Longlevens Rugby 2nds faced top of the table Gloucester Old Boys RFC coming off the back of three narrow defeats the boys were out to upset the unbeaten Old boys side.
Longlevens played first half up the hill and the first 15 minutes Old boys threw everything at Longlevens but full credit Longlevens defence was solid and from a break by Jaiden Vance forced a penalty, Zak Oliver stepped up to convert leaving Levens 3-0 up.
Longlevens were left defending for large parts of the first half and eventually old boys found a gap where for the first time a guard was not in place and the Old boys second row raced in to get the first try conversion missed 3-5.
This was to be the half time score with Longlevens looking dangerous when they got the ball to the wings the half time talk was about using the slope and getting the big old boys side running around.
The first 15 minutes of the half didn’t go to plan as Longleven couldn’t get hold of the ball but once again defended magnificently to stop Old boys who were now trying to use their big forwards to get through Longlevens calling a 5 meter scrum only for Longlevens to hold firm, they then kicked to the corner to set up maul but once again Longlevens pack held firm.
Soon old boys had no option but to take 3 points 8-3 to Old boys.
From the restart Longlevens had the first real laps in defence and Old boys scored under the post and converted leaving the score 15–3.
This try woke Levens up and they had a ten minute spell where the ball was being sent out to the backs and spun wide to the wingers and a try resulted in winger Will Kemmett diving into the corner 15-8 and Longlevens were back n the game.
From the restart Longlevens again now playing with confidence they had Old boys now running around the ball found it’s way to Carlos Jenkins who found a bit of space and then rounded the Old boys full back to score under the post converted by Zak Oliver 15-15.
From the restart the ball wasn’t claimed cleanly by Longlevens resulting in turned over in their own 22 which old boys capitalised on and scored a try against the run of play under the post 22-15 now to Old boys.
With 6 minutes to go Longlevens got the ball from the restart and had old boys under pressure resulting in several catch and drives Old boys were giving away penalties this resulted in 2 yellow cards for the home side.
With time now in the red Longlevens we’re pressing with big carries from the impressive Mark Hancock and Tom Denby eventually Louis Bosley found his way over the line 22-20.
Sadly the conversion drifted wide and it was another agonising loss for Longlevens.
It’s been a frustrating 3 weeks for the lads with 3 narrow losses which on another day would have been 3 wins and sitting high in the table.
Performances are there it’s just turning the tide and getting that win.
With a week’s rest next week the boys play Chosen Hill on the 4th Nov looking to bounce back and turn the narrow losses into victory’s.
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