OLD LEAMINGTONIANS slipped to their tenth defeat of the season after suffering a 36-5 loss away at Evesham on Saturday in the Midlands 3 West (South) division.
Despite dominating for much of the game, OLs perhaps felt let down by critical refereeing decisions which saw the hosts score three dubious tries.
Difficult conditions meant neither team fully capitalised on pressure or field position in the first half as, whenever the attacking team entered the opposition half, poor execution or lack of concentration scuppered points-scoring opportunities.
The opening score came in the 20th minute when a quick break out of defence saw No 8 Zak Bailey pounce on the loose ball and kicked ahead before dotting down, although OLs did feel there had been a knock-on during the move.
The conversion was successful but OLs struck back by taking the game to Evesham and from this period of pressure the ball was moved quickly to Craig Ellis who crossed between the posts to reduce the deficit.
The conversion was wide and to compound OL’s day, two further close penalties were also missed, while Evesham scored another penalty to go into half-time with a 10-5 lead.
After the break Evesham used the wind to their advantage and increased their lead when the officials looked to have missed a series of forward passes which led to two further tries for the home side by Josh Sands and Rob Wilkes, one of which was converted.
The visitors continued to press but it was proving not to be their day and a penalty try followed by another score from Bailey rounded off a confortable win for Evesham.
