DEBUTANT Matt Witchell starred with two scores to help Old Leamingtonians get back to winning ways with a 41-12 triumph over Ledbury.
The convincing seven-try victory sent Old Leams sixth in Midlands Three West (South) on 30 points, just one behind last weekend’s opponents.
Hosts OLs found themselves camped inside the Ledbury half from the first whistle, so there was little surprise when Ollie Sarginson capitalised on the early pressure to score a try, which was converted by Henry Reynolds, after ten minutes.
An interception in the hosts’ half resulted in the second score, as Witchell’s lung-busting run took him over the line for a memorable first try for the club.
Reynolds converted to put Old Leams in a strong position to kick on and claim a third try through Liam Wellings.
Leading 19-0, the hosts remained hungry in their search for points and launched a sweeping move that took Witchell over the line for his second of the game shortly after.
As a result of the subsequent conversion, OLs earned their fourth try bonus point for the season.
Ledbury showed signs of a revival when touching down a converted try to end the first-half scoring at 26-7, but it was very much a case of deja vu after the break.
The visitors scored the next try however after OLs backline floundered under pressure, allowing the lead to be cut to 14 points.
Wellings eased any threat of a comeback by touching down the fifth try for his side moments later, with two further tries from Harvey Broadbent and Tom Eales completing the scoring.
With no fixture this weekend, Old Leamingtonians have to wait until their next outing away to Manor Park on Saturday, January 25.
