Longlevens RFC

Longlevens Rugby 2nds travelled to Cheltenham Saracens RFC and left wondering how they game slipped between their grasp.
Travelling to a team 2nd in the league Longlevens knew they had to start well, and on a wet miserable day Longlevens did just that with an early catch and drove scored by Tom Denby.

Saracens got into  the game and a yellow card for the returning Ollie Deacon meant Saracens closed the gap to 5-3.

This was compounded by the influential Tom Denby being forced off, losing the early momentum Longlevens had. A try followed for Saracens after a well set up drive 8-5.

Longlevens regrouped and put pressure on Saracens but in difficult conditions both teams struggled to put phases together and Longlevens opted to take 3 points converted by 2nd row Rob Hanman 8-8 the half time score.
From the kick off Longlevens were sleeping meaning the worst possible start and a try for Saracens unconverted 13-8.
For the rest of the half Longlevens dominated but little errors crept in when a try looked likely to be scored  meaning Longlevens could not find their way across the Saracens line.
a loose kick was fielded my Harry Morris who fed Finlay Garfield to use his pace to go over converted by Robin Hanman with 10 minutes to go Longlevens led 15-13.

Longlevens were soon in the Saracens half pushing to close out the game but a mistake allowed Saracens out and after a cross field kick was knocked on in the Levens 22 a scrum allowed Saracens a good platform and with the last play of the game their centre found this way across the line meaning Saracens snatched the win with the last play of the game 18-15.

A bitter result for the seconds. But credit must go  to Saracens for digging in and getting the victory at the death, but Longlevens can be proud of a dominant performance on another day would of resulted in a convincing victory.