In a high scoring match, which ebbed and flowed throughout, Leamington gave their hosts, equal second in the league Camp Hill, a testing time, just losing out by 43 points to 33.

Leamington began the match in top gear and soon their pressure produced points when scrum-half, Sam Russell and winger, Ethan Roberts combined to create an opening for Harry Stanton and the opening try.

From the kick-off, John Brear claimed possession and caught the home defence cold, as he raced up field, at pace, gaining some 50 metres or more in the process. When eventually halted, prop, Heera Johal, carried the move forward, again at pace, towards the home try line. The attack was finally halted when the visitors conceded a penalty, thus allowing Camp Hill to clear the danger.

The hosts then took the lead briefly, with a converted try, before Leamington hit back with a well-engineered try. Harry Stanton kicked his side into a good position and when skipper, Joe Kinghorn and Brear linked, they were able to crack open the home defence for Luke Groves to capitalise on for try number 2. Jack Tripp-Smith added the extras. Leamington then increased their lead further when, following a lineout, Brear and Tripp-Smith linked to free up Ethan Roberts for another cleverly constructed try, Tripp-Sith adding the conversion.

Before the break, Camp Hill returned to the party with 2 tries and a conversion to draw level.

Half Time: Camp Hill 19 – Leamington 19

The opening of the second period was, it turned out, to be the defining moments of the match, as the hosts added two quick scores, notwithstanding a quite superb, try-saving tackle form the irrepressible, Jack Tripp-Smith.

The visitors did, however, continue to press the home defence, and Freddie Spencer, Leamington’s midfield dynamo, was able to claim two tries, one converted by Tripp-Smith. These scores were interspersed with a penalty from the hosts and then a converted score, leaving Leamington to bank a valuable try bonus point for their afternoons endeavours.

Full Time: Camp Hill 43 – Leamington 33

Words by Warner
Pictures by Pinfold