RUGBY UNION: HOPES of promotion remain alive at Old Leamingtonians following a return to form against second placed Shipston on Stour.
Shipston lost their grip at the top of the Midlands 3 South (West) as a result of Saturday’s loss while Old Leamingtonians moved to within seven points of new league leaders Rugby St Andrews.
It was the hosts that enjoyed the majority of possession in the first 10 minutes with a number of attacks that kept OLs on the back foot.
Constant pressure resulted in no reward for Shipston though as OLs weathered the early storm.
An eventual penalty was kicked into the home side’s 22 and allowed Ollie Sarginson to convert from the line-out, touching down for the game’s first score.
Henry Reynolds kicked the extras before adding another three points following another Shipston infringement, making it 10-0.
Another case of ill discipline cost Shipston as they conceded a penalty 15 metres from OLs’ goal line.
Scrum half Mark Foley caught the home defence napping and took full advantage of a quick tap penalty to score OLs’ second try.
Despite having a the pitch slope advantage during the second half, OLs conceded their first try on 50 minutes. The marker was unconverted though, meaning the visitors led 15-5.
The try only triggered more pressure from OLs though as Felix Heath carved his way through Shipston’s defence to score the club’s third between the posts.
Dominating play, Ciaran O’Connor’s pass following the restart found Liam Wellings on the wing who touched down try number four.
Shipston bagged a late consolation try, but this was of little joy the hosts who were again undone by Wellings’ presence on the wing as OLs made it 32-12.
OLs next play on February 17 against Upton-on-Severn, kick off is at 2.15pm.
