RUGBY: Old Laurentians
Latest reports and tribute to Kevin Jones
Saturday 27th February 2010
Midlands 2 West (South)
Old Laurentians 45 – Kidderminster 19
The two form sides in the league went head to head at Fenley Field on Saturday, OLs having won their last six games while Kidderminster had enjoyed a run of five consecutive victories.
But after thirty minutes play it had become clear which record was going to be extended further as OLs had already built an unassailable 26-0 lead and by the final whistle they had run in seven excellent tries to their opponents' three.
Kidderminster fielded a big, mobile pack of forwards, but OL's eight competed effectively with them throughout. They produced the stronger scrummaging performance and provided quick possession through the phases to ensure that their backs had plenty of opportunities to use their superior pace and inventiveness.
Laurentians went on to the offensive from the off and after a storming run by Ollie Cowley had set up the position, lock Paul Willis crashed over for a try after just four minutes – his first score at Fenley Field for the 1st XV in eleven years of trying!
Two minutes later, Andy Orbinson snaffled a loose Kidder pass and burst through the middle to find Chris le Poidevin up in support, the prop feeding Steve Pike who ran in for the try and a 12-0 lead. This was increased after eighteen minutes by a trademark Simon Bayliss score after Evans was quickest to a loose ball in midfield. It was transferred smoothly to Bayliss and the wing burnt off the defence in a 45 metre run to the line, Evans adding the goal points for 19-0.
Bayliss ran in the next after smart build up play gave him the opening, his eighth try against this opposition in the last four games between the sides. Evans converted to bring up a score of 26-0.
The hard working Kidder pack built up a head of steam as half time approached and a great drive took them to OL's line where they released the ball to their backs, centre Martin crossing for a try and a 26-5 score line at the break.
OLs were quickest off the blocks in the second half, Iain Wallis jinking over for a try after a slick build up featuring Parker, Adams and Pike. Evans added the points for a 33-5 score. But the Kidder pack responded with a drive from a lineout inside OL's 22, muscling over for a try touched down by prop Rigsby and converted by McLellan, reducing the deficit to 33-12.
OLs were not in the mood to allow a sustained Kidderminster recovery and after Pike and Ben Wiles had both gone close, scrum half Richard Parker scythed through to score after a Kidder scrum had been disrupted.
But the Kidderminster pack mounted another successful assault on OL's line to record their third try, converted by McClellan for 38-19 with five minutes still to play.
Then Garrie Reeve was first to the ball as another Kidder movement was broken up and Evans moved the ball left. Ben Wiles set off on a penetrating run down the flank before linking with Iain Wallis, the centre running in for his second try. Evans slotted his fifth conversion to bring up the final score.
The win consolidated OL's third place in the league and put clear water between themselves and Kidderminster in fourth, now lying two points ahead of them with a game in hand. Next up is a visit to Barkers Butts on Saturday, the Coventry side occupying 5th place and having a good season.
Warwickshire League 1
Barkers Butts 2nd XV 25 – Old Laurentian 2nd XV 12
This was a game between top and bottom in the league, and therefore one which OLs travelled to with confidence high for a good win. But it transpired that Barkers 1st XV had no fixture on Saturday and OLs met a much reinforced 2nd team.
Although OLs put in a lively and committed performance they were ultimately unable to hold the superior strength and power of the team they faced on the day.
Friendly
Old Laurentian 3rd XV 6 – Southam 2nd XV 12
A competitive game finished in favour of a good Southam 2nds team, who prevailed by scoring two tries with none in reply from OLs. A lively start by OLs suggested they could win this one, but they were unable to make their early advantage tell and Southam's superior fitness and organisation saw them home.
Kevin Jones
1955-2010
Old Laurentian Rugby Club members were shocked and saddened last weekend to hear of the death of long-time member Kevin Jones. Universally known as KJ, the popular ex-player died suddenly at the age of 54, leaving wife Farrah and son Ash.
KJ joined the OLs as a callow youth straight from Lawrence Sherriff School but soon made his mark in the first team. But for a brief period with Rugby Lions, KJ remained a member of the OLs until his death. He played in the team that won the first ever Ralli Cup for the club and was the only player to play in all 7 winning finals between 1976 and 1987. After the third win he asked if the Ralli Cup final date could be changed as it always took place the day before his accountancy exams!.
He was a member of the 2nd XV when they became the first team to win a county final for the OLs and was voted Player of the Year in 1979-80. He was as popular off the field as on it, fully joining in the social scene. He made many friends during the club's frequent visits to Minneapolis where his party piece of 'One Wheel On My Wagon', including the inevitable smashed tray, was always in demand.
KJ was a generous sponsor of the club with his business partners at Perry Appleton.
He will be sadly missed by all his friends at the OLs, whose thoughts are with Farrah, Ash, KJ's Mother and his brother David at this sad time.
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Weather for Rugby
Thursday 09 February 2012
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