Burton - Old Leamingtonians Ladies: 7 - 34

Old Leams Ladies continued their unbeaten run in the Midlands 2 League with a storming performance at Burton on Sunday. Beaten in their first league game early in the season by Burton, Old Leams were out for revenge and got what they deserved.

It wasn't long before the first points were scored as Ol's Captain Christie Honor burst through the defence after a successful penalty move to secure the first try.

Old Leams showed their massive improvement since Christmas with some inch perfect field position kicking by fly half Vicky Stokes and inside centre Kelly Mcleod and some fluent handling down the back line.

Claire Penna, back after fracturing her ribs in a friendly, took advantage of the fast handling and scored the second try after a darting run.

Shortly after new comer and winger Rohie Jallow unfortunately had her first ever try disallowed after a disputed forward pass.

Burton had very little in response and were frustrated with their lack of possession. Their line-outs were constantly disrupted by lock Marieke Vink and Old Leams and hooker Fiona Rose-Jebson stole several balls against the head.  Burton did not look like scoring until towards the end of the first half but by then, Old Leams had put in their third try from winger Celina Bennett.

When Scrum-Half Charlie Graham was substituted after injuring her arm, Old Leams seemed to panic and within 2 minutes they gave away three penalties ending up on their own 5 meter line but their determined defence prevented Burton from scoring.

At half time, Old Leams were leading 19-0.

In the home match earlier this season, Old Leams were up by 10-0 after the first half and lost the match 10-22. This time around, the women remained in complete control and continued to play their own game in the second half. Some excellent running and support play from the rampant forwards such as Laura Knox saw Prop Chris Lycett score try number 4 for Old Leams.

Burton did manage to get on the score sheet in the second half when they were given a penalty try for a high tackle. They managed to convert but that was the last time they were ever a real threat.

Try 5 came from another well worked penalty move when captain Christie Honor took the ball again, side stepped the defence and then passed to Claire Penna who ran in her second try of the day with ease, securing the bonus points for scoring 5 tries in a match.

Fly-Half Vicky Stokes finished the day off in style by scoring in the right-hand corner after working an overlap.

The Final score: 7 - 34. Players of the Match were both wingers: Celina Bennet and Rohie Jallow for their excellent defence work.

The most striking thing about the improvement made by Old Leams is that they are no longer just a pick-and-drive forward dominating side but that they are now able to create fast ball and play with width and adjust their playing style to fit the circumstances.

They are unbeaten in the Midlands 2 League since January with 3 wins and a draw.

This weekend, 17th April, Old Leams will play at home against Lichfield 2nds. Kick off

is at 2.30pm.

For more information about Old Leamingtonians Ladies Rugby Football Club, visit our website at http://www.olrfc.co.uk/ladies