Leamington open with defeat

Leamington suffered an opening-day defeat in Midlands Two West (South) after failing to build on a promising opening.

Two divisions separated the sides last season and Spa were quick to underline the fact with an early try against their newly promoted visitors.

Adam Preece fielded the ball on the far wing and entered Newbold territory before sending up a kick which Simon Tyler latched on to to race in under the posts. Patrick Northover added the conversion.

Newbold reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 11th minute but Spa continued to take the game to their hosts and were unlucky not to extend their lead with more dynamic play.

Alex Carroll raced into the visitors’ 22, but with the tryline begging, his clever switch move with Si Dudley just failed to come off and Spa had to be content with a 7-3 interval lead.

Continued pressure from Spa after the break earned them a penalty and as Northover’s attempt cannoned off the near post, Danny Phillips was on hand to take the ball and set up another charge at the Newbold line.

However, for all Spa’s pressure, it was the visitors who were next on the board, stealing a lineout and nipping in for a converted score.

Spa’s reaction was almost immediate as Northover sent over a penalty goal to level at 10-10.

There was, however, a change in momentum and Newbold made the most of it by winning the ball deep in Spa territory and touching down for a match-winning converted try.