LEAMINGTON had their moments but Balsall & Berkswell’s ability to make the most of their chances proved crucial to seal a 26-17 win in Saturday’s Midlands Two West (South) fixture.
At times Balsall seemed to have the upper hand at Moorefields and dominated possession, but the hosts showed touches of brilliance at times to score tries through Connor Chamberlain and Gareth Shuttleworth.
Leamington fly-half Sam Nunn opened the scoring with an early penalty goal, but Balsall replied with a converted try on 20 minutes.
Nunn and centre Toby Bruce then had to pull off try-saving tackles to keep B&B at bay.
But Leamington were soon back in front. Full back Chamberlain broke from his 22 metre area and within a blink was threatening the visitors’ defence, with Ed Gray giving support. With the visitors clearly shaken, Shuttleworth increased the pressure on them with a blistering break down the middle of the park, before neatly feeding the ball to Chamberlain to score. Nunn added the extras.
B&B hit back again, though, to claim two converted scores to lead 21-10 at the turnaround.
The second period brought further flashes of superb attack play from the hosts, with Bruce and fellow centre Harry Johnson always posing a threat and Chamberlain’s pace a constant worry to the B&B defence.
However, when the balance of play fell in favour of the visitors, they were quick to turn it into points with a converted score.
In the final moments of the game, Leamington once again showed the class they have in their armoury.
Ed Gray secured quick ball from a lineout, albeit in his own 22. The ball was passed down the back line, at pace, finally ending in the safe hands of Shuttleworth, who galloped in for a spectacular team try. Nunn added the conversion for the final touch.
Leamington head to Earlsdon on Saturday (2.15).
