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).
A strong drive by the OL’s pack ended when they went
to ground and lost the ball forward but Lions were penalised for
‘pulling down’. From the resultant throw-in OL’s attempted to run the
ball wide, but a long pass drifted into touch.
Lion’s backs were however deemed to have been offside
and the OL’s fly half converted the penalty from in front of the posts
to give the away side the lead at 0-3 after 13 minutes.
An improved passage of play from the Lions following
a typical storming run from Wilf Barclay led to a penalty for killing
the ball. The ball was kicked to touch for a Lion’s line-out 5 metres
from the OL’s line. Surely a simple catch and drive would suffice, but
the over-complicated routine of swapping positions resulted in an easy
steal for the OL’s to clear. A similar chance from in front of the
clubhouse was lost because of a crooked throw. In fact there were very
few straight throw-ins from either side, though most went unpunished.
The Lions were now beginning to apply some pressure
and were rewarded with a penalty almost in front of the posts for again
killing the ball which resulted in the OL’s No8 being despatched to the
sin-bin. Instead of going for goal, Lions opted for a scrum but were
penalised presumably for engaging too early.
The pressure was beginning to tell now, and from a
ruck, Jacko picked up to score unopposed. Hawks conversion attempt hit
the post.
From a loose clearance kick, Dave Clements collected
and spun a great pass to Hawks who fed Tim Douglas to score a good try
in the corner. The conversion from the touch-line failed again.
James Wadey then suffered what appeared to be a
serious leg injury and was stretchered from the field to be replaced by
Kelvin Todd.
Half Time Rugby Lions 10 Old Laurentians 3
The second half began with a string of at least ten
penalties in OL’s favour, one of which was converted to make the score
10-6. Lions responded strongly and Tommy Turner fed Hawks who touched
down under the posts. Hawks also converted. The stirling effort put in
by OL’s in the first half to deny the Lions was beginning to tell and it
seemed that the home team’s superior fitness was beginning to tell.
A great run from Dave Clements was just held, but he
managed to off load the ball in the tackle to put Matt Goode in for a
try. Hawks converted for a 24-6 lead. Dave Jackson was replaced at scrum
half by Alex Stajka but not before being called back onto the pitch for
a warning for stamping, apparently spotted by the touch judge. Richard
Parker also replaced Ben Roberts on the wing.
Lions were finding more time and space to work in now
and following concerted pressure Hawks popped up on the right to cross
the line for his second try of the afternoon. His conversion attempt
again hitting the post.
More pressure led to a ruck on OL’s line and Alex
Stajka found Tim Douglas on the blind side to scamper over for his
second try. Hawks again missed the conversion. With minutes remaining
Wilf was yellow carded for offside but Lions defence was sound
throughout the game and they held out comfortably for the win.
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.
