Rugby Union
OLs secure fantastic Berkswell victory

Old Laurentians 13 Berkswell and Balsall 10

Midlands Two West (South)

OLs inflicted just a second defeat of the season on Berkswell on Saturday who would have arrived as league leaders had it not been for a 15 point penalty inflicted upon them.

The hosts were forced into a number of changes and then suffered another blow when Carl Adams picked up an injury in the pre-match warm up.

Jon Bean kicked a 15th minute penalty to put OLs 3-0 ahead before Berkswell won one of their own but opted to go for the try rather than level the scores and Ben Anderson stole possession to clear the danger.

Back on the front foot, OLs’ Luke Harris took a quick tap penalty and sent Simon Bayliss clear from the halfway line with the wing showing great pace to reach the line, Bean converted.

In control of proceedings, OLs ventured forward again and a good move involving Stuart Eborall, Orbinson and Harris ended with the ball being hacked into touch ten-metres from the line.

Anderson won the line-out and the ball was moved quickly to Iain Wallis who powered his way towards the line where the defence just got to him in time.

They conceded a penalty in the phase that followed though and Bean made no mistake to make it 13-0 after 35 minutes.

Berkswell went on the offensive in the final few minutes of the half and on winning a penalty opted for a scrum.

With less than ten-metres to go, Berkswell pushed OLs back over their own line and Galpin touched down for Sam Bignall to convert.

Both sides continued to test each other’s defences but neither was giving way until a poor clearance kick by OLs presented Berkswell with a chance to attack.

They were held though and but OLs conceded a penalty in doing so and Bignall’s successful kick made it 13-10.

The final 30 minutes proved intense and tight with the battle largely being fought up front. Berkswell had the edge in the scrums but OLs were better in the line-out.

Their were openings for both before the final whistle but defences held firm as OLs came out on top.

THE 2nds were also triumphant as they defeated Silhillians 18-15 to go six points clear at the top of Warwickshire One.

Tries from Ben Shepherd and Greg Loydall with two penalties and a conversion from the boot of Ben Wiles sees OLs with the highest points for (272) and the lowest points against (84) from their eight games in the league so far.