02 May 10
Clonmell Cup – Final
Old Laurentians 2nd XV 15 – Lutterworth 2nd XV 22
Old Laurentian 2nds were hoping to cap a fine weekend for the club by taking the Clonmell Cup in the final played at Webb Ellis Road on Sunday. But they were denied by a spirited and competitive Lutterworth side who deservedly lifted the trophy after a close and exciting battle.
OL’s big pack established a decided edge over their counterparts, regularly driving them back in the scrums and dominating the loose play. But, despite ample possession, their backs were unable to break out of a defensive stranglehold established by the Lutterworth back line, twice losing possession when attacking for Lutterworth to run in decisive second half tries from long range breakaways.
OLs opened the scoring when Dave Longrigg drove around the front of a close-in lineout to touch down. But Lutterworth hit back with a converted try to take the lead, increasing their advantage with a well struck penalty.
Lutterworth went further ahead in the second half with a try before OLs levelled affairs through Longrigg’s second touch down, well converted by Ricky Lee, the fly half also kicking a penalty goal
But Lutterworth’s decisive score came when centre Goldsworthy capitalised on slack OL’s play to pounce, following up his own kick to gather the ball and go over from a counter started fifty metres out.. The conversion by fly half Ford sealed the result, Lutterworth then camping in OL’s half for a long spell to deny them any counter attacking opportunities.
OLs did lift the siege in the dying minutes of the match to mount a final offensive, but their best efforts were well held by excellent Lutterworth defence to clinch the win.
The match brought a disappointing end for OLs 2nds after what has otherwise been a highly successful season for Ricky Reed’s side.
Report by Bill Wallis
