PICTURE GALLERY: Shipston-on-Stour v Old Leamingtonians
HERALD photographer Mark Williamson covered Shipston's Midlands 3 West (South) clash against Old Leamingtonians on Saturday.
A disappointing display from Shipston saw them slip from the top of the division and into second after a 32-12 defeat against a well-drilled Old Leamingtonians side.
With a host of changes from the previous week due to injuries and players away at the internationals, there were starts for Josh Bird and Chris Calcott in the back line and Ollie Morris came onto the bench to add his experience to the youthful side.
The first half was a non-event as far as Shipston were concerned. They were beaten in every facet of the game and looked second best throughout the half, going in at the break 15-0 down.
Old Leamingtonians were playing with real intent and never allowed the Rams an inch as they pressed hard in defence and carried the ball with real purpose throughout the first period, fully deserving their brace of tries and the lead at the interval.
Shipston woke up in the second half and made a dent in the defecit after scoring a try of their own through Matt Corby after a strong driving maul from a lineout deep in the OLs’ half.
An excellent break from Will Hammond later in the half earned the Rams their second try of the afternoon, this time converted by Cooper, but in truth they never really looked like getting back into the tie, eventually finishing second best. For all of the endeavor in the second half, Shipston lacked any real penetration and found it difficult to breach the OLs’ defences.
Too many changes and inconsistencies cost them dearly again and they will be looking to bounce back against Old Wheatleyans on Saturday, 17th February.
