same in the second half with OLs playing a dominant forward game and bringing the backs into play on a regular basis.

Radcliffe opened the second half account with a break from the back of a maul, while a storming run from 30 metres saw Careless drive through the tiring Redditch defences to add the sixth try and, shortly after, back row Heslop joined the line to finish off a fine move.

OLs final try came ten minutes from time when Bingham rounded off a fine game with his second try and the best of the day, which followed a blistering run of interchanging passing with Ellis from deep inside their own half.

Redditch grabbed a late consolation try but OLs finished convincing winners.

OLs visit third-placed Shipston this Saturday (2.15pm).