Whistle to whistle excitement at Moorefields

4th March 2023 – Leamington v Spartans

Former Leamington Rugby Club Chairman and player, Hugh Smith, and his guests, after lunching lavishly, were able to watch a very exciting match and witness the hosts pulling off a dramatic last minute win. Ex-Chairman, Smith, was celebrating his forthcoming 70th birthday and had invited family and friends to lunch, as a pre-cursor to this league encounter. The hosts were also exhibiting their new, state-of-the-art scoreboard, gifted to the Club by former player, Simon Roper. It was soon called into use!

Playing on a very cold, dank afternoon, Leamington had the brightest of starts, with a try in the opening minute. Breaking out of defence, Conor Chamberlain raced down the far side flank before slipping a delightful pass, inside, to Ed Gray, who breezed in to score. Full Back, Josh jones then slotted over the conversion.

Leamington quickly increased their lead following a lineout, where Gray had secured possession, before allowing his pack to set up a drive to the line, that concluded with Gareth Shuttleworth getting the final touch. Jones once again obliged with the conversion.

The visitors, at this time, were having a torrid time at the hands of Leamington and things soon got worse for them when Nathan Batchelor scored a third try, following good work from Shuttleworth again, which was expertly converted by Jones.

Towards the end of the first period, Spartans suddenly found a gear and started to put some attacking play together. One of these late incursions, a kick through, nearly led to a score, however, Leamington fly-Half, Toby Bruce, won the sprint to the ball and was able to kick it clear. Although Spartans did press home this change of play and hit back with two tries and a conversion before the break.

Half-Time: 21 – 12

Ed Gray’s lineout play nearly brought an early score for Leamington, when two successive set piece passages, near the Spartans try line, were just held up. Prop, Simon Harry and Lock, John Brear also put in testing runs at the opposition, in an attempt to unlock their defence. Then, in a change of direction, the visitors sent a dangerous looking kick into the Leamington 22 metre zone; however, No8, Craig Smith showed his athleticism by racing back to tidy up and set about a clearance.

With the clock showing nine minutes left for play, the match suddenly re-ignited as a concerted effort from the Spartans pack resulted in a converted score. The home supporters nerves then took a further jolt as Spartans slotted over a penalty to take the lead for the first time of the afternoon. Further drama ensued when Leamington lost a second front row player. Scrums thus became uncontested and the home side were forced to sacrifice a player (to the touchline only!).

All of these ingredients set up a very tense closing minute or so of play. Leamington secured a penalty, which Garrett Bell drilled to the nearside touch. Possession was secured at the lineout and following several pick and drives, the ball was sent out towards the wing, where the ebullient Craig Smith, was on hand to finish off in grandstand style. Thus securing a valuable, bonus point win for his team.

Full Time: 26 - 22