Match reports are in chronological order, most recent at the top, or click the underlined links below

The reputation of the OL's 3rd XV, aka, the Dream Team was at stake on Saturday when they faced the OL's Development XV, aka, the Young Pretenders and would their experience and power be enough to combat the threat of the enthusiasm and pace of a side that had only played together a couple of time before?

Five minutes into the game the Young Guns made their intentions known with a try, created by the influential Chris Le Poidevan and cynically finished off by the try machine, Simon Bayliss. Five minutes later Andy Orbison added to the tally with a try that owed more to soccer skills than rugby, converted by and James Murray, 12-0.  The Dream Team, though very much on the back foot reduced the deficit with a try from Kev White, converted by Daz Price, 12-7.  The Young Guns responded immediately with another try straight from the restart, a break from Bayliss saw David "not so young" Longrigg in space, he received the pass and touched down under the posts for Murray to convert, 19-7, the resulting half time score.

The 2nd half began with the youngsters again dominant with two of their replacements, Graham Le May and Dan Tilley combining well to put Bayliss in for his second try, converted by Murray, 26-7.  What, on paper, looked like a win for the Dream Team, was turning into a rout by the youngsters and when Murray converted his own try an unassailable 33-7 lead had been established.  The backs were running riot through the old stagers with Scott Whyment and Ben Wiles in the centre receiving good ball from fly-half Murray the wingers were always going to find space and Bayliss duly made the most of it with his 3rd try, converted by Murray, 40-7. Murray made a fine break of his own to touch down for a converted try, 47-7 and Bayliss rounded of an excellent performance with his 4th try that followed a great break from Poidevan and Wiles, 52-7.

Though the Dream Team had been run off the park they were eventually to get some reward for their endeavours with a try from evergreen Andy Spriggs, converted by Price, to bring about a final score of 52-14.

Regardless of which league OL's find themselves playing their rugby next season if the players who contributed to this highly entertaining spectacle are available for selection next season a return to Mids 2 is on the cards.  With players like le Poidevan and le May in the pack winning good ball and making it available for the likes of Wiles, Miller and Bayliss, the style of play that saw OL's promoted to Mids 1 just a few seasons ago is guaranteed to win games and friends.

OL's finished their season with a loss to Hinckley and though the score flattered the home side this was a game that OL's never looked like being able to win.  The home side were the more disciplined of the two and were able to exploit OL's tendency to give away to many unnecessary penalties.  The result sees OL's finish at the bottom of a league that they won just 3 seasons ago and relegated to Midlands 3 for next season.

The game started with Hinckley pegging OL's back into their own half and taking a 6-0 lead with 2 penalties and with Chris Wade bizarrely sin binned Hinckley extended their lead to 13-0 with a converted try.  The second period of the half saw OL's play with more commitment and structure and this led to a try from Charlie Turney who chased a well placed kick from Matt Brown and charged down the attempted clearance to touch down, 13-5.

An intercepted Hinckley pass by Dave Wallis almost saw him through but Hinckley recovered well and broke through to score an unconverted try, 18-5.  OL's response was immediate and a line out won in the home sides 22 saw the ball sweep through the backs for Jamie Brightwell o score, 18-10.  The final minutes of the half saw some great defence from Turney who tackled well to prevent Hinckley ending the half with a try.

The second half began in the same fashion as the first, Hinckley dominant and OL's reduced to 14 with the sin binning of Jason King.  A lovely phase of play saw the mercurial Dave Wallis combine with brother Iain and a try seemed to be on, alas not, the delightful pass was adjudged to be forward.  Another penalty saw a quick tap and go from Hinckley and their break from the half way line saw them touch down for another converted try, 25-10.  Another break from Hinckley saw them with a 4 man overlap that Charlie Turney was unable to prevent from combing to touch down for another converted try, 32-10.

Despite he difference in points OL's were by no means out of the game and when they conspired to give the ball to their wingers they always looked a threat and this proved to be the case when Brown and King broke through the middle before the ball was fed to the wing for Brightwell to score his second try of the game, 32-15.  Hinckley finished the game with an unconverted try from the restart seeing OL's lose a game in which they had always been second best 37-15.

Old Laurentian 2nds 41 Hinckley 2nds 20

Once again a mixture of youth and experience took to the field with OL’s coming out on top in a battle against two very attack minded sides, which was a pleasure to watch.

The game started very brightly with Hinckley on top, the scrum half and inside centre being the pick of the team. However, OL’s absorbed this pressure, Andrew Orbinson and Gary Adkins putting in a number of strong tackles. From one of these tackles the ball was fed to the backs and eventually with a small amount of space Matt Miller scored in the corner. John Edwards, practising for the kicking contest later in the day, slotted the conversion.

From the restart the ball was immediately fed to Simon Bayliss who rounded his opposite number went through the full back and scored under the posts, Edwards converting. These early tries seemed to spur Hinckley on and they came back with a penalty and try of their own. There seemed to be a lapse in concentration in the OL’s team and Hinckley scored again. The lapse didn’t last long; from a turnover Chris Le Poidevan  raced away, fed the ball to Simon Collier, who had an outstanding game at centre and also in the back row, drew the defence and fed the ball to Bayliss on his inside who once again showed his pace and power to score. Half time score was 26-12.

The 2^nd half continued in much the same vain; with OL’s breaking from immense pressure in their own half to score. A number of breaks orchestrated from outstanding fly half Scot Wiles allowed OL’s to increase the points and make the game safe. Wiles added a try of his own, James Murray raced clear and scored an excellent solo effort and a fine team try finished by Tony Jones, for his 1^st of the season were the main talking points. Edwards completed the scoring with a penalty from the 10m line to finish with a penalty, and 4 conversions to give OL’s the winning score line of 41-20. Again, it proved that with the right level of experience and the ever attack minded youth led to a fine team performance. With so many of these new faces being about next season we can look forward to an exciting attacking year.

With the Easter break and the club tour to the fleshpots of Newcastle OL's took a side comprising of past and present pupils from the school supplemented by a couple of older players to Spartans to play their own development side and gave the crowd a hugely entertaining example of free-flowing and committed rugby.

It was to be the home side who made the stronger start scoring a converted try in the 7th minute.  OL's responded straight from the restart with a try from Simon Bayliss who made space for himself and broke through Spartans' defence, 5-7.  Spartans were the more organised of the 2 sides, no doubt due to the number f games they had played together, were quick to the break and sharp in attack and always looked to be a threat.  OL's were defending well, though not well enough, when Spartans, having been awarded a penalty, increase their lead with an unconverted try, 5-12 however this deficit was reduced with a try from Matt Mogg, 10-12.

The second half began at the same break neck speed as the first had ended with OL's making the better start.  Full back Anthony Jones received the ball in his own half and set off down the left, his clever chip over the Spartans' defence look set for him to score a try however he appeared to be deliberately blocked from chasing his kick and OL's were awarded a penalty. The ball went through the centre of the pitch for Chris le Poidevan to break through from 22 metres to score a well deserved, though unconverted try, 15-12. The next 30 minutes was all Spartans as they laid siege to the OL's line, OL's defended well with Mark Brassey and bayliss combining to prevent a certain score.  Despite Spartans' flair and determination their next score was due to some atrocious OL's defence as they stood and watched as Spartans crossed the line for a converted try, 15-19.

OL's were finding it hard to make any inroads into Spartans' half as the home side sought to increase their lead and prevent OL's from scoring.  OL's next foray into Spartan territory was down to a great break from Andy Orbison who fed the ball to Jabba to pass it on to Bayliss to touch down, a conversion would see OL's take the lead and James Murray duly obliged, 22-19.  The last minutes of the game saw some resolute OL's defence and when they bundled an attacking Spartans back into touch the game was over, and won.

If OL's are able to keep the younger players who played today for the forthcoming season OL's stay in Mids 3 should not be a long one.  Hopefully the establishment of an OL's Development side under the leadership of Colin Willes will see these younger players be given the opportunity of playing regular, and competitive rugby for the OL's and allow them to integrate themselves into the senior sides.

But for a missed final minute penalty from Leamington this could well have been  a game that OL's threw away through a series of unforced errors, bad decision making and missed opportunities, instead it was a game that OL's won and one that saw them move off the foot of the table.

One of the largest gates of the season, including a number of former club captains, were given a nail biting performance from an OL's side that swapped moments of exciting play with numerous errors and indiscipline that allowed Leamington to make more of a match of a game that could have been OL's for the taking.  OL's started the game well and in a positive way with brothers Iain & Dave Wallis combining well to penetrate the visitors defence.  Though their move break down the 2nd phase saw Carl Adams cross the line for a try only for it to be disallowed for alleged crossing.  Leamington responded with a beautiful phase of play that saw a cheeky kick from their play-making fly-half that brought a try saving tackle from Charlie Turney, Leamington maintained their pressure and were rewarded wit a converted try.

The re-start saw OL's Turney make a 40 metre side stepping sprint to touch down to reduce the deficit to 5-7.  Leamington extended their lead with a series of penalties to a half time score of  5-20 through OL's making too many unnecessary and unforced errors.

Leamington began the second half as they so often do, physical and aggressive, with the objective of unsettling their opponents and though OL's had the opportunity to reduce their lead with a penalty the kick went wide.  The sin-binning of a player from either side was little advantage to OL's as Leamington's Bristow calmly slotted the resulting penalty over to make the score 5-23 and game that had began with OL's looking able to win seemed to be slipping away from them.

OL's stepped up a gear and were justifiably rewarded with a try from David Longrigg, in space and wide on the right wing, 10-23.  Almost immediately, and back in their visitors territory, a well worked line out move saw Iain Wallis wriggle through to touch down under the posts from Brown to convert, 17-23.  With 2 minutes of the game to play OL's maintained their pressure and, following a scrum in Leamington's 22, Matt Brown calved his way through the defence to score, Dave Wallis converted and OL's led 24-23.

Leamington restarted with a clever kick from Bristow that, in the resulting scrap for the ball, saw them awarded a penalty, if it went over OL's would have lost, if it missed they had won - it was wide, the final whistle blew and OL's had won a well deserved victory.

The final home game of the season and of Midlands 2 rugby saw OL's victorious however this was another game in which OL's demonstrated that they were capable of doing their best superbly, but rarely and their worst badly and often though had it not been for Leamington's fly-half the victory would have been far easier.

Leamington 2nd's 26 - OL's 70

Some you win, and some you lose, and some are emphatic victories, this was the latter.  OL's 2nd XV took to the field with a very young side including an encouraging number of new faces, several of which were pupils from Lawrence Sherrif school.

OL’s started the game with the wind in their favour, but instead of using the wind by kicking into Leamington’s half, they ran the ball at every opportunity through their young team and supported well by the young at heart John Edwards, Ray Smith, Mark Brassey, Tony Jones and Simon Cooper. However, it was Leamington that started brightly and had a number of phases; however, they could not cross the OL’s line, mainly through determined defence. It was from one of the Leamington attacks that James Morgan broke clear from his own line and after breaking through a number of tackles fed the ball to Simon Bayliss who ran from the half way line, outpacing the Leamington defence to touch down.. The next try was very similar, Leamington securing good lineout ball, but the Leamington backs were so well marshalled by the OL’s back line that they could not force their way over the line. Again, an excellent tackle by Morgan led to turnover ball, the ball was fed to Mark Creswell, playing at full back, who burst through a number of tackles, before slowing down and then using an awesome change of pace he rounded the Leamington full back to score under the posts.

These early tries led to pressure for OL’s and they seemed to score at will, tries from Scot Wiles, Le Poidevan and 2 more from Bayliss and debutant George Rapsomanikis enabled OL’s to score 39 points in the first half. Half time score was 39-5.

The 2^nd half started in much the same way as the 1^st, with Leamington looking in complete control. They scored again, from a lineout. This seemed to spur OL’s into action and from a planned lineout move OL’s scored a try from Mark Brassey after once again a good run from Mark Creswell. Further tries in the 2^nd half followed from Le Poidevan and Wiles. Wiles try epitomised all that was good for OL’s, the backs ran at every opportunity, the forwards ably supported and rucked over the ball to give quick attacking options for the backs and after the ball passed through a number of sets of hands Wiles touched down.

Leamington did score another try through forward power, but James Murray added another try for OL’s to increase the lead. The final try of the game came from Andrew Orbinson again another excellent move involving most of the team. John Edwards added 5 conversions to make the final score 70-26. The game was played in excellent spirit and a fine performance from a very young 2^nd team, where there were many outstanding performances, but man of the match was James Morgan who was everywhere in the loose and linked well between the forward and interplayed with the backs. It was also good to see so many Sheriff boys, either past or present, playing for the team. If the players remain at the club after university then many of them will be pushing for 1^st team places and will see the club move forward once again.

The rain held off, the sun shone and OL's took the ball cleanly at the kick off, things were looking positive for an OL's side that blended experience, maturity and youth that gave the opportunity for a number of new faces to represent the senior side out that day.

OL's took the lead in the 7th minute with a try from Dave Wallis that followed to offensive scrums in Broadstreet's 22.  Dave Middleton, standing in for the injured Reed released the ball to Matt Brown who passed to Wallis for him to find the space to thread through the determined Broadstreet defensive line, Brown's conversion was successful and a 7-0 lead was established.  As is so often the case a side reduced to 14 men are capable of stepping up a gear and that is what the visitors did just 3 minutes after their prop was yellow carded.  A well worked backs move saw the ball released to their full back who touched down between the posts for a converted try, 7-7.  OL's could have gone further ahead when Brown broke through the defensive line, however instead of going for the try himself he released the ball to Mark Cresswell who was bundled into touch.  Brown restored OL's lead with a penalty in the 35th minute and the lead was maintained to the half time whistle which also saw OL's Pete Nealon sin binned, strangely in the 47th minute.

Though the score at half time showed only a 3 point difference the half had been OL's and had they taken their chances the game could have been won in the first 47 minutes.  Broadstreet had one scoring opportunity, they took it, OL's had many, They did not.

Playing into the wind OL's again started well and should have gone into the lead with a try from Iain Wallis, however celebrations were curtailed when the referee determined that the try had not been scored.  Justice was done when Carl Adams, again leading by example, broke through all before him to score, 15-7.

Ash McEwan came on for Russ Kennedy and made his impression within minutes with his sin binning. Following the penalty for the offence Broadstreet won their line out ball and drove over the line for an unconverted try, 15-12.  OL's made a number of replacements, Skinners being replaced by Richie Rees, Charlie Turney replaced by Jamie Brightwell and Crezza by Ben Wiles, unfortunately they were not given much of an opportunity to shine and Broadstreet, playing to their strengths - their pack, and OL's weaknesses - their insistence in giving away unnecessary penalties won the game with a penalty and unconverted try, 15-18.

There were some impressive performances from Adams, Marcus Bailey and evergreen Dave Middleton, however Dave Wallis' mercurial runs were the stuff of legend, it would seem that centre is his position.

Northampton Casuals 10 - OL's 18

Next season will see OL's play their rugby in Midlands 3 following their disappointing performance against Camp Hill.  This was a game that OL's had to win to ensure any chance of Mids 2 survival but the game was lost in the first 20 minutes with a determined Camp Hill making the better start.  The home side took the lead in the 5th minute with a penalty and increased their lead with a converted try in the 8th following a 5 metre line out and drive, 10-0.  Camp Hill were reduced to 14 men in the 11th and were awarded a penalty, however though the distance was made the ball went wide.  Numerical equality was restored a few minutes later with Ash McEwan yellow carded and during his absence from the pitch Camp Hill increased their lead wit anther converted try, 17-0.  In the 30th minute Camp Hill scored another penalty to give them a 20-0 lead.  OL's scoring opportunities had been few an far between however Brown was successful with a penalty in the last minutes of the 1st half to make the score 20-3 at half time.

The second half saw the OL's step up a gear and as the rain began to fall even heavier the game became a pretty dismal affair with both sides showing their frustrations.  Had OL's been able to make more use of the ball and released it to the wings no doubt the end result would have been somewhat different as the Camp Hill backs were no match for OL's, as it was they played to their strengths and in doing so prevented OL's from playing the rugby we know they are capable of.

Arranged as a friendly, fund raising fixture, players from most of the county's junior sides were invited to play in the county colours against a well organised Leicestershire County Development side.  Unfortunately Paul Willis was denied the privilege due to an injury sustained against Newport and was unable to join Iain Wallis, Ricky Reed and Matt Brown.  Oddly enough a number of Newbold players were also asked to play but decided against taking up the invitation so it was down to the OL's contingency to represent Rugby.  I am awaiting a full report of the game but as far as the OL's are concerned here are the salient facts;

The game started brightly for Warks with Iain Wallis, playing at centre, scoring a converted try to which Leics responded with a try of their own  Matt Brown, playing at 11 scored a first half try and 2 second half tries, one at 11 and the other at centre. Ricky Reed came on in the 2nd half to complete the OL's dominance of the game and though the game ended with Leicestershire winning OL's can be proud of the fact that it was Wallis and Brown who scored all of Warwickshire's tries.

Wal had a superb game, probably the best I have seen him play all season, finding gaps in a well organised defence to exploit, whilst Browny relished the fact that he had the opportunity to run with the ball and subsequently score a hat trick.  Reedo was, well Reedo and did what he does each game, reliable, committed and inspirational.  Who knows what fate awaits this trio, full County colours, who knows?

With the strong icy wind to their backs Newport set their stall out with 10 minutes of intense pressure that saw OL's defend two 5 metre scrums before the OL's were able to venture into their opponents half.  OL's were rewarded with a penalty which Matt Brown slotted over followed.  The next 10 minutes saw OL's the more dominant of the two sides and their pressure was justifiably rewarded with a lovely try from Dave Wallis, converted by Brown. Unfortunately this seemed to spur the home side on who responded with 2 unconverted tries and a penalty  to go into the break 13-10 ahead. 

The home side began the second half as they had ended the first and increased their lead with another unconverted try and penalty, 21-10.  OL's dug in deep to find the strength of character and determination to reduce the deficit with a  superb individual try from Dave Wallis, who evade 3 or 4 tackles before touching down for Brown to convert, 21-17.  Though a victory was in their sites OL's were beginning to tire and with the home side, sensing this, stepped up the pressure and scored an unconverted try and penalty to bring about a 29-17 victory.

At the time of writing I do not know who was made man of the match, however for me it was a choice between Carl Adams and Dave Wallis, with Wallis getting the nod for his 2 wonderful tries.

Unable to compete in the pack against a strong and physical side OL's were always going to be on the back foot however their performance was again commented on by their opponent's supporters who questioned the fact that a side of OL's character and abilities should be at the foot of the table.

OL's 7 - Kenilworth 12

OL's set their stall out from the whistle and rocked their visitors with with their determined play that, within 5 minutes, saw Kenilworth's play making fly-half forced to leave the pitch nursing a rather nasty headache due in part to the tackling by Dave and Ed Wallis.  Kenilworth bounced back with a converted try in the eighth minute, a result of 2 penalties within 5 metres of the OL's line.

Despite Kenilworth's league standing there was little about them that seemed to justify their 2nd place position other than their physical approach to the game that saw OL's awarded a penalty, following the eventual penalising of questionable tactics in the line out unfortunately the attempt went wide and OL's chance to reduce the deficit was lost, and four minutes later another OL's penalty went wide and the opportunity to take the lead had been lost.  At half time OL's could feel justifiably proud of their performance and a little disappointed that they were not deservedly, in the lead.

Kenilworth were marginally the better side for the first quarter of the 2nd half despite their continues aggressive approach to the game that even saw a couple of their own players having a minor fracas after which, confusingly, the referee rewarded them with a penalty which went wide.  Five minutes later Kenilworth, despite some valiant OL's defence, extended their lead with an unconverted try.

Behind, but not downhearted, OL's retrenched and reduced the deficit with a try from Garry Hammond that justifiably rewarded the forwards for their commitment and efforts, Brown's conversion made the score 7-12.  With 15 minutes to go Kenilworth were reduced to 14 men with the red carding of one of their props for an illegal, and highly dangerous, tackle on Pete Satchwell.  OL's were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority as Kenilworth were forced to defend their lead for the final phase of the game.  Some poor decision making and silly mistakes from the OL's meant that the home side were denied the victory they deserved and their visitors left with a narrow victory.

The OL's forwards had been a major factor throughout the game with Carl Adams and Chris Wade to the fore, however all of the pack performed superbly.  The backs, with the ball being fed to them well by Ricky Reed had a number of opportunities to show their capabilities however they were unable to convert their possession into points.  With 4 games left to their season OL's could still avoid the drop, and, if they play as they did today against the weaker opposition that they are faced with, Midlands 2 rugby could still be within their reach, their future is in their own hands.

Kenilworth 38 Old Laurentians 15

OL's 2nd's gave debuts to a number of players against an experienced Kenilworth team and started very brightly running the ball at every opportunity led by the experienced John Edwards, Ray Smith and Pete Rigg. OL's had pressure from the forwards and through the lively Gary Adkins, who was prominent in the loose throughout the whole game, he stole the ball and fed to Dan Tilley who jinked through the Kenilworth back line to score.

From the kick off Mark Wilson, back from University, was taken out in the air, this led to a turn over ball for Kenilworth, however a fine tackle by centre Rich Reece led to a knock on, debutant Simon Bayliss picked up deep in his own 22 and ran the length of the pitch to a score a fine individual try.

With OL's 10-0 up it seemed to fire the Kenilworth team into life and they went on to score a number of unanswered tries. OL's appeared to go to sleep and missed a number of tackles, the defence around the ruck also seemed to disappear. It was these reasons that OL's could not get their hands on the ball and could not play the expansive game of the 1st 15 mins.

After the interval OL's came out with increased vigour and put right their errors of the 1st half, the defence around the fringes was much better and players were putting in big hits, namely Danny Davies and Simon Bayliss, Martin Storey Anthony Jones and Marcus Gregory when he came on. This improved defence led to OL's final score of the game, and probably the most impressive from both teams. Forward and backs interlinking, Marcus Bailey prominent with his new found ball carrying skills, Simon Orbison with some very deft passing and Simon Cooper passing the ball from the base of the ruck at every opportunity to allow quick phases of possession. This allowed the ball to be passed down the back line to Matt Miller, another debutant, to score his 1st try for the club. The game was a lot closer than the score line reflects and there were some very good displays by Ben Wiles and Wilson, but it was debutant Simon Bayliss who was deemed OL's man of the match.

Old Warwickians 0 - OL's 31

Terrible pitch, terrible conditions, terrible handling, good result.

Tries from Kenny Robinson, Bob Barba, Daz Price and a brace from Dom Marsella, 3 of which were converted by Daz Price ensured a comfortable victory for the OL's 3rd's.

The pitch was like a ploughed field but slightly worse because it was also very boggy.  Our handling was awful but a lot of that can be put down to the conditions.  If we had played them at home we would have doubled the score line.  One plus point was that we didn’t concede any points.

Newport v OL's

In perfect conditions the dream team looked forward to playing some of the fast flowing rugby for which they have become renowned.  In the unusual position of being able to field the team selected, OL’s took an early lead through new recruit Richie Reece which was converted by Kev White.

White then followed up his conversion with a touch down of his own only to make a complete hash of the kick.  It seemed to be one way traffic and when Daz Price darted through the narrowest of gaps to dot down it looked as if the visitors were in for a torrid time.  White slotted the kick and was quickly back in action after Reece scored another but not with the same end result.  A determined AEI put up some stiff defence but when power house Fisher broke from the maul on the half way there was no stopping him.  White duly missed the conversion under the posts and that was the end of his kicking career.  A scrum on the half way, a missed tackle and some good back play saw the AEI score a good unconverted try.

The second half saw numerous changes which seemed to hamper the home side more than help as they lost some cohesion but they did start the half with an unconverted try from Dougherty.  Tries from Thompson and Robinson were converted by Price who took over the kicking duties from White after he was transferred to the AEI for his efforts.  The game finished 48-5 to OL’s but was played throughout in great spirit and credit goes to both teams for entertaining the large crowd.

Nuneaton Old Ed's 22 - OL's A 31

The second half saw a more aggressive OL's and there were periods when OL's looked threatening not least when Charlie Turney or Mark Cresswell had the ball in hand.  An injury to the impressive Carl Adams saw evergreen Eddie Edwards make his return to 1st XV rugby and 5 minutes later OL's were again disadvantaged when Garry Hammond was forced to leave the field following an unpenalised Broadstreet offence which saw him replaced by Garrie Reeve.  Up to this period OL's had been a match for Broadstreet and though unable to reduce the deficit were looking more threatening.  Unfortunately Reeve's time on the pitch was short lived when he, and a Broadstreet forward, were sin binned.  Broadstreet were to put the gloss on a mediocre performance with 2 late converted tries, one of which was a result of a blatant, unnoticed, or unpenalised, knock on, that saw a final result of 0-29, a score that flattered the visitors but has done nothing to reduce the likelihood of Mids 3 rugby at Fenley Field next season.

Broadstreet 2nd's 53 - OL's 2nd's 15

With a mixture of youth and experience OL’s travelled the short distance to Broadstreet to find a very strong 2nd team outfit that seemed to have played plenty of rugby together. However, this did not seem to bother the OL’s as they took a lead very early from a try through Grant Inch. This was the end of the scoring for the OL’s in the 1st half except for a penalty from Kev White. The remained of the half was all Broadstreet, but it did give plenty of tackling practice for the experienced back row of Spriggs, Storey and Rigg. When OL’s started to play quick running rugby the side looked much better and gave space for the backs to exploit, a few good runs from full back Rob Harris almost led to several scores. It was his defence that Harris excelled himself saving four or five opportunities when it seemed easier for Broadstreet to score.

The 2nd half saw the same threat from Broadstreet, OL’s only managed to get one further score, another try from Inch. But with the mix of the team, the lads can be proud of themselves in that they never gave up. An impressive debut from Orbie in the back row and some good performances from Wiles in the centre and Harris at full back mean that OL’s can look to the future with this blend of youth and experience starting with this weeks game against Nuneaton Old Eds.

OL's made their win hard work and had the spectators on the edges of their seats right up until the final play of the game when Iain Wallis' converted try gave them the margin that would secure victory in a game that they had dominated for most of the match.

The victory was entirely down to the forwards who played with pride and passion and refused to be intimidated by the cynical play of their opposition. Man of the match Carl Adams, returning to the side at No 8, led by example and was duly rewarded for his efforts with a try however it would be wrong to single out any one of the pack as they all performed superbly.  No matter which side fed the ball into the scrum or line out OL's won it, giving Ricky Reed a platform from which to feed the ball to the backs.  Unfortunately today was a day when they failed to gel and a number of opportunities were missed, not least when, with an overlap on their left they decided to go right leading to Dave Perkins' classic comment of "not that left, the other ****ing left".

Despite being in total control of much of the first half it was to be Stafford who were to be presented with the first scoring opportunity of the game however, as predicted, their penalty went wide.  OL's responded with 2 dropped goal attempts, at least we think they were, from Matt Brown and then, following a injury to Gary Smith which necessitated his replacement by Chris Thomas, Brown slotted over the penalty to give OL's a well deserved 3-0 lead.  Smith's injury appears not to be as bad as once feared and hopefully next season he will be able to complete a full game against Stafford.  The first half game to an end with OL's again dominant but unable to turn their pressure into points.

The second half saw OL's extend their lead through a try from a scrum 5 metres from Stafford's line which, when offered a penalty or scrum and opting for the latter, saw the OL's pack drive the visitors back and for Adams to score a classic Number 8's try.

As so often is the case when a side has a player sin binned is reduced to 14 men Stafford played as though there were 16 of them and, against the run of play, scored a converted try that owed much to uncharacteristic poor defence from the OL's and with the score now 8-7 it looked as though a game was on.  Stafford had the opportunity to take the lead with another penalty which again went wide and the next 25 minutes were, to say the least, tense.

OL's failed to be intimidated by Stafford's physical approach to the game as OL's pack continued to dominate the game even t the extent of Hammond having time and space to attempt his trade mark drop goal attempt.  Stafford, despite a number of threatening breaks, were continually thwarted by some excellent defence from OL's who were justifiably rewarded for the efforts with a try from Iain Wallis, converted by Brown, in the final minute of the game to bring about a final 15-7 victory.

The forwards were superb and had this combination of players been available all season OL's would not have been in the position they are.  The backs were, in the main, below par, however with the number of line up changes forced upon them it must be hard for them to gel because, when on song they are an impressive force to be reckoned with.

Next Saturday sees a break from league action when OL's play host to old friend Aston Old Eds a game to prepare for the following week's visit to Newbold who have just lost to Malvern.  It is time to ask the question to the non playing readers of this report "which would you rather be doing on February 11th, watch OL's play Newbold or England play Italy?"  Because on this performance we will most definitely see a game of rugby at Parkfield Road.

OL's v Old Leams
match cancelled

January 21st

Once again the starting XV saw a number of changes to the side published with a back row comprising Andy Coleman, Chris Wade and Pete Nealon and with Coleman moving to the pack Ed Wallis started on the wing, Matt Brown remained at fly-half with Dave Wallis combining with Jamie Brightwell in the centres however none these changes nor the forgotten kit were to distract OL's from their game.

OL's set out the stall at the onset with Ed Wallis running on to claim the ball at the kick off, 2 subsequent phases of play saw the OL's win the line out, an area of the game they were to dominate until the enforced replacement of the excellent Paul Wills late in the second half.  Barkers were to make a rare incursion into OL's territory and were awarded a scrum some 10 metres from OL's line however excellent defence from Dave Wallis and Jason King prevented the home side from scoring the try they expected and the ball was cleared with a huge kick from Ricky Reed.  Once again the line out was won by OL's and with Willis and the inspirational Chris Wade leading by example the forwards continued to create a platform for the backs, however it was to be Willis who came closest to scoring with a great break, Garrie Reeve followed up and, with a three man overlap just 5 metres from Barkers' line, a try looked a certainty however Brown decided to go for glory himself and it seemed that the initiative has been lost.  The referee obviously saw something that the supporting OL's VP's had not and awarded a penalty for Brown to calmly slot over, 3-0 and a well deserved lead that they were to hold on to till the break.

It was to be Barkers' who were to play the better rugby in the second half and the OL's were fortunate that the home side's backs were not able to exploit the space and ball that they had available.  Like OL's, the Barkers' side had a number of enforced changes to their line up, however Medcraft, their Number 8 and Ham, their centre were to pose a threat throughout the game.  The second half was not all Barkers'  with OL's Creswell making a number of incisive runs but, to be honest, most of the last 30 minutes was all about defence.

Barkers' missed the opportunity to level the score with a penalty after 20 minutes and another  3 minutes later and the game was to now become a nail biter with Barkers' firmly ensconced in OL's half.  The loss of Willis in the line out was to create problems for OL's but Barker's were still unable to penetrate their defence, scrum followed scrum, ruck followed ruck but OL's defence held firm.  Barkers' opted to use their backs and the ball was fed through them until Pete Nealon intercepted a pass and set off the 70 metres to Barkers' line, to him it was a sprint, to the spectators a marathon, and against all odds he outpaced the pursuing players to touch down.  Though the conversion was missed Barkers' would need to score twice to deny OL's victory after Nipper's heroic efforts.

Ironically Barkers' were spurred on by the increase deficit and in the 38th minute deservedly scored the try that they had threatened to all afternoon following another scrum, the conversion went wide and OL's lead was now down to 3 points.  It was at this point that the referee informed us that there was to be another 8 minutes of play.  This final period saw OL's again defend as though their very lives depended upon it, and defend they did with the game ending after 2 scrums and with Reed kicking the ball into touch.  The game was over and the OL's supporters were delighted and as OL's Garry Hammond was to say "Brian would have approved of that".  At the time of writing I do not know who was voted the man of the match but for me it would have been a close thing between Willis and Chris Wade who shouldered the responsibility of captaincy and Number 8 with honour.

The game was won through a combination of grit and determination and of not wanting to give in, a fitting tribute to Brian Beckett indeed.

As expected Barkers brought a strong and well organised squad to OL's but the renewed confidence of late was more than a match for them and the result could quite easily have been reversed with chances being missed and the referee being unsighted when Simon Storey grounded the ball

In the end it was Barkers who took the spoils by using their much larger forwards to create space but OL’s defensive organisation and tackling was excellent and continually repelled them, but pressure eventually told and two tries were conceded

Simon Collyer and new centre partner Shane Betts proved a handful all afternoon and Tom Gleghorn and James Morgan in the back row were also involved in the thick of the action.

With a number of changes forced upon the team including the loss through injury of both props the final minutes were played with uncontested scrums which proved to be of advantage to the OL’s as their fitter forwards and quality backs opened up the game but unfortunately they couldn’t find the final pass to reward all of the good work

There was a minutes silence before the game in memory of our past chairman, Brian Beckett, who recently passed away and this was honoured by both sides and the 2nds feel a little saddened that they couldn’t quite provide the win for him

Barkers' Butts 3rd's 14 - OL's 3rd's 7

January 14th

It was an unfamiliar line up that took to the field at Stoke with Matt Brown making his debt at fly-half and Andy Coleman on the wing.  last minute call offs also saw Garrie Reeve move from the bench to 3 and Russ (I'm nearly a vet) Parkinson, Dan Harris and Simon (I've still got a bad back) Collyer on the Bench.  In all honesty the final score flattered the home side and this was a game that OL's could have won

Stoke opened their account in the first minute when, after being awarded a scrum straight after Brown's kick-off, they ran in for a converted try.  OL's were under pressure again straight after the restart however resolute defence prevented the home side from scoring.  The respite was short lived and Stoke increased their lead through a 5 metre line out and drive that saw a try from their blindside flanker, 12-0.

OL's dug in deep and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit when Hammond took a quick penalty and made a some 20 metres before off loading to Iain Wallis.  The 17th minute saw just reward for OL's efforts when, from a scrum in Stoke's 10 metres, they fed the ball through Reed and Brown for Coleman to score under the posts, the conversion was, alas not to be, the score 12-5.

It looked as the history was to repeat itself when Willis fell awkwardly at a line out and had to be taken off with what was first though to be a repeat of his knee injury, sustained last year at Stoke in exactly the same position of the pitch and Dan Harris came on as his replacement.

Stoke increased their lead with a penalty, 15-5, before OL's, in the 30th minute had the opportunity were awarded a penalty, however the attempt was missed.  A good move down the right wing saw OL's denied a try scoring opportunity due to an alleged forward pas with the attacking players having no one to beat.  An injury to Smith, sustained through some cynical play from the opposition, saw Coleman move into the back row and Ed Wallis onto the wing with Collyer coming off the bench into the centres.  The second came to an end with Stoke increasing their lead through a drop goal, 18-5.

The half time pep talk seemed to spur OL's onto greater efforts, duly rewarded with a try from Reed that owed everything to the forwards pride and commitment.  On the evidence of his first half kicking the odds were firmly stacked against Brown making the conversion from a metre inside the touch line, how wrong we were, the deficit now just 6 points, the score 18-12.

Stokes influential No 8, Ramalangadindong, formerly with Coventry increased their lead with a converted try, 25-12 and their lead was increased with OL's being penalised of the park with 2 more penalties, 31-12.  Some of the referee's decisions were, interesting,  not least his decision to yellow card an OL's player and unsure as to which one asked Captain Iain Wallis to pick a player to be sin binned, bizarre or what?  Reduced to 14 men OL's were unable to prevent Stoke scoring another try from their No 8 which came about after a won line out and Stoke rolling maul, 36-12.

Simon Collyer was to show a surprising turn of speed with a great break down the right wing and it was to be in the same area of the pitch that Iain Wallis, chasing an inspired grubber kick from Brown, ran on to score a well deserved try and wit Brown having found his confidence the subsequent conversion reduced the difference to a more respectable 17 points, 36-19.

The game came to an end with OL's again defeated but with more positives to take from their experience than negatives and with a dubious decision denying them a try and Brown's 2 missed kicks the score could have been much closer.  With Brown at fly half the OL's game seems to have taken on a new dimension and with Dave Wallis available next week the selectors could be faced with a difficult decision.

Towcester 10 - OL's 15

OL's travelled down the A5 to Towcester to face two problems; a pitch that resembled a paddy field and only having 13 players. The latter problem was resolved after Towcester Kindly loaned a couple of there bench players.

The game began at the same intensity that had proved the winning formula the previous week but this time after 20 mins the only chances fell to two missed penalty attempts.  Just before half time Towcester broke the deadlock with a drive from a lineout to make it 5-0 at the break and soon after the break Towcester extended the lean when some uncharacteristic weak tackling allowed the centre to score.

From this moment on there was only one team to watch as OL’s forwards and backs combined to play some terrific Rugby and notch up 3 tries with Mark Brassey, Mike Coburn and Pete Satchwell all crossing the line after fine build up work.

Resolute defence for the last 10 minutes and fine discipline with bone crunching tackles from Pete Nealon, Scott Whyment and Rhys Wade showed that the 2nds now have a lot of spirit and pride in the way they play.

This will be tested this weekend with a tough game against a very good Barkers’ Butts’ 2nd team.

January 7th

1st XV Malvern 24 - OL's 7

2nd XV Malvern 5 - OL's 12

Had OL's not defended as well as they did this could well have been a rout as Malvern, fielding a side containing a number of changes to that who visited Fenley Field in November, were the more motivated of the two sides and thoroughly deserved their win.

Malvern opened their account with a converted forward's try in the 13th min, due, in part to a missed tackle and extended their lead 10 minutes later with a well struck penalty.  OL's responded with a try from Iain Wallis coming after the OL's forwards had competed well in 2 successive scrums in the Malvern 22, Dave Wallis converted to reduce the deficit to 3 points.  The half ended with the home side leading 10-7 and, at that time, it looked as though OL's were capable of making a game of it.  The forwards had been competitive and OL's defence had been effective, particularly from Iain and Dave Wallis.

The second half saw Malvern the more competitive of the 2 sides and they used their backs to good effect releasing the ball to their wings who made a number of threatening runs into OL's territory.  However it was to be 2 more forward's tries that were to be the end of OL's , both converted by the accurate kicking of their full back.  The difference could have been greater had it not been for Iain Wallis' try saving tackle after Malvern cheekily intercepted a wayward OL's pass.  The defeat was no less than OL's deserved having failed to maintain the quality of play and commitment they demonstrated at Webb Ellis Road.

OL's seem to short of a number of players in key positions and this, compounded by their persistence in failing to release the ball to the wings and insistence in  trying to be clever in the middle of the park could well see them play their rugby in Mids 3 next season.  OL's need to return to the basics and the good work that their the forwards put into to winning the ball needs to be rewarded by the backs doing something with it.  OL's current game plan, if there is one, is not working and some serious work needs to be done to bring about a change.

Old Laurentian 2nds 15 Malvern 5

After making the long trip to Malvern, the OL's kicked off and immediately turned over possession to allow the backs and forward to link and cause many problems for the Malvern defence. It was through the strong link play, good quick rucking and quick tap penalties that led to the 1^st try for Rhys Wade, playing in a new position of fly half.

After this score OL’s defence was tested but some strong tackling led to another turnover, through good work by the back row of Pete Drewett, Martin Storey and Pete Nealon. The ball was fed to John Edwards who kicked the ball deep into the Malvern half. A good chase by Ben Wiles and Andy Coleman, allowed Coleman to kick through and dive on the ball to make it 10-0.

For the remained of the 1^st half OL's often kicked away good possession and it was this that almost led to a Malvern score, but Steve Pike and Mark Brassey prevented the Malvern winger from scoring. A few moments later, Malvern did score to make it 10-5 at half time.

The 2^nd half was a pretty scrappy affair when the snow began to fall again. The front five were immense and got the scrum going forward to allow the backs to exploit any holes in the Malvern defence. A new combination of Wade, Pike and Coleman in the three quarters often created targets for the forwards and it was this that led to Coleman to race through the centre, but with the line at his mercy dropped the ball, when it was probably easier to score. Towards the end of the 2^nd half  OL’s had a quick tap penalty, the forwards rucked over and tied many of the tiring Malvern defence into the ruck, this allowed the ball to be fed quickly to the left wing for Wiles to score his debut try for the Old Laurentian to make the final score 15-5.

A good performance from the 2nds, with some strong displays from fullback Pete Satchwell, Simon Cooper at scrum half, but the man of the match goes to Pete Nealon at Number 8 for the first time.

December 31st
Rugby Lions 34 - OL's 6
OL's report
Lions official web site match report
Lions supporters' web site report

The OL's View

Much had been written prior to this game and as a result Webb Ellis Road saw one of its largest gates of the season as OL's looked to upset the formbook and bring some success to their otherwise disappointing season. For the first 20 minutes it looked as though they might indeed provide the result that many of the spectators were looking for. and it was not until the 2nd half that the Lions were able to stamp their authority on the game and the final result, in all honesty, flattered the home side and did not reflect the commitment and passion demonstrated by an excellent OL's side.

With nothing to lose and everything to prove OL's played a standard of rugby that made mockery of their position in Mids 2 with impressive performances in all areas of the game.  Rugby is all about competing for and winning the ball and the OL's pack demonstrated that they were capable of doing just that and in doing so prevented the Lions forwards from exerting their expected dominance. The scrums probably came as a bit of a shock to the Lions with the front row of McEwan, Hammond and Reeve competitive in all areas.  The line-outs are now no longer an area of fear and with Hammonds' throwing Willis and Longrigg were able to win the majority of their own ball and were also able to spoil much of the Lions'.  The back-row of Wade, Smith and Adams did much to upset the home side and to make ball available for Reed to feed to the backs or to kick cleverly to penetrate the Lions line.  Dave Wallis, successful with 2 of his 4 penalty attempts, tackled superbly and his passing allowed the backs more  ball than they were used to, centres Iain and Ed Wallis were effective in both attack and defence with Iain Wallis unlucky not to cap a superb performance with a try in the last 5 minutes of the game.  Leigh Fraser was effective and reliable at full-back and wingers Cresswell and Betts resolute in defence and threatening in attack.

OL's commitment was rewarded in the 13th minute with a well struck penalty from Dave Wallis that, though thoroughly deserved stunned the home supporters.  It took the Lions some 20 minutes to break through the OL's defence when they went over the line for an unconverted try in the 34th minute and again, 2 minutes later to take a 10-3 lead.  OL's were awarded a penalty at the restart and Wallis was unlucky to see his kick rebound off the upright.  OL's followed up the rebound determinedly and the resulting ruck saw Lions' Wadey stretchered off with a leg injury sustained whilst defending Betts' aggressive attacking play.

The 2nd half saw the impressive Betts replaced by versatile Andy Coleman and in the 6th minute Wallis was again successful with a penalty to reduce the deficit to 10-6, however he was unsuccessful a few minutes later when next given the opportunity to kick.

The next 15 minutes were all Lions' when their fitness and game plan came to the fore with a succession of tries, 2 converted, to give them an unassailable 28 point lead that resulted in a 34-6 defeat for the OL's.

The game might have been lost however the OL's left the field with their heads held high - they had played a game of rugby against a professional side that, tough short of a couple of 1st choice players, had struggled to dominate a game that many had predicted as being a runaway victory.  If OL's play as well as they did on New Years' eve for the rest of the season Midlands 3 will not be an option and with the return of key players over the next few weeks the games against Malvern and Stoke could well see them lift themselves out of the relegation zone.

The neutral spectators saw an excellent game of rugby played by two sides that demonstrated the quality of home grown talent, with some 20 of the 35 players used by both sides being Rugby born and bred - the OL's supporters saw a game of rugby played by their side with a level of determination and commitment that should see them safe in Mids 2 next season.

Well done, nuff said.
 

www.therugbylions.com (official site)

The Rugby Lions eventually overcame a plucky OL's side by running out 34 points to 6 winners in the 2nd round of the Warwickshire Cup.

In front of over 600 people, the OL's put up a magnificent performance in denying Rugby Lions too much space or ball, and thus restricting them to scraps until late on in the game.

The 1st half belonged to the Laurentians as they spoiled relentlessly, and fought hard to deny the home side possession. However, class came through in the end and the Lions had too much quality and strength to give in to their near neighbours.

In a classic encounter, the OL's proved what focus and commitment to the cause can achieve. Conversely, Rugby showed the watching audience (most looking to see the home side stumble) what can happen if you underestimate your opponents and fail to prepare mentally for the occasion.

Eventually Rugby scored 6 tries through Jackson, Douglas, Hawkens(2), Goode and Clements, with Hawkens converting 2 to the OL's 2 penalties.  The biggest winner on the day was rugby in the town, and hopefully OL's can survive in their league and continue to be a good breeding ground for Rugby in the area.

www.rugbylions.net (supporters' site)

A lacklustre Rugby Lions eventually overcame a determined OL’s side to progress to the next round of the Warwickshire Cup.  OL’s were always going to be up for this game, and aided by some inept play from the home side, they spoiled and fought hard to deny Lions possession. This inevitably led to a very scrappy period of play with countless errors which helped ‘run-in’ the referee’s new whistle (obviously a Christmas present).

Although the Lions were well below par today, credit must go to the OL’s for their commitment and passion. If they could produce this performance every week they would not be in the position they are now. Let’s hope that this is the turning point of their season and that they can build on this to avoid relegation.

December 17th
OL's 7 - Stoke 19

December 10th
Leamington 22 - OL's 0

OL's contrived, again, to allow their opposition to dominate a game that, had they played to their strengths, they could and should have won.  The first 15 minutes saw OL's on top but unable to convert their pressure into points and it was to be Leamington who were to put the first points on the board.  Having kicked for touch Leamington won the line out and camped out on the OL's line and despite some resolute defence from OL's scored a well worked and converted try, 7-0.

Leamington increased their lead with a converted try that owed more to OL's poor tackling to their own endeavours, 14-0.  The final 15 minutes of the half saw OL's pick up their game but were unable to score the points they deserved.

Leamington extended their lead with another unconverted try that saw their forwards drive over the line.  The loss of Reed and Brown through injuries had an effect on the side however OL's regrouped and dug deep to prevent the home side score further tries.  Cresswell and Betts both looked threatening when they were given the ball however this happened too rarely and OL's failed to play to their strengths once again.

Leamington had the final say with a well struck penalty to bring about a final score of 22-0, not what the OL's were hoping for.

Rugby is a simple game and winning teams play to their strengths and not those of their opponents, unfortunately  OL's seem to be unable to do just that and, as a result make their opponents job far easier than it should be.  With the line out now working better than earlier in the season OL's now need to understand that the ball needs to be fed to their most potent attacking players and to realise that a game can not be won through playing it the way they seem determined to play it.  It is time for the players to be honest with themselves, recognise their failings and inadequacies and turn the season around.

Their next game, a home fixture against Stoke on Saturday, needs to be won and won well by the OL's, failure to do so will see them firmly rooted at the foot of the table and, unless they are able to do "an Albion" next season will see Midlands 3 rugby at Fenley Field.

OL's 2nd's v Leamington

Match cancelled by Leamington

Notts Moderns 15 - OL's 3rd's 17

December 3rd
OL's 6 - Hinckley 19

The late arriving OL's supporters were unlucky to have missed the home side's best period of the game when, for the opening 15 minutes it looked as though the OL's were to repeat their recent performance against Malvern through some committed play from forwards and backs alike and it was to be the OL's who had the first scoring opportunity, however Matt Brown's penalty went wide.

The return of Paul Willis to the 2nd row made an obvious improvement to both the line out and the overall performance of the pack and with Ricky Reed fully committed to the cause things looked bright.  Hinckley were put under some intense pressure within their 5 meter line and it was only their committed defence that was to prevent L's from opening their account. Hinckley absorbed the pressure and responded wit a clearance kick that was to produce a scrum in OL's territory and the subsequent penalty saw them take a 3-0 lead.

The visitors increased their lead through a break from the half way line that OL's failed to stop through some ineffective defence, the try was converted to increase their lead to 10-0.

OL's were reduced to 14 men when Reed was yellow carded which saw Longrigg move from 8 to 9. OL's reduced the deficit with a penalty from Brown just before the break, 10-3.

Seven minutes into the restart saw Hinckley increase their lead with another penalty, 13-3. A missed penalty from Brown was rectified with another scoring opportunity when, after an excellent drive from the OL's pack Brown was successful in reducing the deficit to 13-6.  With only a converted try preventing them levelling the score OL's had every opportunity to snatch victory from the hands of defeat however a combination of poor handling and the yellow carding of McEwan allowed Hinckley to regain control of the game with 2 further penalties, 19-6.

Some great defence saw OL's prevent Hinckley from scoring what would have been an excellent try in the final period of the game to bring about another defeat for OL's.

There were some positives in the game including Iain Wallis' tackling, a promise of things to come from Mark Cresswell who made a number of incisive runs and the overall performance at the line out.  Going into the Christmas break in the position that they are is not the present that their loyal supporters want or that the team deserve.  The next 2 weeks see OL's up against opposition that they should be able beat and a strategy in how to do so needs to be agreed and stuck to.

Lutterworth 15 - OL's 10

Starting the game as defending champions OL's went into this cup game with plenty of confidence even with a much changed team than was originally selected. The game started well with Ant Jones having some strong runs and looking confident at his new role at full back. He was supported well by Mike Coburn and Paul Lewis in the back 3. Through strong forward play and confident line out work, OL's began to control the game, however with all the pressure OL's only managed 1 penalty through Mike Coburn. To leave the game at 3-3 at half time with Lutterworth defending strongly and their fly half using the boot to move the OL's around the field.

In the 2nd half OL's developed a ploy of kicking for territory and playing in Lutterworth's half. However this did not seem to happen and Lutterworth ran back and kicked for the corners cleverly to put pressure against the OL's pack. They eventually scored in the corner to make it 8-3. A few changes to the OL's team saw the introduction of Russ Parkinson for Paul Cutts, (who managed to tackle a winger in open play before he was taken off) and Gary Adkins. OL's gained a penalty 20 metres out, Adkins took it quickly and fed Ed Wallis to score under the posts. Mike Coburn converting to make the score 10-8 with 10 minutes to play.

Lutterworth again kicked for position and from the resulting lineout they worked it to the centre and scored under the posts, which was converted to make the final score line 15-10.

OL's defended well and the forwards, in particular Dan Volkman and Ray Smith, did well throughout the whole game.

OL's 3rd's 26 - Leicester Lions Vets 15

November 26th
Broadstreet 32 - OL's 0

Southam 1st's 27 - OL's 2nd's 3

Playing the first 30 minutes with only 14 men and players filling in and out of position, especially out wide, caused a few problems and allowed Southam to exploit some slack defence to score 3 tries before the half time break.

When OL's finally got to full strength it was a much more even contest with Pete Nealon, Gary Smith and Paul Willis working hard to create chances through the forwards and Pete Satchwell relentless in his efforts in the centre.

OL's only reward for a spirited 2nd half was a Lee Fraser penalty with Southam just adding a try and penalty to their tally.

A very physical encounter with some uncompromising tackling bodes well when OL's can put all the injury and unavailability worries behind them and field a more competitive 15 in key positions. Big respect for the Rigg brothers who did not look out of place in the front row and to the 2 wingers, Marcus Bailey and Paul Lewis who are more normally in the pack.

3rd XV

No game

November 19th
Stoke - OL's

Postponed

OL's 2nd's - Rugby Tailenders

Postponed

St Andrews 0 - OL's 3rd's 47

For this fixture Old Laurentians made the short journey to Ashlawn Road for a fixture against local rivals St Andrews. With the bitter cold and heavy mist hampering both sides, the opening period of the game was a scrappy affair with neither side able to string many phases together.

However it was the OL’s who eventually broke the deadlock; full back Ade Cleaver crossing the line following a fine break from skipper Marcus Bailey.  For the remainder of the half, OL’s were able to dominate both territory and possession and were rewarded with two further scores from winger Mike Coburn and fly half Daz Price. Price, taking over kicking duties for the day, also converted all three tries to give the visitors a deserved 21-0 lead at half time.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with the home side unable to come to terms with OL’s superior fitness and determination.  OL’s started brightly with scrum half Steve Thompson scoring under the posts and were also rewarded with a second try for Cleaver. A pair of tries from flanker Dom Marsella and a fine late score from second row Andy Spriggs earned some glory for the hard working forwards and three further conversions from Price gave OL’s a thoroughly deserved 47-0 victory. All in all, this was another fine performance from the OL’s side. No 8 Stuart Birch and prop Matty Munn both enjoyed tremendous afternoons as did hooker Stuart Burnett playing in his first game this season. In the backs centre Pete Rigg enjoyed a great game

November 12th
OL's 28 - Malvern 17

For the first time this season OL’s began a match without any changes to the team published in the programme and the continuity of a settled side immediately made its mark with a penalty, unfortunately missed, in the second minute.  Carl Adams was to stamp his influence on the game that rubbed off on Man of the Match Andy Coleman who was to have an match winning game in the back row.

Reed, having seemed to have rediscovered his appetite for the game had a major part to play in this well deserved victory and it was through him and some superb tackling from Iain Wallis that OL’s were again to be awarded a penalty slotted over by Steve Pike, 3-0.

OL’s were reduced to 14 men with the yellow carding of Simon Collyer who was adjudged to have interfered with play giving Malvern a penalty, 3-3.  Parity was returned a minute later with the yellow carding of Malvern’s No 7, unfortunately Pike was to miss the resulting penalty however he redeemed himself a few minutes later with a try saving tackle as Malvern threatened down the wing.

There followed a period of intense OL’s pressure which saw at least six phases of play in the visitor’s half which unfortunately to come to an end with an unnecessary penalty due to a mistake by the home side.  Malvern cleared their lines with a well struck kick deep into OL’s half that saw the ball drift into touch 5 metres short of OL’s line, the resulting line-out saw a Malvern drive before their scrum half dived over for the converted try, 3-10.

OL’s responded through some inspired play from Reed whose clever box kick allowed Shane Betts to show the crowd his sprinting and soccer skills before touching down, 8-10 and bring the first half to an end.

A high kick into Malvern’s half saw two of their backs compete for the catch and the ball was knocked on, the subsequent scrum saw the ball won and fed through the backs to release Kyle Knott for his first try of the game, 13-10.

Reed and Adams were pivotal to the OL’s and were competitive in all areas of the game that saw OL’s again threaten to score before the ball went into touch some 5 metres from Malvern’s line.  The resulting line out was won by Malvern who cleared the ball some 80 metres to win a penalty 10 metres from OL’s line, the ball was kicked into touch, won by Malvern who again tried to drive over the line, the ball was fed to their fly half who scored between the posts for a try that was easily converted, 13-17.

Jason King, despite carrying an obvious injury, took a quick penalty and made good ground before Reed picked up the ball, passed it to Brown who deceived all before him with his pace and body swerve to score between the posts, converted by Pike, 20-17.

The game was starting to be reminiscent of the OL’s of a few seasons ago with the backs, threatening in attack throughout the season turning the threat into points as demonstrated by a move that saw all of them involved before Knott went over for his second try, 25-17.

Malvern responded with a penalty attempt that, from the half way line, dropped short before OL’s were to be awarded two penalties in successive minutes the first of went wide, the second comfortably slotted over by Brown, 28-17.

Another superb passage of play almost saw OL’s put the game beyond reach however it was to be the visitors who were to enjoy the last bit of pressure that saw OL’s defend their line superbly and hold the ball up to prevent the try.

It was a game well won and, sadly for the OL’s supporters who chose to watch England, one of the most enjoyable of the season.  Has the corner been turned, is this the beginning of an OL’s recovery'  In all honesty it is probably to soon to say, however a little more work on the line out, the return of several first team regulars and the confidence of this win could all contribute to an improvement in fortunes for the OL’s.  A run of 2 away games at Stoke and Broadstreet precedes the next home fixture on December 3^rd when the OL’s host Hinckley.

Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup
Newbold 9 - OL's 7

Rugby is not a difficult game; it is all about winning and using the ball and taking advantage of every scoring opportunity.  Newbold won the game through doing all of the above and OL’s allowed them to by not.

The first half saw Newbold successful with 3 of their 4 penalty attempts through the boot of Anthony Miller with OL’s responding with a missed penalty in the 39^th minute that followed a period of intense OL’s pressure that saw them firmly camped in the Newbold half.

Despite the 2^nd half seeing OL’s dominant they were unable to convert their pressure into points with a further 2 missed penalties.  The final whistle came after OL’s managed to eventually get some reward for their endeavours with a well deserved try from Mark Cresswell and conversion from Eddie Edwards, 7-9.

Old Leams 2nd's 19 - OL's 3rd's 15

For this fixture, OL's made the short journey to Old Leamingtonians, but were somewhat surprised, on arrival, to discover that they would be playing their second team rather than their thirds.

Despite this however, it was the Laurentians who started the game in the most positive fashion; great driving play in the loose from the forwards and some flowing passing in the backs leading to an early try in the corner from winger Mike Coburn. Leamingtonians came back strongly however and deservedly scored almost immediately; their Second Row powering in from close range. The remainder of the half was a close affair, but Leamingtonians scored a second try to go in 12-5 up at the interval.

Obviously stirred by the half time team talk, Old Laurentians came out firing
in the second half and were justly rewarded with Full Back Ade Cleaver scoring in the corner following another excellent passage of play in the backs.
With the Laurentians side pressing eagerly for another score they were unfortunately undone by a swift Leamingtonians counter-attack; the referee somehow missing a blatant knock on and allowing the home side to score under the posts. Laurentians came back again almost immediately; Coburn again scoring in the corner to give the Laurentians hope for a memorable comeback. However despite their best efforts in the final minutes, the Leamingtonian defence held firm and the game finished 19-15 to the Home side.

Despite the disappointment of this rare defeat, the Laurentians side will have taken a lot of heart from the character shown in this match and will look to take this into next weeks game against St Andrews. Special mentions go to the Evergreen Stuart Birch who enjoyed a tremendous game at No 8 and also to second Row Paul Willis who marked his first full game back following long term injury with a fine performance. Centre Leigh Fraser also enjoyed a fine afternoon in the backs.

November 5th
Old Cov's 5 - OL's 15

Yet again the starting 15 showed a number of changes to that published however this was to have little impact on the game as OL's managed to bring an end to their run of defeats.

Steve Pike opened the scoring with a well struck penalty which followed a wonderful kick and chase from Kyle Knott, 3-0.  Old Coventrians, fielding a vastly different side to that when the sides last met were competitive in the scrum however OL's were equal to the task and the debutants in the side demonstrated their ability and commitment to thwart any threat presented.  Both Iain Wallis, at full-back and Mark Cresswell proved to be influential in both defence and attack and the OL's were to be rewarded for their efforts with an unconverted try from Wallis that involved all of the backs, 8-0.

OL's continued to soak up the home sides pressure with Andy Coleman again demonstrating his growing importance to the side with some excellent defensive work.  A missed penalty from the home side saw the first half end with OL's deservedly leading 8-0.

Rob Kerrigan came on for the injured Ed Wallis and was to be involved straight from the restart in another move seeing all of the backs however an intercepted pass from fly-half Palmer saw Old Covs' full-back run the length of the pitch, valiantly pursued by Ricky Reed to touch down for an unconverted try, 8-5.

Reed was combining superbly with Palmer, whose decisive kicking proved to be a major factor in the OL's game, and was enjoying his tussles with his opposite number as well as a number of their pack.

In what was, to me, one of the most pleasurable moments of the game, OC's launched a deep kick into OL's half, superbly caught by Kyle Knott who made an enormous amount of ground before off lading to Kerrigan who sprinted down the wing before passing to Palmer who fed the ball to Simon Collyer for a try that demonstrated the effectiveness of the OL's backs and the importance of good support play and prompt passing.

In the final minutes of the game Reed was to again show his commitment to the OL's cause proving to one and all the passion he has for the game and the OL's.

Having restored their confidence in the effectiveness of playing the free flowing rugby that is the OL's and the ability of the pack to provide a platform on which to do so the OL's can look forward to entertaining Malvern next Saturday in a crucial Midlands 2 fixture.

OL's 2nd's 73 - Old Cov's 10

Old Coventrians just managed to raise a team and with the loan of a few of the OL’s subs to even up the numbers the game started at a frantic pace.

OL’s intention of keeping the ball in hand at all times proved the best option in dry and sunny conditions as tries were created from all areas of the pitch and OL's were soon well in control.

The game ceased to be a contest at half time with OL’s 50 points ahead and a shortened 2^nd half saw OC’s only points coming from a dubious penalty try under the posts.

The return from his Middle East duties by Carl Adams and Paul Willis return from his 10 month injury lay off meant OL’s just had too much experience and pace in every department with forwards and backs combining for most of the build ups to the tries.

Jamie Brightwell claimed his well deserved hat-trick with an 80 metre solo effort with Inch, Satchwell, Price, Hammond, Lewis, Edwards and White all crossing the line, White adding 8 conversions and Edwards converting his own try to bring the game to an end.

Special mention to Mike Coburn and Brian Rigg for volunteering to help Old Coventrians in a game played in great spirit.

With so many players proving their worth along with the many players now coming available for selection the OL's 2nd XV has never looked more able to overturn the previous result when they meet Newbold in a replay of their Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup game on Sunday.

October 29th
OL's 14 - Barkers' Butts 16

The final score might show a victory for the visitors however this was a game that the OL’s did not deserve to lose and had they opted for a penalty kick in the last 10 minutes rather than kicking for touch they could have won a highly entertaining spectacle.

The first 20 minutes was all OL’s with a try in the 7^th minute following a line out and drive from the OL’s pack which saw Ash McEwan claim the try which was converted by Matt Brown, 7-0.  Barkers responded with a good break from the restart leading to a scrum them a penalty, 7-3.  OL’s were disrupted when McEwan had to leave the field with a neck injury and their impetus was lost.

The last 20 saw OL’s allow Barkers’ into the game as they failed to challenge for the 50/50 balls which up until then they had been winning easily.  Following a missed penalty in the 30^th minute their influential No 6, Scanlon went over for a try to give Barkers’ a 8-7 lead.

The OL’s backs were rampant with Ricky Reed leading by example, however despite Iain Wallis tackling like his old self and Shane Betts again dominant in both attack and defence they were unable to prevent Barkers extending their lead with a try from full back Lester to go into the break 13-7 ahead.

Despite the half-time pep talk it took some time for OL’s to get themselves back into the game and poor ball control & poor passing allowed Barkers’ to dominate the game for the opening 20 minutes of the half and to extend their lead with another penalty.

Brown, playing at what seems to be his natural position at full back, almost reduced the deficit with an audacious kick and chase, supported by Ed Wallis, however the ball bounced the wrong way and was knocked on.  Barkers’ immediately broke down their left wing threatening to score only for Brown to pop up again to make the try saving tackle but this was to be the final contribution in the game from the OL’s man of the match as he was replaced by Knott.

OL’s continued to defend their line as Barkers’ used a succession of 3 scrums to put pressure on the home side but the OL’s pack dug deep to snuff out the threat.

The final 15 minutes saw OL’s enter a purple patch with Longrigg, and Ed Wallis both making decisive incursions into the visitor’s territory before Iain Wallis was finally rewarded for his endeavours with a try, converted by brother Dave to reduce the difference to just 2 points.

The restart saw some great play including a mesmerising run from Ed Wallis and a great move involving Dave Wallis and Kyle Knott that saw Shane Betts power down the line bulldozing all opposition before him.  OL’s were awarded a penalty and, with their kicker off the field, kicked for touch rather than points.  Though they won the resulting lineout a charged down kick saw Barkers’ break through into the OL’s half and would have rounded off the game with another try had it not been for Tom Curtis making a decisive tackle.  Barkers’ won the ball and attempted a drop goal which went wide making the final score 14-16.

This game saw a huge improvement from all of the players, the lineout moves worked, the pack was effective and the backs again sharp in attack and stubborn in defence. With a number of key players coming back into fitness and availability the next few weeks will give the OL’s the opportunity to build on this platform.  The OL’s supporters, though disappointed with the result were, in the main, satisfied with a much better performance. 

Barkers' Butts 45 - OL's 7

OL's - Barkers' Butts

Game cancelled

October 22nd
Stafford 19 - OL's 3

Having negotiated the road to hell that is the M6 and sat patiently in the traffic through Stafford town centre the prospects for our first win of the season were reduced through last minute changes in the line up that was to see 2 front row replacements and all change on the bench.

Stratford, looking for their first points of the season almost scored in the first minute when awarded a penalty some 25 yards out, fortunately for the OL’s the kick went wide, however things were to get worse for 3 minutes later when Gary Smith was to be floored by an unwarranted punch from Stafford’s ruthless prop which was to see Smudger withdrawn from the game and taken to hospital – strangely enough the referee decided to reprimand the player with a yellow card rather than the statutory red whilst also confining OL’s Coleman to the sin bin for interceding and protecting his team mate.

A 10^th minute OL’s line-out saw the ball won by Stafford who fed the ball across the field for their winger to touch down for a converted try.

OL’s again demonstrated their resources in defence with Charlie Turney, once again, to the fore making a decisive and try saving tackle.  This seemed to remind the pack what the game was all about and it saw OL’s camped in their opponents half with some very effective scrummaging.  Despite this OL’s were finding it difficult to match the more physical approach to the game of Stafford who again broke with a certain try on the cards through their No 7, however Matt Brown, obviously felt differently and sprinted 40 metres to catch a man who had ran 25 to save the try with an excellent tackle.

It was to be the 43^rd minute of the half before OL’s were able to reduce the deficit with a 40metre penalty from Steve Pike.  Stafford responded with increased pressure and 3 scrums on OL’s 5metre line before eventually crashing over for another converted try, 14-3 in the 47^th minute.  In the 51^st minute of the half Stafford again took advantage of OL’s line out weaknesses to again cross the line resulting in a half-time score of 19-3 

The OL’s half time pep talk from coach Stuart Birch seemed to have an impact on the game as though there was to be no change to the final score line the OL’s seemed to be more cohesive in defence and had a number of scoring opportunities been better dealt with the final result would, and should, have been closer.  The decision to kick for touch, rather than the certain penalty, was, in hind sight the wrong choice and once again, had the ball been shipped out to the wings that little more sharply, rather than trying to make the extra metre, both wingers would have been given the opportunity to utilise their speed and strength to score.   OL’s were weakened by a nasty injury to prop Pete Harris and his need for a visit to the hospital does not bode well for next week’s game against Barkers’ Butts.

Though fly-half Dave Wallis received the man of the match award however Charlie Turney, resolute and defiant in defence and sharp and incisive in attack must have been in the reckoning also.

For this Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup Newbold fielded a side made up of a lot of familiar faces with over 1/2 of their side comprising players last seen in the 1st XV fixture a few weeks earlier and their experience proved to be the deciding factor in a rather scrappy game. 

The first period of the game saw OL's dominant with Grant Inch having a number of opportunities to score, first with an ambitious kick and run attempt and then with a penalty in the 15th minute.  However it was to be Newbold who converted pressure into points with a penalty from Gary Fletcher in the 25th minute and he had the opportunity to extend their lead a few minutes later but his penalty went wide. 

Despite being the less experienced side OL's continued to threaten with Scott Whyment and James Morgan particularly impressive.  A well placed kick from Bold's Fletcher saw them with a line out on OL's 10 metre line which they used well to score with Fletcher converting to bring about a half time score of 10-0.

The second half saw OL's again with a number of try scoring opportunities however poor handling meant that they were unable to take advantage of some good ball from Whyment and his replacement Dom Deery leaving the game won by Newbold at 10-0.

OL's 33  - St Andrews 12

October 15th
Old Coventrians 25 - OL's 7

2 penalties from Old Cov's influential fly-half separated the 2 sides at half time with OL's once again showing how effective their backs can be both in defence and on the attack with Charlie Turney at the fore in both areas. 

The second half began, with the wind in their faces and OC's turning up the pressure to score 3 tries in almost as many minutes all from moves started within their own half to extend their lead to a daunting 25 points, and it looked as though this was going to be a rout. 

OC's were able to make good use of their replacements unlike OL's who, with only Coach Mark Palmer on the bench, had to dig deep into the fitness reserves to restore their pride with some resolute defending and exciting attacking play culminating with a well deserved try from Matt Brown converted by Grant Inch to bring about a final result of 25-7.

A number of players shone in the warm sunshine, not least David Longrigg and Peter Drewett in the back row. Charlie Turney was again influential in defence and attack and the centre pairing of Brown and Simon Collyer will, no doubt, give the selectors additional options for next Saturday's league game against Stafford.

It might not have been the result - or performance - that had been hoped for but after last week's game against Newbold gave the players and few travelling supporters a pleasant afternoon's rugby.

OL's 15 - Stratford 43

OL's started the game at a frenetic pace with quick rucking and driving play through the forwards but there was no tangible reward as the penalty it produced was missed.

Stratford’s game plan was to use their speedy three-quarters and with the OL's missing some key players and others in unaccustomed roles, Stratford were able to take advantage of an unusually disorganised defence to punish errors with two tries in quick succession.

OL's fought back and using their forwards to great effect scored a try when Chris Thomas crashed over for an unconverted try.

Unfortunately, Stratford were gifted two more soft tries from some sloppy play with the only reply before half time coming from a Rhys Wade drop goal (you can retire happy now Rhys)

OL's started the second half badly and again the Stratford backs moved the ball wide to outstrip the defence and this continued through the second half as the ball was gifted to Stratford on a number of occasions to give them a lead of 43-8.

OL's tried to fight back and the forwards started to reproduce the kind of play they had needed to employ for the whole game and this resulted in a try for captain Eddie Edwards converted by Steve Pike.

Man of the match went to Rory McLean who played in the centre where his no nonsense running and tackling prevented the score line from being even higher.

OL's 34 - Stratford 0

Mr Bailey, where is your report?
If you were involved with the game please email me with the result, scorers and your own report

October 8th
OL's 9 - Newbold 9

Games between these two archrivals are never pretty affairs and this was no exception and was made even more difficult due to the damp conditions. 

With the OL’s having to withstand Newbold’s tactic of keeping the ball with their forwards and using their much-vaunted rolling maul for most of the game the opportunities to feed the ball to their backs were few and far between, however when the opportunity arose The OL’s again looked threatening.

The opening period saw the two sides evenly matched and looking for weaknesses in their opponents.  OL’s were the first side to look like scoring following a well won line out ball however it would be Newbold who got their names on the score board first with a penalty by Gary Fletcher.  OL’s James Murray was having a great game at full back and was to make a number of well timed and critical tackles before OL’s Pike picked himself up from a fracas and evened the score with a well struck penalty 3-3.

Newbold took the offensive from the restart and would have scored a try, following a lost ball from an OL’s scrum, had it not been for some great defensive work from Matt Brown who looked keen and fit following his long absence.  In spite of both sides looking to play to their strengths, Newbold keeping it tight and OL’s the opposite, the game continued to be stifled and was being ground out in midfield.  An injury to the impressive James Murray saw him being replaced by Charlie Turney at full back who was to show an aptitude for a position new to him.

Newbold regained the advantage through another Fletcher penalty 3-6 in the 39^th minute and extended their lead even further with another penalty in the 46^th minute of the first half, 3-9.

OL’s opened the 2^nd half as they had the first and were unlucky not to score with Shane Betts again looking impressive before Newbold fed the ball to their backs for an assault on the OL’s line who again showed their mettle with some resolute defensive work before Newbold’s Harrison attempted, and missed. a drop goal.

Five minutes later Pike reduced the deficit with a well struck, trademark, penalty, 6-9.  OL’s were fortunate not to go further behind when a Newbold try was disallowed, much to the dismay of the visiting supporters in the stand even though they were some 80 metres away from the line.

OL’s front row replacement of Kennedy for McEwan seemed, at the time, the right thing to do as the OL’s pack continued to match Newbold, however, following a set-to OL’s were reduced to 14 men when Kennedy was red carded.  Despite this disadvantage OL’s continued to match Newbold in the pack and trailing by just 3 points decided to utilise the second part of their game plan, putting the ball in the opponents half – not rocket science really – and were rewarded with a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, up stepped Pike who calmly slotted the ball over to tie the game.

The OL’s pack gave an encouraging performance in all areas of the game and with their line out now working things look better for future games, The old stagers of Jason King, Ash McEwan , Lawrence Sheriffs, David Longrigg and Gary Smith all came to the fore, with Sheriffs the pick, and the experience will have been of great benefit to Simon Storey, Steve Pike, Andy Coleman and his replacement Peter Drewett.   The backs as always looked threatening with ball in hand and strong in defence with Dave Wallis growing in stature at fly half and Ricky Reed a stabilising influence at scrum half.  If the ball had been fed to the wings sooner both Betts and Brown would have been able to cap great all round performances with tries.

It was miserable weather, a miserable game but a fair result, honours even. Perhaps the irony of it all is that within a few hours of the game finishing players from both teams would be enjoying a drink or two together in one of Rugby’s watering holes.

Newbold 10 - OL's 29

OL's took a mix of youth and experience to local rivals Newbold and came away with a well deserved win.

The conditions were very wet and it was OL's who adapted to them the better and their direct running and ball retention led to a penalty converted by Grant Inch and a try scored by James Morgan after some sustained pressure for an 8-0 lead.

The second half saw OL's continue to retain the ball through the phases despite the conditions and eventually Newbold ran out of defenders as Martin Storey found a huge hole to run 30 metres and score under the posts, the try was converted by Inch for a 15-0 lead.

OL's made the mistake of sitting back on the lead and allowed Newbold to score from a rolling maul in the corner but they soon got back to playing the ball through the hands and a slick backs move saw Inch scythe through to score and convert.

OL's again took their eye off the ball and conceded another try from a second rolling maul but they had the final say when they re-gathered the ball from a speculative kick and Dan Harris scored his debut try for the club converted from out wide by Inch.

Mention in despatches must be made of Chris Thomas who snaffled everything that came into his path and the midfield trio of Tilley, Morgan and Cresswell who won the battle over their opposite numbers.

OL's 12 - Newbold 5

Mr Bailey, where is your report?
If you were involved with the game please email me with the result, scorers and your own report

October 1st
Broadstreet - OL's

Match postponed due to Broadstreet's cup involvement

OL's 8 - Broadstreet 15

Broadstreet 14 - OL's 41

For this fixture, OL's travelled to nearby Broadstreet, for what promised to be a thrilling encounter against historically dogged opponents. With inspirational 3rd team Captain Marcus Bailey unavailable, OL's were delighted when former Club Captain Darren Price accepted the armband, and led the side from fly-half. Price was joined in the half-backs by fellow 'Dream Team' stalwart Rich Hughes, whose outstanding service throughout from scrum-half was matched only by the quantity and quality of his match-commentary.

With this level of service to build on, the Old Laurentians forwards were able to control the game throughout. With the front row of Kennedy, Fisher and the evergreen Gary Hammond dominant in the scrum, and the youthful pairing of Mark Adnitt and Charlie Wragg rampant in the lineout, OL’s were rewarded with numerous tries. Hammond marked his third team debut with a magnificent brace, including a fine score from a rolling maul. Another vastly experienced player continuing a fine scoring run was Kev White, who added to his impressive points tally for the season with a try, four conversions and a penalty.

With such a wealth of experience on display, it was however very encouraging to see that the OL's youth system is as formidable as ever, with further tries coming from Charlie Turney, James Morgan, and a first club try for flanker Paul Lewis, who capped a fine display with a fine score. A special mention is also deserved by winger Stuart Page who was unlucky not to score in what proved to be a glittering 'Man of the Match' performance.  All in all, this was a fantastic display against a formidable opposition, and will serve as a massive confidence booster for this week's crunch game against local rival's Newbold.

September 24th
OL's 17 - Newport 29

For the first 20 minutes of the match OL’s were undisputedly in control of a game that finished with them fighting back to reduce a points deficit that should never have been so wide.

Shane Betts, making a welcome return to 1^st XV rugby, almost scored within the first 5 minutes following some great work from the sharp looking backs and for the first 10 minutes Newport were not to venture into the OL’s half.  OL’s opened their account with a penalty from Steve Pike in the 9^th minute and deservedly increased their lead with a well worked try from Betts that owed a lot to the combined work of the forwards and backs, pike converted to bring about a 10-0 lead.

This seemed to spur Newport on and had it not been for some great defensive work from Charlie Turney Newport would have scored due, in the main, to some sloppy midfield play from the OL’s.  Minutes later Newport were to exploit their forwards advantage with a well worked line out move that produced a forwards drive that OL’s was unable to halt before the Newport hooker went over for an unconverted try.  Five minutes later Newport were to produce a carbon copy to level the scores 10-10 going into the break.  The first half had begun well with OL’s in control of the game but poor ball retention meant that the visitors were able to exploit their strengths in the forwards.

On the back foot from the start of the second half OL’s lost a 22 metre scrum and Newport fed the ball through the backs for their full-back to go over for a converted try 10-17.  They increased their lead a few minutes later through once again using the dominance in the scrum to produce another drive before the ball was released for their centre to score an unconverted try, 10-22.

Newport increased their dominance in the pack with back row replacements whose names owed much to the random selection of letters from a Scrabble set, hardly surprising when one considers their international experience with Serbia and Poland, and once again Newport exploited their forwards’ dominance scoring another drive over try, converted to bring about a 17 advantage.  OL’s responded with a try from Captain Iain Wallis, converted by Pike, to bring about a final result of 17-29.

Though Shane Betts made an impressive return to 1^st XV action Man of the Match was Ricky Reed for his all round controlled and energetic performance.

OL's 19 - Newport 26

OL's made a poor start and allowed a well drilled Newport side the freedom and space to totally outclass the previously confident OL's in the first quarter when they scored two tries and OL's lost Garrie Reeve and Rich Hayes to injury.

The replacements Paul Cutts and Tom Gleghorn stabilised the scrum and OL's started to show some spirit but another try before the break left OL's with a 19-0 deficit at half time

A much improved second half saw OL's keeping the ball alive and away from the bigger Newport pack which paid dividends when Mark Brassey finished a well worked move.

The momentum continued with the OL's as Paul Cutts crashed over and Grant Inch converted to bring the score back to 19-12.

The loss of Buck to injury was a major blow and Newport scored again to put the game beyond the reorganised OL's, but to their credit, a series of breaks saw the veteran Ade Cleaver score and Grant Inch convert to make it 26-19.

If OL's had played with the passion and belief of the last 30 minutes for the whole match the score could have been different.

Positives can be taken from the play of the experienced Dave Middleton and Paul Cutts and another robust game form James Morgan but the collective failure to do the basics well ultimately cost the match.

Hopes were high when OL’s travelled to Lutterworth for their first round Intermediate Cup fixture despite the last minute changes to the backs with James Murray coming in at centre for Ed Wallis with Kyle Knott replacing Murray at full back, Charlie Turney replaced the injured Matt Brown on the wing.  The forwards also had a few last minute changes with David Longrigg replacing Tom Curtis in the 2^nd row.

Steve Pike opened the scoring for the OL’s with a well struck 4^th minute penalty.  The home side responded with aggression and commitment and were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty opportunity, awarded, so it seemed, by Gary Smith having his head in the way of the Lutterworth number 6’s boot that was busy stamping on him.  Justice was served when the kick went wide and Pete Drewett replaced the injured Smith whilst he received attention to his reshaped forehead.

Lutterworth opened, deservedly, their account following a 5-metre scrum that the OL’s pack was able to hold back, the conversion went wide, 3-5.

The OL’s backs were working well, both in defence and on the attack with Ricky Reed showing why he deserved the nickname of Ratty however it was due to a charged down clearance kick from Reed that Lutterworth were able score their second try 3-10.  Mark Cresswell was then to make a terrific break that, unfortunately for us, was to bring about a great try saving tackle from the home side.

Following a missed penalty from Lutterworth Pike was to reduce the deficit with a well-struck penalty that saw us go into the break 6-10 down.

The second half saw Lutterworth increase their lead with a penalty, 6-13 before the replacement of Pete Nealon by Lawrence Sherriffs saw Longrigg move into the back row. OL’s were to make a great break through that almost saw Turney go over for an OL’s try, the ball went lose, the OL’s backs fed the ball across with men to spare and it seemed as though we would finally cross the line, Lutterworth thought otherwise and intercepted a pass from Dave Wallis and their winger ran the length of the pitch to outpace the chasing Turney and Cresswell to score a converted try, 6-20.

Down but not disheartened OL’s responded with a well worked backs move involving Creswell, Turney and Dave Wallis that culminated with Iain Wallis scoring a deserved try, 11-20.

OL’s were again to take advantage of their superiority in their backs that reduced the deficit to 4 points with the ball moving from the left wing to the right for Turney to seemingly take on the entire Lutterworth team before going over, 16-20.  Four minutes to go and four points down all OL’s needed to was another try and despite doing all they could they were, alas, unable.

Though more competitive in the line out than in previous games the OL’s forwards were unable to gain the dominance needed to compete on a level playing field and provide the support that the backs could have exploited to their advantage.  Had they done so OL’s would be through to the next round, as it is, Pete Staines will have a few dates to fill in the fixture diary.

OL's arrived at Banbury in confident mood but quickly found themselves two tries down, the first of which was a 50 metre interception.  A quick reply was needed and Shane Betts, making a welcome return, showed all of his pace and power to charge through the Banbury defence to score from 40 metres.

OL's continued to retain the ball through the phases and shortly after another well constructed attack saw Mark Wilson put Betts in the corner for his second try.  OL's were now dominating the match and the superb lineout ball all afternoon allowed them to retain the majority of the possession and Rhys Wade and Martin Storey both touched down for a 20-12 lead at the break.

At the start of the second half OL's were reduced to 14 men for the 3^rd week running after a sin binning offence and the shortfall on numbers was exploited by Banbury who scored two tries to take the lead.  However, once the OL's were restored to 15 men they finished much the stronger and Mark Wilson capped another fine performance with a try to win the game.

Special mention this week goes to debutant Ed Jones and the more experienced Ray Smith who shared the man of the match award for their all round contributions.

OL's welcomed back Gary Reeve and Charlie Wragg for their first games following long term injuries and started more brightly against a massively bigger side and Adam Foster scored an excellent opening try following good work from Kev White who then converted.

Northants then came back to score through their dangerous centre but missed the conversion. The forwards were playing outstandingly well against a much bigger pack and Dom Marsella scored a try again converted by White. The Northants centre then scored a try which was converted, but following great play again in the forwards Daz Price at fly-half scored a drop goal to give us a 17-12 half time lead.

The second half was much of the same with OL's giving 100%. Kev White scored a penalty, before Northants scored a converted try.  OL's replied straight away with Price showing a surprising turn of pace to score under the posts again converted by White. More was to come as sub Mark Owen spotted a gap at a breakdown and scampered through for a try. The Northants skipper then scored a converted try to set up a thrilling climax but OL's held firm to win 32-26. All in all this was a massive win and all the OL's players deserve equal credit. Ade Cleaver deserves special mention for his outstanding defensive display at full back.

Once again the OL’s line-up differed from that published in the programme with Denzil Evans being replaced at full back by Scott Wiles, James Murray replaced by Mark Cresswell on the wing and Ed Wallis switching from centre to wing to replace Matt Brown with Simon Collyer making his first team debut at inside centre. 

Whatever the line up may have been OL’s once again fielded a side made up of Rugby born and bred, or resident, players against a side that contained a number of new faces recruited from both local sides and New Zealand. 

The first period of the game saw OL’s firmly ensconced in the home side’s half and though they were unable to threaten their line they did have two penalty opportunities before Steve Pike was to open the scoring with his third attempt.  OL’s took possession at the restart but were unable to take advantage of this and Kenilworth, in their first significant period in the OL’s half, after winning the ball from a line out broke through the OL’s uncharacteristic sloppy defence crossed the line for an unconverted try, 3-5.  OL’s were fortunate that Kenilworth were unable to take advantage of a great break from their influential scrum half but were to go further behind a few minutes later through another penalty, 3-8.  The first half was to finish with Kenilworth 3-15 ahead following a converted try that followed a line out lost by OL’s. 

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first with OL’s dominant and Andy Coleman excelling in his defensive play matched by Pete Drewett who was responsible for a wonderful try saving tackle.  Kyle Knott after replacing the injured Ed Wallis was to make an impact on the game and he looked effective in all areas of his game.  Following the replacement of Pete Harris by Ash McEwan in the front row Pike was again successful with another penalty, 6-15. 

OL’s had been competitive in all areas of a game that was far more evenly matched than last season’s corresponding fixture but the physical aspect of it was beginning to tell and despite a period of their most impressive play it was to be the home side that was to register the next points with an unconverted try in the corner, 6-20 followed a few minutes later with a carbon copy try, 6-25. 

Once again the young OL’s side played with commitment and passion and were unfortunate to lose by the margin that they did.  The next few weeks will see the return of a number of regular 1^st XV players and the combination of their experience with the enthusiasm of those that played today should bring about a turnaround in their fortunes.

OL's found this week's task a more challenging one against a strong Kenilworth side featuring a number of ex first team players.

The OL's defence was as strong as the previous week but the line did not function as well which gave Kenilworth the advantage and led to them scoring the only points of the first half for a 7-0 lead

The second half saw OL's down to 14-0 with a man in the sin bin for a technical offence but this saw a determined spell of attacking play which should have given the OL's the lead but a penalty hit the post and minutes later a good scoring chance was squandered as a soft penalty was conceded as the line beckoned and this was compounded by Kenilworth breaking away for a length of the field try, 14-0

The last quarter saw OL's lose a player to injury and this led to holes in their defence as they tried to chase the game and ultimately this led to a final try for Kenilworth, 19-0

This was another solid game for the OL's and particular mention must be made of James Morgan and Mark Wilson for their tackling and ball carrying but it was the lack of possession which was OL's downfall on the day

OL’s began their league campaign against newly promoted Camp Hill, the side that they last played at the end of the season before last when victory saw OL’s promoted to Midlands 1 and Camp Hill relegated to Midlands 3, how things have changed.

Absences through injuries and personal commitments necessitated a change in the OL’s line up that saw them field a side that must have been one of the youngest for many a year, a side that competed in all, but one, areas of the game and it was this weakness that Camp Hill exploited to eventually win the game.

The visitors came close to taking an early lead with a penalty attempt from the visitor’s influential fly-half but it was to be OL’s, through stand-in kicker Steve Pike, who were first to get their names on the score-board with a well taken penalty, 3-0.

It was to be another evenly matched 15 minutes before Camp Hill were able to turn their pressure into points through a converted try from their No 8, 3-7 which was quickly followed by another Camp Hill penalty, 3-10.  The restart saw OL’s respond with some great play from the back-row that allowed captain Iain Wallis to cross the line for a try which was easily converted by Pike, 10-10.  The half ended with Camp Hill answering back with another penalty 10-13.

The break gave Camp Hill the opportunity to discuss how they would break down a stubborn OL’s defence that was prepared to put its body on the line to stem the visitors attempts to break through.  The OL’s young pack were able to deal with all aspects of the visitor’s game apart from their dominance in the line out, an area in which OL’s must work hard to improve.

It took 20 minutes before either side threatened to score and, against the run of play, it was to be OL’s Pike who calmly slotted another penalty from over the halfway line, 13-13, followed by another, soon after, to take a fortunate, though well deserved 16-13 lead.  The pressure of the game was showing on the visitors and this resulted in the sending off of their inside centre for throwing an unwarranted punch.  Ironically this seemed to spur the visitors on to round off their game with a converted try to see OL’s begin their season with a 16-20 home defeat.

Despite this defeat the OL’s should not feel too dispirited as their young side can only get better and, when bolstered by some of their missing, more experienced players, will be able to compete on a level playing field with the best that the league can offer.  Harris and Le Poidevan were, again, competitive in both the scrum and open play and the backs were threatening with ball in hand and resolute in defence.

The comment; “a draw would have been a fair result” was heard from one of the OL’s stalwarts, “true” the response from one of the more vocal visiting supporters … you may, or may not agree.

A promising start to the new season led to a comfortable win at Camp Hill with a mainly untested team.

Last season's regulars in the front row helped to gain the upper hand in the scrums and line-outs and led to an abundance of possession but the game was tight and the score at half time was 3-3 with OL's score coming from a Buck Van de Vesthaven penalty.

The influential fly half was forced to leave the game shortly after the restart and replaced by Dan Tilley who carried on the good work.  From a scrum close to the Camp Hill line the pack forced a turnover and bundled Rich Hayes over for a score.

Shortly afterwards more pressure on the Camp Hill line saw a cross field kick collected by Kyle Knott to touch down.  This brought pressure from Camp Hill and the superb defence was only breached once when the Camp Hill forwards forced themselves over from a quickly taken penalty.

The remainder of the game was pretty one sided as the superior fitness and positional play kept Camp Hill away from the danger area until a Mark Cresswell break saw Martin Storey win the race to touch down a loose ball for the final score.

Finally OL's would like to thank Camp Hill for the loan of a player and for looking after our injured player while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Try from Rich Hughes and 3 penalties and a conversion from Daz Price were not enough to start the season in the same vein as last.

• The new floodlights were used for the first time
• The new pitch was christened
• More OL's players were in attendance than any other Thursday evening

With almost 40 OL's players, including several new faces, it was possible to field 2 totally different sides against and Old Coventrians side that was, to say the least, competitive.

The first session saw OL's take the lead through a break from Charlie Turney following some great individual play from Chris le Poidevan and Rory McLean and, with the pack looking strong it seemed as though there could well be a repeat of the game against Silhillians.  The visitors, however, did not agree and were competitive in all areas of the game.

The 2nd session, with almost an entirely different line up for OL's, saw tries from David Longrigg and Rich Hayes, 15-0

The 3rd session saw an immediate response from Old Coventrians who scored 3 tries to level the score 15-15.

The final session was edged by OL's through a try from James Murray 20-15 and it could have been more but for Matt Brown's excellent kick and 50 metre run being foiled by an unfortunate bounce.

Once again, though there were some fine individual performances, a few players were, again, guilty of not using their support players soon enough resulting in missed opportunities and the ball being won by the opposition through their excellent play in the rucks.

Despite the newly erected floodlights being only deemed suitable for training neither the referee or players seemed to agree and it is obvious that this new facility at Fenley Field will be of great benefit.  The new pitch seemed to be in great condition with the width of it, the maximum allowed, enjoyed by the wingers from both sides.

With the opening game against Camp Hill on Saturday September 3rd decisions need to be made as to how the starting 15 will look as, unfortunately, too many of the OL's players will be selfishly going away to university and as a result be unavailable for selection - I blame the establishment for encouraging people to further the education and Rugby for not having a university of its own !!!

August 20th

• The first 1/4 saw the OL's take a 7-0 lead through a try from Scot Wiles and conversion from Denzil Evans
• The 2nd 1/4 saw the OL's extend their lead with tries from Jabba (converted by Steve Pike) Dave Wallis and Mark Allen (converted by Pike) 26-0
• The 3rd 1/4 saw Silhillians begin to gel into a more competitive side and having almost scored straight from the restart they scored their 1st try a few minutes later, due, in the main, to uncharacteristic poor defence from the OL's, however we responded quickly with a try from Jack Denton following a great break from back row, - no second row - no, loose head Dave Longrigg.  Silhillians responded with another try to see the 3rd period finish with OL's 33-10 ahead.
• The final 1/4 began with Silhillians scoring another try before Iain Wallis went over followed by Denzil Evans and Wallis again to make the final score 48-15

The backs looked threatening whenever they had the ball in hand and though some were, at times, guilty of being a little ball greedy they look as though they will be a potent force this season.  The forwards were competitive despite being both a little ring rusty and inexperienced however with a number of regular 1st XV players absent due to holidays and injuries they too will be effective in the forthcoming league and cup campaigns.  There were some excellent cameo performances including those from Dave Wallis, Mark Allen, Rory McLean, Chris Le Poidevan and Martin Storey amongst others.

One of the truly bright things to observe were the number of young former Lawrence Sherrif pupils eager to wear the Old Laurentian colours all of which bodes well for the future.