RUGBY UNION: RECENT deterioration in ground and weather conditions saw Old Leamingtonians’ Under-18s face Buckingham on one of the lower pitches at The Crofts as the home side ran out 17-12 winners.
In contrast to previous matches, OLs started strongly and camped in Bucks’ 22. Early pressure was rewarded when Jordi Pocknell took a neat pass from Kai Bailey to crash over.
Bucks regathered and a missed tackle allowed them to equalise but in general this hosts were defending well, epitomised by a great tackle from Jamie Reynolds, although unfortunately, this was his last act as he was helped from the pitch.
Bucks started the second period strongly and went ahead with a converted try. They were however beginning to concede penalties, and OLs took advantage as George Smith scored, running a good line, with two Bucks players in the sin-bin.
OLs regained the lead, moving into Bucks’ 22 once more allowing Connor Jones to slip through a tackle to score by the posts and Charlie Curtis added an easy conversion.
Bucks, now restored to full strength, were not finished, and they mounted concerted pressure close to OLs line.
Strong defence was epitomised as OLs full-back Aidan Foley secured a great turnover under his own posts, forcing Bucks to infringe. OLs cleared to touch and the final whistle went giving OLs a narrow, hard-fought win by 17-12.
