Rugby Union:
Changes hinder OLs

Berkswell and Balsall 12 Old Laurentians 5

Midlands One West

OLs’ poor run of results continued on Saturday when they were once again forced into a host of changes.

The visitors have struggled to field a settled side all season, which has had an impact on their results, and with six more changes having to be made on Saturday, it appears to be a problem that will not go away.

Berkswell, who stuck to their familiar game play of playing it tight through their big forwards, drew first blood with a converted try following some flimsy defence from OLs.

The big Berkswell pack had given OLs problems early on in the scrums but gradually the visitors knuckled down and began posing problems of their own the longer the half wore on.

A series of phases late in the half saw OLs seriously threaten and after creating space on the right wing, Owen Robinson finished well for his debut 1st XV try to cut the gap to 7-5 at the break.

There was little to get spectators on the edge of their seat in the second half but Berkswell did rumble over from a scrum for a try that gave them a seven-point cushion.

Although OLs shaded territory and possession in the final 15 minutes they were held by Berkswell’s defensive blanket and were forced to settle for the minor consolation of a losing bonus point.

Switching to number eight in Glenn Todd’s absence, Liam Deery again showed that he will become a very useful asset to the club whilst wing Owen Robinson demonstrated his pace and skill once more but is shortly flying off to enjoy the Australian summer, depriving the club of the services of a highly promising player.

Of the established players, Dom Hammond was the pick on the day, once again demonstrating his value to the side. Aaron Metcalfe came on to bolster the scrummaging effort very effectively and Andy Coleman on the flank was always in the thick of the action.

Next up is a Warwickshire Cup tie at Fenley Field on Saturday against a Broadstreet team currently flying high in National Three Midlands.

THE 2nds’ bid to get back to winning ways was thwarted when losing 33-12 at Silhillians 2nds.

With no referee available the contest was reduced to a friendly but things did not start well for OLs as they fell 7-0 behind.

A second converted try followed before OLs gave themselves hope with Matt Dwelley crossing for White to convert, cutting the gap to seven points by half time.

Sils scored the first try of the second half but OLs kept in touch with Tom Gleghorn’s try making it 19-12.

Two more converted tries put the game out of OLs reach though as the scoreboard was given something of a flattering look by the final whistle.

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