Spa break is of no benefit

Leamington produced a superb first period but in a classic game of two halves, were unable to withstand the home side’s second-half fightback and were forced to settle for a losing bonus point in this crucial Midlands Two West (South) basement battle.

It was tough on the visitors, who penned Banbury back from the outset, leading to a try for full-back Tom Jewitt which he converted himself.

Banbury responded from the restart with Patrick Northover in the right place to steal the ball from a Banbury attacker and then charge down a kick to set Spa on the charge.

The hosts were pinning Spa in their own quarter, but were unable to break down a stubborn defence and they nearly suffered a sucker punch when Tom Secher intercepted a loose pass and raced up field.

However, insufficient support meant the danger was snuffed out.

The Leamington scrum was standing up to the test and in one set-piece, Northover and Chris Dickinson combined to win the Banbury ball.

Northover put in a clever chip ahead, which Mike Kelly caught and in one movement slipped the ball to Tom Daplyn who needed no further invitation to outstrip the home defenders and race in to score in the corner.

Jewitt’s conversion attempt was off-target.

Leamington continued to attack at pace and their silky handling skills were causing Banbury major problems. Johnny Holland, Alex Carroll and Daplyn all made excellent runs to create chances as the first period entered its dying embers.

Banbury, who had not managed any real sort of threat, got on the board with a penalty but Spa restored their 12-point lead when Jewitt slotted over a three-pointer.

The opening exchanges of the second period were a shock to everyone as Banbury shrugged off their first-half lethargy and put together their first serious concerted period of attacking play which was rewarded with a score under the posts.

There was no mistaking that it was a resurgent Banbury side on show as Spa had to fend off a series of constructive attacks, Northover putting in two thunderous tackles, in quick succession to stem the flow.

Then Dickinson was on hand to break down a Banbury attack to allow Jewitt to clear his lines with a boot out of defence.

The pressure was unrelenting and Banbury drew level with a converted score before going ahead for the first time courtesy of a penalty goal.

With time running out, Banbury limited Spa’s possession to the middle of the park and allowed no further incursions into their danger zone.

However, despite the defeat, Spa can take comfort from the losing bonus point which enabled them to draw clear of the bottom two, albeit on points difference.