19 Sep 09
Friendly Match
Old Laurentians 11 – Towcestrians 8
Laurentians took on a side of similar standing in the East division of Midlands 2 in this friendly, ultimately coming out on top after a tight match that proved to be a useful workout for the league matches coming up.
The useful Towcester side had the upper hand in the first quarter, taking advantage of a big blind side to catch OLs napping and cross for an early try. OLs lifted the siege and responded with an equalising try on twenty minutes, prop Leigh Fisher charging over after a good take and drive at an attacking lineout, Ben Wiles’ conversion attempt drifting wide for a 5 – 5 scoreline.
OLs were now competing much more effectively and winning a better share of possession, but too often wasting it by losing the ball in contact or conceding penalties. But on the stroke of half time they created the position for Wiles to put over a 40 metre penalty for an 8-5 lead at the break.
Towcestrians struck back early in the second half and their full back put over an equalising penalty when OLs strayed offside. But by now OLs were taking the game to their opponents, a scything run from Matt Miller setting up wing Jamie Brightwell, who was just held in the corner. Miller, playing at centre, was having a fine game in attack and defence, working well with Iain Wallis to repel the visitors’ lively back line.
Andy Orbinson came off the bench to join younger brother James in the back row for their first outing together in OLs top team and matched the work rate and quality that Orbinson junior had displayed throughout.
Ben Wiles settled the game for OLs when he put over a penalty with just eight minutes to go, clinching a hard earned win based on a much improved second half showing.
Report by Bill Wallis
Friendly Match
Leicester Lions 3rd XV 10 - Old Laurentian 2nd XV 46
OLs’ 2nds continued on their free scoring rampage to record an 8 try beating of the experienced but ill disciplined third string of national league club Leicester Lions. Although dwarfing OLs in the forwards, Lions failed to use their size advantage and the OLs’ eight held firm against their predictable game plan.
From the kick off, Harley Steel unsettled the defence with some huge hits and soon OLs were crossing the line for the opening score from Matt Coleman. Four more first half tries, from Gary Hammond, Danny Murch, Harley Steel and Jack Boulden, saw the result in the bag with Lions only reply coming from a penalty.
The second half saw a change in personnel but no change in form as OLs added a further three tries, from Lawrence Webb, Ted Wallis and a second from Man of the Match Harley Steel, to complete the rout. Dom Hammond – son of Gary – added three conversions.
The referee’s insistence on trying to help out the home side was finally rewarded when they scored a converted try after being given six penalties in succession close to the line. A sometimes ill tempered match saw OLs remain focused to record a deserved win.
Report by John Edwards
