Rugby Union
Spa start new year in fine style

Leamington 25 Old Laurentians 20

LEAMINGTON’S rich vein of form continued into 2012 as they leapfrogged Old Laurentians into third place in Midlands Two West (South) following a superb victory at Moorefields on Saturday.

It was also the inaugural match between the two clubs for the Brian White Trophy.

Brian, a Leamington stalwart who died in May 2011, was a close friend to Old Laurentians RFC, through family connections and a game full of drama proved a fitting tribute to his enduring love of the game of rugby.

The magnitude of Spa’s victory can perhaps be emphasised by the fact that OLs had, in December, beaten in-form Berkswell & Balsall and leaders Barkers Butts.

However, their first half performance gave the impression they were still hung-over from the new year celebrations, as they were unable to stop a Spa side full of adventure.

Leamington opened the scoring on eight minutes following a concerted period of pressure. Alex Carroll sent a kick into the OLs 22 and wing Richard Staff put the defence under pressure, forcing them to concede a scrum from which “Patch” Northover secured the ball, dummied his pass and scampered over.

Spa continued to press and Carroll was unlucky to have his flat pass adjudged forward as he tried to set Staff in for a score in the corner.

Staff continued to cause problems with a clever chip ahead and chase before the lead was increased when Northover slotted over a penalty.

Spa continued to dominate proceedings and Northover increased the lead by converting another penaltyto the delight of the big home crowd.

The alert Carroll intercepted a pass inside his opwn half and sprinted 50-yards to score a fine try. Northover added the extras to give Spa a healthy 18-0 interval lead.

A resurgent Old Laurentians produced a display befitting their league position after the break as they penned Spa in their own half for lengthy periods.

The visitors were rewarded with three tries, one of which was converted, plus a penalty to gain a narrow two point lead.

The Spa pack led the fightback as they forced the visitors back inside their own 22 for the first time in the second half.

Skipper Nick Maxwell cajoled his troops into producing a massive scrum near the visitors line.

As the pack walked closer to the line, OLs lost their nerve and hastily kicked at the ball conceding a simple penalty try which Northover converted.

Spa visit fifth-placed Silhillians this Saturday (2.15pm).