Leamington have even more reason to celebrate

Leamington capped the John Richardson celebrations with a fine Midlands Two West win and a candidate for try of the season.

Spa started in positive fashion with Tom Daplyn producing a couple of penetrating runs and Patrick Northover slotting over a penalty.

Cheltenham hit back almost immediately with a converted score.

Spa then responded in a manner that would have pleased coach, Alan Roberts, but despite their incessant pressure, they were finding a stubborn defensive barrier tough to breach.

When they did break through, it was in some style. Alex Carroll raced out of defence and linked up with Daplyn on the far wing. The cover defence managed to get across, but Spa quickly recycled the ball out to Daplyn who sprinted in for the try. Northover added the extras.

Spa indiscipline then allowed Cheltenham to kick two penalties and open up a 13-10 half-time lead.

A dynamic run from Craig Smith down the nearside flank, which was carried on by Simon Archer heralded a bright start to the second period by the hosts. Then, following some concerted attacking from Spa, the visitors hit back with a try against the run of play.

Leamington were still finding it hard to unlock the Cheltenham defence, but all that changed when Alex Carroll caused confusion in the visitors’ backline with two dummy passes before offloading to the onrushing Daplyn. The Spa centre galloped down the middle of the park and linked up with Johnny Holland who crashed over between the posts. Northover once again slotted over the extras.

The score brought impetus to Spa’s play and Carroll once again set the wheels in motion to add to it, as he sent Daplyn away on a run down the far touchline. Daplyn was then able to set the ball up for his supporting forwards and, with plenty of options on the open side, Northover caught the visitors napping with a break down the blindside to dot down in the corner.

The lead had once again turned in Spa’s favour and this time, despite a determined effort from Cheltenham, it was to remain that way.

Leamington were playing some fine rugby, with Johnny Holland picking the pocket of the opposition attackers with some quite brilliant tackling. Spa continued in this positive vein and went further ahead courtesy of wing Simon Mallard, who finished off a sprint from Daplyn, with a fine score in the corner.

A final Cheltenham try caused a nervy finish, but Spa were worthy victors.