Silhillians 22 - 14 Leamington

Sils played their first home game of 2012 against an inform Leamington who were third in the table on Saturday. The home side made a number of changes with three colts making their debut.

The home side got off to a shaky start and needed some solid defending from the start. Leamington missed an early penalty opportunity and this seemed to wake up Sils who started to play some rugby of their own and created a penalty opportunity which Steve Hawkins converted. The home side were really starting to play with the forwards dominating providing quick ball for Ollie Blundell to release the back line. Some strong running from Harrison Law providing a platform for the forwards to produce quick ball, this was spun out to Si Doherty who made a great line break and sent a 20 yard pass straight into the hands of Ollie Beech who galloped in for the first try of the afternoon, two extra points added by Steve Hawkins.

It wasn’t long before the home side were on the score sheet again with the forwards catching and driving some 40 metres from a lineout, being stopped just short and Ollie Blundell spotting a gap to sprint over for a try on his debut again two more points were added from the reliable boot of Steve Hawkins. 17-0 and looking strong.

Leamington came out in the second half rejuvenated, the forwards looked strong and the backs running some good lines. But strong defence from Sils kept the visitors out. However, Leamington could not be kept out all afternoon and eventually scored a well worked try wide on the right which was superbly converted. Sils tried to up the tempo with some strong running from Jack Kalewski, however it was Leamington who found another gear and again scored on the right hand side which was converted.

17-14 with the visitors taking the upper hand, meant a very nervy last 10 minutes for the home supporters. The introduction of Will Crane and Tim Trace seemed to settle Silhillians who managed to pick themselves up and dominate the final 10 minutes even managing another try with the last play of the game, scored by another debutant Jack Kalewski.

Final score 22 - 14