Super The Saviour As Sils Nearly Stuck In The Mud

It won’t be long before blood pressure monitors become standard issue on Sils touchlines across the Midlands. Following the nerve-shredding cup meeting with Spartans last week, this was supposed to be a more straightforward reunion with the league’s 9th-placed side Leamington, whom Sils have already overcome twice at home this season. However, with notable absentees Beech, Manise, Nicholls and Matt Lee and on a sticky, slanted pitch, Sils were made to toil for a slim victory over very capable opposition.

A much-changed Sils received kick-off, with Joe Pick starting at 7, Dan Super and Stu Clarke returning on the wings and Jack Hobbs sliding in to 13. It was clear from the outset that Leamington would be no pushovers, as a poor Sils exit play early on gifted them possession and they followed some phases off 9 by spinning wide for the winger to cross after 3 minutes. Soon after, Ollie Trace popped a shoulder out and briefly left the field to be replaced by debutant Alex Mulcahy. Trace rejoined but was quickly withdrawn again and departed for hospital, adding to Sils’ injury problems. However Mulcahy made an immediate impact, punching holes in an otherwise stubborn Leamington defence.

Sils began to recover from their sluggish start by making inroads. Crowe kicked penalties to touch and the pack coped well with depleted lineout options to set up a solid base. But for a couple of suspect calls from Trenchard they would have most likely crossed the whitewash, but instead stand-in skipper Tom Lee made the wise decision to reward their efforts with three points.

Leamington were sharply back on the offensive, and a clever chip over the Sils defence was gathered up for another canter in out wide. As Sils searched for the missing Ben Crowe, the conversion sailed over and Sils found themselves 12-3 down. Tom Lee nudged over another penalty on the half hour to keep his side within touching distance, and as half time approached, Sils benefitted from a deserved Leamington yellow card, and then a charge down for the second consecutive week, as Mulcahy got in the way inside the Leamington 22 and finished off. Lee hit the post to sum up Sils’ laboured first half. 12-11.

Leamington continued to take the game to their visitors in the second half. Sils relied on Tom Lee’s boot again as they hauled themselves in front for the first time from another penalty. Meanwhile Gaz Rock, who has proven himself more than qualified to bridge the gap between the 2nd and 1st XV, replaced Jimmer Hibbard to replenish a pack unit visibly tired from the previous weekend’s exertions. There was no let off from the home side, however, as they drilled a penalty into the corner and set up a solid driving maul which rolled over for their third try. 17-14.

Sils continued to have chances but robust Leamington defence prevailed. Most noteworthy was Tim Trace’s ungodly decision to kick from an opportunity on the short side. In an attempt to switch things up, Harry ‘the hermit’ Law replaced Harry Pick at 10. Outside him, Mulcahy continued to crash through the middle whilst wings Super and Clarke looked solid under the high ball and also made decent yards with ball in hand. Tom Lee missed a shot at goal to bring Sils level, but the visitors were now in the ascendancy. A succession of forward carries from the base and outside 9 sucked the Leamington defence infield, and Lee and Law picked their moment, tossing the ball wide to Ben Crowe who bulleted a pass to Dan Super, who backed himself on the outside to finish well in the corner and edge Sils ahead, 17-19.

Late on, Sils much improved discipline caved momentarily and Leamington were awarded a chance to conjure a late shock. As they came to a decision, it was made for them by a tee-bearing substitute who stepped onto the pitch. Poor chap. The subsequent place kick attempt proved ambitious and fell well short, allowing Sils to clear their lines and see out what remained. Another one bites the dust… Just.

Spartans were seemingly also struggling following the cup clash last week, losing away at Berkswell & Balsall to solidify Sils’ 2nd place position. Rugby Lions’ bonus point win means the Copt Heath Elite now have 7 points either side of them. Next weekend sees the visit of Malvern.