26/04/2023
Match Report, U16 Warwickshire County Shield
A brilliant Warwickshire U16 County Shield Final saw Leamington U16’s narrowly defeat their close rivals Harbury for the third time in 2 months at Barker Butts rugby club on Sunday.
Leamington, featuring 7 players who joined the club at 5 years old completed the hattrick of victories with last ditch try from inside centre Alfie Delves-Payne. Alfie took advantage of the bounce from a clever cross-field kick by fly half Joe Johnston. The ball sat up beautifully for Alfie to beat the diving Harbury full back into the corner to the delight of many Leamington fans who made the short journey down the A45.
Leamington got off to a strong start. The pack led up front by Props, George Wilkinson and Luis Erinmez and ho**er Syd Harvey (grandson of club legend Brian White) dominated the set piece scrum and built forward momentum with heavy ball carrying. The early pressure led to lack Archie Thompson crashing over for the first score.
Harbury rallied to find some momentum and secured a penalty taken easily by the in form Kicking flyhalf Zak. Leamington responded with a period of pressure and brilliant line speed resulted in a charged down clearance picked up close to home by outside centre Jack Golding who dropped across the line to extend the lead. Scrum half, Thomas Van Der Hoven slotted over the conversion to make the score 12-3.
During the second period of the first half Harbury played their best Rugby. A strong forward approach led to great ball retention, darting pick and goes and some stylish off-loading. The swing in momentum showed on the scoreboard. Harbury drew closer and then took the lead with 2 well worked try by the forwards and a smart bit of quick thinking from a tap and go penalty 8 yards out. With both tries converted the half time score had Harbury ahead 17-12.
Half time talks from Coaches Stuart Burbidge and Gareth Wilkinson reminded the Leamington lads who the better side was for much of the game so far. As the second half began with the wind in Leamington’s favour the team came out of the blocks well. A change up at the front bought early wins in the lineout. Lachie Davies rising high to win two balls against the head. The scrum retained its dominance with the forwards winning the battle time after time. Further smart kicking and great breaks in the backs led to Leamington dominating territory thought the half. The back rows of Alex Burbidge, Finn Cassidy, Lachie Davies and Isaac Ward tacked and jackled back possession when it was lost while the beast that is George Wilkinson lined up player after player to remind his opposition, they were in a final with bone crunching regularity. Second rows Jamie Loffman and Calum Mullen, a former Harbury player, spoiled at the break down and carried the ball hard breaking the gain line often. It was on one of these carries that led to a dominant driving pack edging closer to the Harbury Line. A fine pick and go from the back of the breakdown led to well deserved score for loose head George Wilkinson bringing the game to 17 - 17 with 25 minutes remaining.
As Leamington pressed for the final score chances came and went. Overlaps created and not converted there was still some defending to do. Wingers Harry Olds, Owen Treanor and Alex Harvey made game saving tackles on their opposition numbers as Harbury spread the ball wide looking for space around the outside. Connor McCarthy was imperious under the high ball all match. A calming influence at full back, Connor carried the ball away from danger throughout as red and whites desperately tried to reverse the momentum.
With 4 minutes left on the clock the incredible Leamington forwards turned over once again and build a steady platform for Tom at 9 to set up Joe Johnston to angle a kick form centre field away from the full back and beyond the Harbury left wing. Cue the celebrations as Alfie charged on to the loose bouncing ball and blasted past the remaining defenders to score in the corner.
A nerve racking last 3 and half minutes remained. Harbury secured a penalty and kicked for the corner. Quite fabulous defence, bravery and resilience in the dying seconds was testimony to the strength of mind and sheer hard work of the entire squad. A final jackle by captain and talisman Joe Johnston secured a penalty only a meter in front of his own goal line. This was a fitting way to regain possession and kick the call to touch for the final whistle.
Players, unavailable for selection on the day, Olly Spearman, Arseni Kelbas, Carter-James Bailey, Kyne and Adam Houghton sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate with their team mates.
This was a fantastic game of ruby enjoyed by all and played in truly brilliant spirit. Both teams embraced, coaches cried (well one did) and an enjoyable evening was left to unfold.
Away from the game – I would like to take the chance to congratulate the club and age group. Whether the lads have played for a decade or less the commitment has been incredible. The parents of this age group has each played their part and the age group as a whole has been a heartbeat for minis and juniors throughout. Friends have been made for life and the smiles and joy in those players eyes last Sunday afternoon has made every second worth it. It’s is the most perfect example of what Leamington Rugby club is about and long may it continue.
