Leamington’s 1st XV enjoyed their first taste of competitive rugby of the new season as Nottingham Moderns provided the opposition for a pre-season squad fixture at Moorefields. Despite baring more than a passing resemblance to the Serengeti a few weeks ago the turf was verdant and lush.

With the result secondary to getting valuable minutes into legs, the game also provided an opportunity to welcome some new faces into the Leamington ranks, with Jack Ellis and Cedric Anderson pulling on the shirt for the first time, while the returning Ben Parsons was once again among the Spa contingent.

It did not take long for Leamington to find their stride.

Early pressure was rewarded when Captain Joe Kinghorn combined superbly with Josh Tokely. A quick one-two between the pair released Kinghorn from halfway and the skipper needed no second invitation, racing down the left touchline to finish in the corner. Tokely’s conversion attempt drifted narrowly to the right, but Leamington had their opening score.

The second arrived after 20 minutes and this time it was Brad James who provided the cutting edge. Receiving the ball on the right, some excellent footwork took him past his opposite number before he raced in from 30 yards. Tokely added the extras and the hosts led 12–0.

As the game moved into the second quarter, Leamington began to impose themselves physically. The forwards carried with increasing purpose, with Luke Groves and Ben Edwards in particular making considerable dents in the Moderns defence.

The third try, however, began deep inside Leamington territory.

Jack Tripp-Smith chased back to make an important tackle inside his own 22, won the turnover and then turned defence into attack with a fine break. Gareth Shuttleworth took up the charge before combining with Groves, who finished the move beneath the posts. Tokely converted and Leamington were beginning to find their rhythm.

Tokely was instrumental again for the fourth. A powerful run down the left carried Leamington deep into the visitors’ 22 and, from the resulting quick ruck ball, Ollie Boyes found himself with just one defender to beat. Beat him he did, crossing for another well-worked score before Tokely added the conversion.

Moderns then suffered a moment they would rather forget at the restart. Confusion allowed Gareth Shuttleworth to collect the ball virtually uncontested and surge through the heart of the defence. His perfectly timed pass found John Brear, who still had work to do but simply took the remaining defender with him as he powered across the line. Tokely converted once more.

To their credit, Moderns responded strongly. A powerful scrum followed by some direct running inside the Leamington 22 finally breached the home defence and gave the visitors a deserved converted try.

At half-time Leamington held a commanding 33–7 advantage.

Any suggestion that the break might interrupt Leamington’s momentum was quickly dispelled. Straight from the restart the Spa side were back on the attack and Jamie Loffman produced some wonderful footwork and a delicate final touch to release Ben Edwards for the sixth try. Jack Tripp-Smith took over kicking duties and duly added the extras.

Moderns again refused to go quietly. A Leamington lineout around halfway was mishandled and the visitors reacted sharply, a clever kick through and determined chase eventually producing their second try wide on the left.

That reduced the deficit to 40–14 at the end of the third quarter, but the final period belonged emphatically to Leamington.

A lightning-fast wide pass from the ruck put the ball into the hands of Sam Richards. Eight yards out and with defenders in front of him, Richards opted for the direct route, using his considerable physicality to force his way across the line. Tokely converted.

Barely had Moderns had time to regroup before Leamington struck again.

Straight from the kick-off the home side unleashed a superb strike move. Freddie Spencer powered upfield before releasing Lachlan McKenzie, who had the pace to finish the move in the corner. It left Tokely with his most difficult conversion of the afternoon, but he responded by sending over an excellent touchline conversion.

There was still time for one final flourish.

Jack Tripp-Smith produced a clever offload which was gathered by Brad James. James stepped the final defender and crossed for his second try of the afternoon, with Tripp-Smith adding the conversion to complete the scoring.

The final whistle brought an emphatic 61–14 victory and plenty for Leamington to take into the new campaign.

The scoreline was perhaps a little unkind to a Nottingham Moderns side who competed well for long periods and twice found a way through the Leamington defence. Ultimately, though, they had no answer when the Spa side produced their moments of magic.

Nine tries, contributions from across the squad and some hugely encouraging passages of attacking rugby made this a thoroughly worthwhile first outing of the season.

The serious business may still lie ahead, but the early signs at Moorefields are certainly promising.

Pictures by pinfold
Words by Warnerbot3000 powered by ChatGPT