RUGBY UNION: A NARROW 12-8 home victory over Barkers Butts eased Leamington’s relegation worries in the Midlands 2 West (South) with just seven league fixtures remaining.
Saturday’s clash proved to be a competitive fixture between two sides looking to steer away from the relegation zone, but a heavy pitch and cold wind had an adverse effect on the quality of rugby on show.
Leamington began positively and their first impact was courtesy of a clever cross-field kick by winger Garrett Bell, which nearly caught the visitor’s cold.
However, on 17 minutes the visitors took the lead with an unconverted try following a successful scrum.
The response from Leamington was quick and almost brought reward but with a score looking odds on, the final pass following a sweeping move went astray and the visitors were let off the hook.
There was soon to be joy however for the hosts as Toby Bruce won back possession and the fleet-footed centre raced under the posts to get his side back on equal terms. Tom Jewitt added the extras to give Leamington a 7-5 lead at half-time.
The visitors regained the lead from a penalty and began to set about Leamington in their own half of the park. During this time, some calm nerves were called for in the home defence as they weathered the pending storm.
Barkers Butts were full of positive running during this period and it took some keen tackling to keep them at bay. Time and again the visitors led the charge at the home line and somehow the Leamington defence managed to hold firm.
This had certainly been a testing time for the hosts, however the afternoon was about to take a turn for the better, courtesy of a piece of clinical rugby.
Winger Garrett Bell claimed possession on the nearside wing, cut inside and linked up with Connor Chamberlain. The talented Chamberlain hit the gas pedal and broke clear up the middle of the park. He had Ruyssevelt and Bruce in support and when these two exchanged quick passes, Bruce found the room to dart over for the try.
This score was indeed a welcome respite and although the visitors once again tried to get back into the game, they found Leamington in no mood to co-operate. As the game entered its final stages, Barkers Butts became encamped in the hosts 22 metre area and tried their utmost to break the home teams resolve but they could find no way through the home defence.
This Saturday Leamington continue league duty with a trip to Berkswell & Balsall.
