24 Apr 10
Midlands 2 West (South)
Old Laurentians 39 – Spartans 6
OLs comprehensive win over a spirited and competitive Spartans side saw them confirm second place in the league and book a play off match for promotion to Midlands 1, which will pitch them against Old Saltleians, the runners-up in Midlands 2 West (North), on Saturday.
As OL’s play off opponents finished the season with a marginally better overall league performance, Old Salts will enjoy home advantage in this critical game. But OLs will want to take as much of the Fenley Field atmosphere as possible with them to Salts’ Water Orton ground, so coaches will be laid on for players and supporters on Saturday. Watch the website for details.
In Saturday’s game, Spartans made the stronger start and earned the reward their early pressure had set up when fly half Stewart put over a drop goal after twelve minutes. But OLs started to string some attacking moves together and won a penalty that Denzil Evans kicked to level the score.
The home side lost Jamie Brightwell to an early injury, but his misfortune brought an adequate replacement on when Iain Wallis joined the fray in the centre, Matt Miller moving to the wing.
Stewart then kicked Spartans back into the lead with a 22nd minute penalty but OLs were building an irresistible attacking momentum that brought the game’s first try, Denzil Evans breaking through midfield and Simon Bayliss coming off his wing to send Matt Miller in. Evans converted to give his side a 10-6 lead after 25 minutes.
Three minutes later, Glenn Todd took a quick free kick and make good ground, Danny Murch surged through the first line of defence and transferred to Iain Wallis, the centre crashing through a couple of attempted tackles to touch down, Evans converting for 17-6.
OLs were now in charge of the game, the forwards consistently winning quick ball in broken play to give their backs the chance to show their paces. A blind side attack from the 22 was just held by Spartans but at the expense of a penalty, which Evans kicked to extend the lead to 20-6 at half time.
With four minutes on the clock in the second period, OLs won clean possession from a penalty lineout near the visitors’ line, the pack drove the ball on and scrum half Richard Parker knifed through the defence to score and push OLs lead up to 25-6.
OLs suffered a second worrying injury with the play off in mind when Denzil Evans was forced to limp off, Wallis moving to fly half and Steve Pike coming on at centre. Then, with the second half just ten minutes old, Scott Wiles and Murch both featured prominently in a fluid OLs attack and Andy Orbinson was stopped short of the line before the ball was transferred quickly to Simon Bayliss, OL’s free scoring wing going over on the right. Pike converted to lift the score to 32-6.
Spartans were fighting hard to stay in the game and the strong running of full back Gibbons and left wing Dyke always threatened. But OLs were holding their best efforts and the booming kicks of Scott Wiles were taking play deep into the visitors’ half.
As OLs finished the game with a flourish after a fifteen minute scoreless spell, Bayliss got over again on the right but failed to ground the ball. The final score fell to Parker, who was not going to be stopped from close range for his second touchdown, Pike adding the goal points for the final score of a satisfying win.
Jamie Brightwell’s injury will probably rule him out of Saturday’s big showdown but Denzil Evans was making optimistic noises about his involvement shortly after the game. If he doesn’t recover, the destiny of the number 10 jersey will cause some selectorial head scratching as he has been the fulcrum of the team in their long unbeaten run. Ben Wiles is seemingly ruled out through injury, but Iain Wallis looked quite at home in his 30 minute stint in that position, even indulging in a couple of dinky little kicks!
The rest of the team came through a tough task safely. Danny Murch again proved what an asset he has been to the team in the run in to the finale and Tom Gleghorn has been kept away from cricket long enough to display his growing stature at blindside flanker. Scott Wiles once more demonstrated what a threat he poses as an attacking full back, enjoying a long spell free of the injuries that have bedevilled him in the past; and Matt Miller’s return to fitness and form has been a considerable bonus.
The pack competed well against a Spartans eight that is traditionally the core strength of their team and whose well organised lineout was only hampered by some wayward throwing in. The front row of Le Poidevin, Mark Todd and Cowley has now had a long spell together as a unit and as well as proving their scrummaging strength, this trio contribute significantly in loose play.
A settled second row combination has also aided OL’s cause. Ben O’Riordan has been one of the season’s stand out performers and Paul Willis has enjoyed a great season after his long injury layoff.
Andy Orbinson has made the open side berth his own in this team, covering a lot of ground and regularly first to the breakdown. The effect of Carl Adams absence has been minimised by the great leadership and all round play of Glenn Todd, with Carlos now able to prove his value with some assured and highly competent displays as water boy!
Report by Bill Wallis
Rugby St Andrews II ?? Old Laurentians II ??
Report by Reedo to follow
