Longlevens RFC

Longlevens turned on the style in this localist of local derbies, running out convincing winners and fully cementing the bragging rights with a double over their Longlevens rivals. 

For the umpteenth time this season 'Levens opened the scoring within the first five minutes, capitalising on a fast start to send Jack Cuthbert over. From a lineout the ball was secured and moved in to midfield and Sam Oliver made good yards up the middle. This tied in the Richians defence and Cuthbert was able to power over on the left, Wilkins converting for 0-7.

The next score came minutes later after some more hard yards through the middle by Oliver. Again, he managed to draw the defence towards him, making space for Matt Smith to offload to Kory Holman-Jones who smashed his way over the line, 0-12. 

The game calmed down for 10 minutes with neither side achieving much other than solid possession. 'Levens then began to build back into the game and reverted back to their tried and tested shape. This created space in the wider channels and prop Oliver Smith was on hand to make a break. He was able to offload to Tom Barton who showed his customary pace to finish off in the left corner, converted, 0-19. 

Old Richians then began a period of good possession and territory, utilising their limited short game in the 'Levens 22. Knowing the ball was only ever going to be moved close to the ruck the 'Levens defence worked hard around the fringes to nullify the Richians effort and were able to clear their lines. Once back in the Richians 22 they worked through good attacking phases and were able to get the ball into the back's hands. Holman-Jones took a good pass, cut back inside and sprinted clear to finish the half with another try 0-26. 

The message at half time was clear, at least another 26 points was the absolute minimum requirement. It didn't take long for the players to heed this instruction, as Tom Barton went over after two minutes. Sam Oliver received the ball just in the 'Levens half and kicked to the 22, managing to execute a 50-22 and procure lineout possession. The drive was held up meaning Richians had to drop out from the goal line. This was fielded well and spun left for Barton to dive in the corner, 0-31.

Barton secured another Hatrick soon after following a great break from Tom Denby.  His enormous stride injured a Richians player and directly from the injury re-start a long pass found Barton who crossed the whitewash, 0-38. The forwards then got in on the act with Joe Weatherley ripping the ball in contact and galloping under the posts, 0-45.

Weatherley bagged a brace two minutes later from a lineout, capping an impressive performance from the stand in captain. Unfortunately, 'Levens then had a concentration lapse, missing tackles in midfield to allow Richians over for a score, 5-52. This woke the team up and they were able to move the ball back to the wider channels where Richians had struggled to defend all day. Matt Smith cut a good line and stepped inside to go under the posts, going for a swim in the process. 

Richians had the final say with a pick and go try at the death, but that didn't distract from a good all-round performance and another win. During the obligatory results check in the bar it was revealed that Dings had hammered Clifton, meaning Longlevens slim chances of winning the league had now been augmented.