Despite a six try scoring spree, Leamington fell just short of winning away at Kidderminster, a side that has been a problem to overcome in recent visits.

The home side came into the match following a heavy defeat last week at the hands of Ledbury, whilst Leamington had been narrowly beaten by Alcester. Therefore, when Leamington took an early ten point lead, courtesy of tries from winger, Ed Gill and centre, Freddie Spencer, the travelling away support were anticipating a return to winning ways for their team.

However, midway through the half, these hopes were dealt a blow when, in a ten minute or so spell, the home side hit back with three, well-worked, converted scores. A darting run from the Kidderminster right-winger started the comeback and this was further enhanced by the strong running home backline, who conjured up two more, impressive tries.

Leamington had also been in strong attacking positions throughout the half, however, where the home side had been able to convert pressure into points, the visitors had fallen just short of the try line on a number of occasions, which was ultimately cost them dearly.

A try from the redoubtable Gareth Shuttleworth, following smart work from Freddie Spencer, got Leamington back into contention, however on the stroke of half time, the home side won three quick penalty decisions in the visitors red zone, using the last one to find a gap in the defensive wall, for another converted try.

Half-Time: 28 – 15

The hosts had the best of starts to the second period, when following a scrum, their fly-half carved a hole in the Leamington defence for a try, to further increase the pressure on Leamington.

The game did, however, start to swing back into Leamington’s favour, when they were able to convert good attack play into scores. A lineout on the nearside wing provided Leamington with possession and following a surging drive by the Pack, the ball was fed to Freddie Spencer, who used his undoubted power and pace to force his way through. Jack Tripp-Smith added the conversion. Further reward came Leamington’s way when a run from Lachlan McKenzie opened up the home defence and once again, Shuttleworth was in strong support to take over and sprint in. Tripp-Smith quickly added the extras.

This positive attack play had brought Leamington to within a whisker of their opponents and they were playing with confidence. The next score would be crucial and it was the hosts that benefitted, making a break from a scrum to once again cross the Leamington defensive line.

In the last play of the match, Leamington created space on the far side wing for Ed Gill to add to his earlier try, with Tripp-Smith adding the conversion. The match did earn two valuable bonus points and keeps Leamington in the top half of the competitive, Counties 1 Midlands West (South) league.

Full Time: 40 - 36