Saturday 3rd October 2009
Rugby Welsh 12 v Leamington 2nds 17
Rugby Welsh entertained a strong Leamington outfit to Alwyn road on Saturday. Welsh decided to play with the wind in the 1st half and started very well with the forwards winning plenty of early possession. Welsh created a number of opportunities throughout the half but good defence and some wrong options prevented several tries. Despite this Welsh continued to work hard with forwards Jim Davies and Matt Richards making solid contributions. Welsh were without injured half backs Cranham and Wade however Danny Humphreys and James Buckland combined well throughout the afternoon to create several opportunities. Welsh eventually took the lead after several phases of play when flanker Pete Head drove over for a unconverted try. Leamington responded with three points just before half time to reduce the deficit after Welsh were caught offside.
Playing against the elements in the 2nd half Leamington pinned Welsh back in their own 22 for long periods and then lost Pete Head to the sin bin for retaliation and inexplicably the Leamington player went unpunished. This enabled Leamington to gain the upper hand and after sustained pressure scored a converted try through their hard running centre. They then stretched the lead with another try after some poor Welsh defence. However Welsh responded well and hit back after good breaks from Adam Bond and James Buckland which resulted in Steve Stanton breaking clear for a try converted by Buckland. Welsh were on top in the final ten minutes and pressed for the winning score but Leamington continued to concede penalties to slow the Welsh ball and held on for a narrow victory.
Welsh will take some positives out of this game and can take confidence into Saturdays crucial league clash with Coventry Welsh at home Ko 3pm