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Sat 04 Dec 2021 · Midlands 3 West (South)
1st XVBurbage
24
7
OLD LEAMINGTONIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB SENIOR MEN'S MATCH REPORT - SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2021
Lucas Wager6 Dec 2021 - 11:22
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Old Leamingtonians RFC 1st XV v Burbage 1st XV League: Midlands 3 West (South) Venue: OLRFC, The Crofts, Bericote Road Result: Old Leamingtonians RFC 1st XV 41 - 0 Bromyard 1st XV
Old Leamingtonians maintained their unbeaten league record with a 24-7 victory over Burbage. A game which saw both teams elect to play open fifteen man rugby was enjoyed by the home crowd.
The match kicked off with OL’s electing to play with the sun on their backs for the first half. The home team took the game to Burbage from the start, following an early 50/22 from Henry Reynolds, but found the visiting defence was equal to any early attacking phases. OL’s kept possession and from a series of rucks and mauls across the pitch from the home forwards the Burbage try line was crossed by prop Kai Cott, the first of four tries for the home side. The conversion went wide.
The game continued with both teams evenly matched, both making handling errors with the strong wind influencing the game. On the fifteen-minute mark, a fast-paced three-quarter attack from OLs took the game deep into the Burbage half and number 8 Callum Gosse broke the line to touchdown. This time the conversion was successful and OLs moved into a 12 point lead.
Burbage struck back quickly by putting the home side under pressure and a dropped ball in the centre of the pitch allowed the visiting outside centre to touch down between the posts and the conversion followed.
The rest of the first half was evenly contested with both sides defending strongly, and it wasn’t until OLs winger Joe O’Loghlen touched down in the corner that a comfortable lead was restored. The move leading to the try began in OLs half of the field where the forwards won a line out and a good driving maul pushed Burbage backwards before the ball was quickly shifted along the back line before being touched down in the corner. The conversion was made and a 19-7 lead to OLs at half time.
The start of the second half was evenly balanced but with OLs enjoying the better of exchanges and it was only loose passing on occasions that prevented OLs from growing the lead. The Burbage defence remained strong, and it wasn’t until the final minutes that fullback Archie Semple secured the bonus-point finishing a wide OLs move.
This was a better disciplined and controlled performance from OLs with rarely a penalty given away, played in the best of competitive spirit with both sides providing 80 minutes of enjoyable and competitive rugby. The final score of 24 points to 7 keeps Old Leamingtonians top of the league. Next week sees OLs visit Coventry Welsh with a 2.15pm kick off.
Den Fisher 5.12.21
The match kicked off with OL’s electing to play with the sun on their backs for the first half. The home team took the game to Burbage from the start, following an early 50/22 from Henry Reynolds, but found the visiting defence was equal to any early attacking phases. OL’s kept possession and from a series of rucks and mauls across the pitch from the home forwards the Burbage try line was crossed by prop Kai Cott, the first of four tries for the home side. The conversion went wide.
The game continued with both teams evenly matched, both making handling errors with the strong wind influencing the game. On the fifteen-minute mark, a fast-paced three-quarter attack from OLs took the game deep into the Burbage half and number 8 Callum Gosse broke the line to touchdown. This time the conversion was successful and OLs moved into a 12 point lead.
Burbage struck back quickly by putting the home side under pressure and a dropped ball in the centre of the pitch allowed the visiting outside centre to touch down between the posts and the conversion followed.
The rest of the first half was evenly contested with both sides defending strongly, and it wasn’t until OLs winger Joe O’Loghlen touched down in the corner that a comfortable lead was restored. The move leading to the try began in OLs half of the field where the forwards won a line out and a good driving maul pushed Burbage backwards before the ball was quickly shifted along the back line before being touched down in the corner. The conversion was made and a 19-7 lead to OLs at half time.
The start of the second half was evenly balanced but with OLs enjoying the better of exchanges and it was only loose passing on occasions that prevented OLs from growing the lead. The Burbage defence remained strong, and it wasn’t until the final minutes that fullback Archie Semple secured the bonus-point finishing a wide OLs move.
This was a better disciplined and controlled performance from OLs with rarely a penalty given away, played in the best of competitive spirit with both sides providing 80 minutes of enjoyable and competitive rugby. The final score of 24 points to 7 keeps Old Leamingtonians top of the league. Next week sees OLs visit Coventry Welsh with a 2.15pm kick off.
Den Fisher 5.12.21
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