Rampant Dunlop put Leamington to the sword

Leamington suffered a crushing Midlands Two West (South) defeat, but there was little to suggest such a one-sided scoreline in the opening exchanges.

Spa opened the match in confident mood, with centre Simon Magill paving the way with some excellent direct runs at the Dunlop defence.

Tom Jewitt almost caught the home side napping when his clever crossfield kick deep into the 22 was fumbled by the defender. And, when Spa won a lineout, Patrick Northover’s darting run was just held up short of the line.

With 14 minutes on the clock, Dunlop staged their first attack of any note and Magill and full-back Tom Daplyn put in two timely tackles to stem the flow.

However, Dunlop’s big forwards claimed the ball from a resulting lineout and forced their way over for a converted score.

Spa’s response was immediate and a run from the influential Magill resulted in a penalty, which Jewitt slotted over.

Shortly after, Tom Daplyn left the field with an ankle injury and then had to be recalled again, following an injury to Charlie Snell.

This disruption and Dunlop’s increasing confidence with ball in hand started to take its toll on the visitors.

The home side increased their lead with a converted score, but Spa again responded in kind with a superbly orchestrated rolling maul, which enabled Tom Greevy to get the ball over the line. Jewitt added the conversion.

Leamington then lost Magill to injury and Dunlop took full advantage with two converted scores before the break to open up a 28-10 lead.

Dunlop immediately increased their advantage after the restart with a converted score and then proceeded to turn the screw.

Their support play was excellent and, at times, they appeared unstoppable as they hit Spa with three further converted scores.

Although Spa were having a torrid time, they did try to hit back and centre Alex Carroll produced a couple of stylish breaks up field.

Their persistence paid off as once again Greevy got the final touchdown following excellent work by their hard-pressed forwards. Jewitt added the conversion.

This was to be Spa’s last score and injury to Craig Smith further debilitated their efforts.

Dunlop continued to take full advantage and finished the match with three further tries in the final ten minutes.