Leamington fight back to level only to suffer a late blow at Earlsdon

The visitors made a high-tempo start and were rewarded when Mark Baldwin ran a superb line to score. Tom Jewitt added the conversion.

Earlsdon hit back to level in the 13th minute but Spa continued to attack with zeal only to be undone by two more defensive lapses to allow the hosts to open up a 14-point lead.

As the game entered the final minutes of the half, Spa hit the home defence with a series of pick and runs to nudge nearer the line.

Patrick Northover then whipped the ball out to Alex Carroll who found Baldwin in support. The centre darted toward the line and as he was tackled, slipped the ball to Danny Ruyssevelt to complete the try.

Jewitt’s boot claimed the extras before Earlsdon responded with a penalty for a 24-14 half-time lead.

Spa produced more enterprising play from the outset of the second half and, unable to cope with this intensity, Earlsdon conceded a penalty try which Jewitt converted.

A Jewitt penalty brought Leamington level, but as both side’s tightened up on defence it was Earlsdon who ultimately conjured up the match-winning try.