Leamington bemoan a lack of cutting edge

Leamington’s inability to capitalise on their periods of possession came home to haunt them as they suffered a second successive Midlands Two West (South) defeat.

In parts they were very constructive and several of the squad, including Patrick Northover, put in strong performances. However, they lacked a cutting edge in the attacking third.

As ever, Spa started at a high tempo and Jack Secher made good ground into the visitors’ half.

Although Spa went behind to a penalty in the seventh minute, they continued to compete effectively with some thoughtful play.

Northover and fly-half Tom Jewitt were linking fluently to set the back line up with plenty of ball and this was being used wisely by Tom Daplyn and Gavin Grant in the centre.

Play was less effective in the 22-metre area, however, with Spa failing to breach the cover defence.

Laurentians increased their lead with a converted score in the 18th minute following a punt that wrongfooted the Leamington defender.

They went further ahead with a fine individual effort from their wing, Simon Bayliss, who outstripped the Spa defence and sped in for another converted score.

Spa responded to these setbacks with a strong run from Craig Smith and then used a penalty opportunity to run at the OLs defence. However, once again the move failed to produce a much-needed score.

Shortly before the interval, Laurentians hit Spa with another try to stretch their lead to 22 points.

Early in the second period, Spa introduced Simon Magill and he had an immediate effect as he and Pete Blunt worked the ball to Northover who made 40 metres with a darting run.

Spa continued the move and looked as though they would reap some reward for their hard work but not only did they lose possession, they allowed Laurentians to quickly recycle the ball down to the far wing and hit back with a converted score.

Spa stuck to their task and were finally rewarded with a score.

Magill punched another hole in the visitors defence and the Spa forwards worked hard to keep the ball alive. Eventually, Northover claimed the ball, dummied his pass and dived over to score.

His conversion attempt from wide out was just short of the target.

Spa fell to one last score from OLs as they lost possession in a dangerous area and paid the price.