A LACK of key players proved costly for Old Leamingtonians RFC as they were heavily defeated by Manor Park on Saturday afternoon.
Though OLs got off to a good start with a successful penalty kick in front of the stick in the first three minutes, poor defence later on in the game let them down – and after seven minutes they’d already conceded twice.
Poor control and multiple incidents of dropping the ball gifted Manor Park the early 12-3 advantage.
A long range penalty kick brought OLs to within six points of the home side, but further poor defensive work allowed Manor Park to earn themselves a third try – this one unconverted.
When OLs did get the chance to attack, the Manor Park defence proved equally as frail outside of the forwards as OLs scored the next try through Liam Wellings.
A conversion and a penalty kick soon added to OLs tally as they trailed by just one point heading into the break, 17-16.
The game proved to be one of two halves though as Manor Park took full advantage of OLs defensive woes and quickly ran in five additional tries to take their score to 52 points.
OLs did manage a consolation score on the final whistle.
Despite the loss, OLs maintain their 6th position in the league – though all hopes of a pre-season promotion push have largely disappeared.
