Molesworth’s double ensures cup progress

Leamington progressed to the quarter-final of the Intermediate Cup with another fully committed performance against strong opposition.

Old Saltlieans, who ply their trade at a similar level to Spa, opened the scoring with an early try and it needed strong tackles from Patrick Northover and Serg Paddan to prevent further scoring opportunities.

Northover reduced the deficit with a well-judged penalty goal as Spa started to produce some positive attacking play, with Danny Ruyssevelt, Simon Magill and Simon Tyler all breaking the gain line with powerful runs.

However, Spa were punished by two quick tries, one converted, to leave them trailing 17-3 as half-time approached.

That deficit was cut to nine points when Simon Tyler created space for Magill to race over and Spa remained on the front foot after the interval, with Northover slotting over a penalty after Ruyssevelt had forced an infringement.

The hosts were struggling to contain Tyler’s rampaging runs, with two or more defenders being called on to halt his progress. After one of his charges, replacement Nick Molesworth was able to take advantage of the space created, outstripping the home defence to score under the posts. Northover’s conversion put Spa into a one-point lead.

Salts’ assuredness was beginning to wane, with Tyler forcing a further penalty which was despatched by Northover.

In the final quarter, the visiting forwards began to win more of the home ball at the scrum and this enabled Spa to finish off the afternoon’s scoring with a try.

As the ball was made available, Nathan Earland, Alex Carroll and Tom Daplyn exchanged passes to set Molesworth up for his second try, once again converted by Northover.

The home side took full advantage of the ten minutes of added time to attack Spa. However solid defending, with Charlie Gray and Northover prominent, prevented any further incursions.