RUGBY UNION: LEAMINGTON fell to a heavy 45-13 home defeat against Malvern in the Midlands 2 West (South) on Saturday.
Malvern laid down their marker for the afternoon, by taking possession from Leamington’s kick-off and using the undoubted speed they have in attack, to open up the home defence and score a converted try.
This was an immediate jolt to Leamington’s game plan and matters did not improve throughout, for what was a tough afternoon for the ‘Moorefields Men’.
Leamington did, as expected, respond with a promising attack, however, their normally successful ploy in the lineout failed to get any reward and therefore, when the opportunity arose, they took advantage of a penalty to get some points on the board, courtesy of Tom Jewitt’s boot.
A try saving tackle from Leamington skipper, Craig Smith halted a Malvern threat, however, with the visitors retaining possession, they once again found a hole in the Leamington defence for their second converted score.
The Malvern squad, whilst in positive mood, were caught napping by Patrick Northover’s use of the quick-tap penalty and were then carved wide open by a breathtaking run from Craig Smith.
But he lacked support and when the visitors finally responded, they suddenly found themselves with both possession and the pace in attack to rip through the home defence for converted score number three.
These lapses in defence were becoming costly for Leamington, however, they did get some respite with a try from winger, Jamie Anderson, which was quickly followed up with a clever chip and chase from Sam Nunn that nearly unlocked the Malvern defence.
As the half drew to a close, Malvern increased their score with a penalty to hold a 16-point advantage at the mid-way point in the match.
Two further converted scores followed for the visitors after re-start before Leamington were able to reply. They did, however, in fine form, winning a scrum and forcing the Malvern pack to back-peddle, at some speed. Malvern conceded a penalty and from the resulting lineout,
Leamington set up an unstoppable drive with Tom Lane, stealing Lewis Kelsey’s lines, by taking possession and getting the all important touchdown.
Although Malvern had the final say with another converted score, Leamington did show their multi-tasking virtues when Aled Thomas took over from the injured Craig Smith, and evidenced some superb skills at No8.
He took control of the ball at the base of the scrum and then picked at the appropriate time, sold a dummy pass to the Malvern defence and then set his back line away. This passage of play nearly brought some warranted reward for Leamington but the match ended 45-13 in favour of the visitors.
This Saturday Leamington are back in action and will be looking to return to winning ways at Nuneaton Old Edwardians.
