Looking at current league placings, this match was always going to be a difficult one for Spa to contend with, however it was only in the late stages of the second period that the game was finally decided.

Patrick Northover got Leamington off to a good start with an early penalty goal, however the visitors soon showed why they are top of their league as they responded almost immediately with an unconverted try.

Playing conditions were heavy, following the incessant rain prior to kick-off and handling was difficult for both sides. Despite this, Northover did his utmost to get good ball from the scrum and get his backline moving. Fly-Half, Gus Gillespie, continued his promising start to 1st Team rugby, with some clever kicking and good movement with the ball.

Leamington, were, however, finding it difficult to get their attack going for concerted periods and at times had to defend in depth. When Bridgnorth's big pack were allowed too much room, they found a gap in the Spa defence and crashed over for a converted score.

As the half drew to a close, Leamington did have some quality possession and showed during these periods that the game was still there to be won. The pack, although conceding weight advantage, showed plenty of guile. Craig Smith and Tom Greevy once again worked well in the line-out and Gareth Shuttleworth produced another superb individual performance, using his tackling skills to disrupt the opposition. This passage of play saw Leamington almost unlock the Bridgnorth defence courtesy of an excellent break by winger, Ryan Byrne.

Half Time: 3 - 12

Bridgnorth began the second period on the front foot and Shuttleworth put in a try saving tackle to thwart an early attack. However, the visitors continued to apply pressure and when they won possession, they took the opportunity to whip the ball quickly along the backline, scoring in the nearside corner.

Leamington were quick to respond to this set back when centre, Clive Jackson, gained the ball and quickly began a counter attack. Making quick, positive ground, Spa got the ball out to winger, Ryan Byrne, who is in devastating form, and his pace allowed him to outshine the Bridgnorth defence and race over. Northover was just off target with the conversion attempt.

Although this was not the last of Leamington's attack play, they did fall to three try scoring incursions by the visitors. The last one a particular disappointment, as Craig Smith had raced back to pull off a breathtaking tackle only to see the ball fall invitingly for Bridgnorth to score.

Full Time: 8 - 32

Next week Leamington return to league duty with a trip to Nuneaton Old Edwardians, kick-off 2.15 pm.