RUGBY: Conditions suit Pinley's pack as Old Laurentians edged out

Midlands 2 West (South)

Pinley 24 Old Laurentians 17

As might have been predicted, Pinley’s forwards dominated this game on a mud patch well suited to their heavy pack, who had OL’s lightweight eight on the back foot from the off.

But OLs started well and the first 20 minutes were played almost exclusively in Pinley’s half, writes Bill Wallis.

When Pinley did lift the siege, their pack drove over from a lineout. They added a converted try on 35 minutes, once more through their forwards.

On the stroke of half time OLs got one back, Jordan Bunn sniping to the blind side of a scrum on Pinley’s 22 and sending wing Toby Corrigan over in the corner. Jon Bean’s conversion made it finely poised at 7-12 as the break arrived.

Six minutes into the second half OLs went through several phases and sent Dom Hammond racing in for a try.

Pinley regained their lead straight from the re-start when once more their pack drove over for a try and a 12-17 scoreline. They secured the win and a try bonus, again through their pack, for 12-24.

For the remaining 20 minutes OLs had their best spell since the first quarter and fought spiritedly. Full back Ben Varney combined expertly with Corrigan to send Andy Orbinson over for a try under the posts, Bean’s conversion ensured a losing bonus point.

For OLs Jordan Bunn at scrum half, was always lively, often making the best of slow possession; and Andy Orbinson was a tower of strength throughout, although the side’s cause wasn’t helped by influential skipper James Orbinson limping off with an ankle injury after ten minutes.

Again it was OLs young players who particularly caught the eye. At full back, Ben Varney was secure at the back, always looking for the opportunity to attack. Starting for the first time, and in the unfamiliar position of wing, Josh Greenwood demonstrated his power and pace.

Matt O’Connor was always heavily involved in the action and Toby Corrigan scored one try and set up another.

The 1st XV have a blank Saturday this week. Sihillians visit on January 25 for their next league match.