Inconsistency continues to halt Old Leamingtonians' progress - The Leamington Observer

Inconsistency continues to halt Old Leamingtonians' progress

Leamington Editorial 1st Feb, 2018   0

RUGBY UNION: INCONSISTENCY continues to be Old Leamingtonians’ downfall this season as they lost out to rivals Rugby St Andrews 6-29 at home.

Too many penalties and the kicking away of good possession allowed Rugby to convert possession into points, resulting in another loss for the Leamington men.

OLs started Saturday’s game kicking into the wind and dominating set pieces, but it was Rugby that posted the first score with a simple penalty from in front of the posts.

OLs equalised five minutes later before spending a lengthy period of time in Andrews’ half, but to no reward.




A loose kick out of defence then allowed St Andrews to take the lead when their winger scored behind the posts. The try was comfortably converted to establish a seven point lead for Rugby.

OLs began the second half with wind advantage and more pressure on the visitors but for all the effort put in the home side could not find a way through a well organised opposition.


A second OLs converted penalty did reduce the lead. But, in spite of the wind advantage, it always looked as if it was going to be St Andrews that added points through their penetrating attacking play and solid defence.

Three further second half tries, two of which were converted, gave St Andrews a four try bonus point and OLs must look back on this game and wonder what could have been.

The home forwards dominated but all too often the resulting good ball was kicked away in efforts to overcome the solid St Andrews defence.

OLs maintained their third place in the league, but the gap between them and the top two increased having a marked effect on the promotion hopes.

Next week sees OLs visit Shipston on Stour RFC, a game that is now critical if OLs are to maintain any chance of league advancement.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Leamington Observer newspaper.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Leamington Observer.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.