16 Jan 10
Warwickshire League 1
Broadstreet 2nd XV 6 – Old Laurentian 2nd XV 24
OL’s 2nd XV travelled to national league Broadstreet for the return league fixture, a tough opener for the New Year for Ricky Reed’s men after the draw against the same opponents at Fenley Field in November. The home side boasted an unbeaten league record and league leadership, both of which were lost to OLs in this encounter.
It was OLs who started the brighter but the home team drew first blood with a penalty on their first visit to OL’s 22.
Laurentians responded immediately and from a strong scrum, play was taken up the middle of the park and moved wide by the influential Denzil Evans to wing Lawrence Webb, who finished neatly in the corner
OLs continued to dominate, with Joel Gleghorn and Eddie Edwards working well in the line out to provide good ball; however it was the hosts who hit back and regained the lead with another penalty
But OLs again hit back in positive fashion. After running several phases, Iain Wallis created havoc in midfield, the pack were on hand to recycle quick ball and with space available Webb was put in the corner for his second try. Unfortunately Webb was hurt in the process, allowing the hard hitting Tom Swift a club debut; and half time was reached with OLs ahead by 12-6.
After the break OLs made their second change, Ollie Cowley replacing the hard working Ash McEwan. It took a while for OLs to get going in the second half but the back row of Daz Dean, James Melvin and Dave Longrigg kept Street at bay and with Howard Harris safe at the back, the home side were shut out
With the game entering the last quarter, OLs upped the pace.
With the front row, Hammond, Cowley and Amor, in command, OLs gained a stream of good possession which allowed Dean Graham to run a great line and take the ball deep into the opposition 22. The ball was again recycled quickly, allowing Wallis to dummy his way over under the posts for a converted try
OLs then replaced the hard running Jody Roderick with the gazelle like Simon Bayliss, who had an immediate impact on the game. Broadstreet were now forcing the game but were turned over near halfway and the ball was quickly fed to Bayliss, who romped into the corner.
Broadstreet were now a dispirited bunch and although no more scores followed, OLs dominated to close this game out
This was an excellent performance and Ricky Reed will be delighted to have taken three points out of four against a club several leagues higher to maintain his side’s title push. It was a great day for some of the senior players, who had waited many years to win at Broadstreet.
It was also a great day for the support, who were treated to a viewing of the almost extinct Snow Bernai, who appeared at dusk from the Brandon Woods.
Report by Dean Cobley
