Leamington opened up the New Year with a welcome victory, at home against Earlsdon, winning 38 - 29.
Fixtures between the two sides date back to 1927, and this latest encounter did not disappoint, with both sides producing a quality display that emphasises the strength of rugby football in Counties 1 Midland West (South).
Although Earlsdon edged the first period, after overcoming a strong start from the hosts, Leamington were able to increase the pressure on their opponents in the second half, score four additional tries and run out worthy winners.
Playing conditions were excellent for the time of year, with a firm surface and no adverse weather issues to contend with. This was no doubt a help to Leamington, in the opening minutes of the match, as they forced their way into Earlsdon’s red zone following a run from winger, Jim Reed. The home pack carried the move towards the try line and prop, Louis Dunbavin, was inches short of the crease, with one of his trade mark runs. The hosts were able to retain possession and move the ball back to the left flank, where Jim Reed was ready and waiting to plough his way through the Earlsdon defence for a try in the corner.

Earlsdon showed their strong character with a quick response, scoring a converted try, however, soon after, a run from Leamington full back, Harry Stanton, opened up the visitors defence allowing the pack to once again prosecute the incursion further. With the Earlsdon defence penned back, Leamington scrun-half, Tom van der Hoven, seized the chance when it arose to grab the ball and dive over in the corner.

Before the break, Earlsdon responded with two tries and a conversion, to go in at halftime leading 19 – 10.

Leamington were quick to readdress the deficit and within two minutes of the restart they were once again working the scoreboard. Gareth Shuttleworth claimed possession just outside his 22 metre zone, fed the ball to fly-half, Sam Nunn, who at once spotted Jim Reed on his left. Reed took delivery and set about attacking the flank, still inside his own half. Pushing defenders aside, the winger raced up the far side touch before putting in a delightful chip ahead. This manoeuvre completely out-foxed the Earlsdon defence and the winger was able to regain possession and race in under the posts. Jack Tripp-Smith was on hand to land the conversion.

Leamington were in full flow now and the combination of Reed and Tripp-Smith were once again instrumental in putting their side into the lead. Further reward soon followed when the home side won a penalty in the Earlsdon red zone and quickly sent the ball out to Freddie Spencer. The big centre, who had been pivotal in both defence and attack for his team all afternoon, sent out a long pass to Stanton, who raced in for a score in the corner. Tripp-Smith then capped this fine score, with a superb conversion.

The home side were putting clear daylight between themselves and the opposition and the gap widened further, following an incisive break from prop. Heera Johal. Taking the ball in midfield, the prop forward made a darting run into the Earlsdon 22 metre zone, linked perfectly with the supporting, Luke Groves, who in blink of an eye served up a try-scoring pass to Freddie Spencer. Tripp-Smith, once again added the conversion.

The visitors did regroup and hit back with two tries, however, they were unable to catch the Leamington lead, with the home side earning a well-deserved, bonus point win.

Full Time: 38 - 29