Victorious Spa need to find a clinical side

Leamington secured their third league Midland Two West (South) victory in a row, but were almost made to pay for not turning their first-half domination into a more convincing lead.

Spa dominated the set scrum and lineout before the interval, but with the the wind at their backs, Upton showed much more adventure after the break and came within a converted score of overhauling their visitors.

Upton were first to show any real purpose and Spa had to be alert in defence in the opening skirmishes.

However, in the eighth minute, Patrick Northover steadied their nerves, latching on to good lineout ball to sneak over for a try, which he converted.

Upton hit back with a penalty goal before Northover re-established the seven-point lead with a penalty of his own.

Spa were camped in the home half and from a solid scrum, Leigh Cleary broke the cover defence to race in for a second try. Northover added the extras to give Leamington a 17-3 half-time lead.

The visitors were playing into a strengthening wind after the break, but undeterred they hit the home side with an early try.

A rolling maul deep in Upton territory laid the platform and number eight Alex Sharman guided the ball over for the score, which Northover converted.

The touchdown had a galvanising effect on Upton and they produced a spell of sustained pressure which was rewarded with an unconverted try.

With Spa’s attention focused on trying to gain a valuable bonus point, they lost cohesion and the home side took advantage.

A poor clearance kick allowed Upton to take possession and race through for a try under the posts, this time converted.

A penalty then brought the deficit down to six and, with the momentum with the home side, Leamington were relieved to hear the final whistle.