OLS’ flair helps them lift Warwickshire Shield

Old Leamingtonians claimed the Warwickshire RFU Shield Trophy after a superb team performance earned them a hard-fought victory over Pinley.

It was clear from the kick-off that the two sides had contrasting game- plans with OLs attempting to run the ball when opportunities presented themselves and Pinley preferring to rely on a solid, well-organised pack and deep kicks.

A dangerous high tackle inside the opening five minutes allowed Mark Foley to open the scoring for OLs with a long-range penalty.

Pinley responded by forcing OLs back into their 22 and scored a messy try out wide following a series of handling errors from both teams.

The conversion was missed but Pinley extended their lead to 8-3 with a long-range penalty after an infringement on the half-way line.

OLs then levelled the scores just before half-time with the best move of the afternoon.

Well-won ball from the forwards inside their own ten-metre area set up the backs for a speedy break. Full-back Rob Ridler joined the line and outpaced a number of Pinley backs before drawing the full-back and slipping an inside pass to winger Paul Salvin for an excellent score in the corner. The conversion was missed.

The second half continued in the same vein with both sets of forwards cancelling each other out.

However, OLs’ more expansive game was beginning to reap its rewards and, from another fine three-quarter move, winger Liam Wellings displayed his strength and speed to cross wide out to put OLs back in front. Foley kicked a fine conversion from the touchline to stretch the advantage to seven points.

Both sides continued to test each out in rucks and mauls, with the match official kept busy with a number of penalty awards for both teams.

Neither side were able to benefit from the three-pointers, however, until Foley slotted over a penalty from close range to put his side ten points to the good.

With time running out, Pinley opted to kick every penalty award to touch to bring their powerful forwards into play and they were rewarded with an unconverted push-over try.

However, despite prop Nick Bingham being forced off the field for treatment and second-row Dan Careless receiving a yellow-card for repeated offside, Pinley were unable to breach the resolute OLs defence again.