Longlevens RFC

Longlevens Rugby Seconds made the short trip across Gloucester to Widden Old Boys for a top of the table clash. Spirits are riding high in the club with five bonus point wins on the bounce. However, Widden were also undefeated and the last three times they have pumped the super 2s by forty odd points. Time to change that..
The weather wasn’t favourable to an expansive attacking game. Strong winds and wet underfoot meant we couldn’t play in our own half.
From the first kick off, Levens exited well. Sending the ball deep into the Widden 22. After a few scrappy phases a scrum was awarded to Widden. The ball was played to their 10 who sent a spiral bomb towards right wing Elliot Norwood. Elliot collected superbly under pressure, before handing off the first tackler, running around the second and chipping the ball over the third to recover and score the opening try in the corner. CONVERTED. (0-7) A fine piece of skill from a very talented player.
Shortly after, good pressure from Longlevens resulted in the Widden defence going off side. (0-10). A dodgy exit from the restart allowed Widden to get good territory into the Levens half. A couple infringements later and a simple penalty kick was awarded to Widden. (3-10)
Possession then traded back and forth until eventually Longlevens had a scrum on the halfway line just off centre to the left. Testament to the boys who train every week, a set piece play worked a treat. The boys executed a ‘Rosy’ which sent full back Mike through half a gap. One play open to a pod of forwards already set. For a quick attack back the other way. A perfectly weighted grubber kick through found the hands of Norwood who dove in for his second. (3-15)
The end of the half saw sustained pressure from Widden, but a strong defensive set by the griffins kept them at bay. With the ball eventually cleared for a half time score of Widden 3 – 15 Longlevens Seconds. Buoyed by a strong first half performance, confidence was high. The super 2s just had to manage the conditions and try to play in Widdens half.
Which was easier said than done. The second half was dominated by Widden with possession largely in their favour. From 1 – 15 the boys made a huge defensive set, with the only respite coming in the forms of scrums which were used to send the ball back towards Widden and relieve pressure. A massive effort from the entire pack – with tackle counts for multiple players easily reaching double digits.
Eventually after a sustained period of Widden pressure. A penalty was awarded to Widden. A tap and go was taken on the levens 5 meter and resulted in a try in the corner. (8-15)
This served as a wake up call for the super 2s. We weren’t going to win this game by sucking up all the Widden pressure and from the restart, the Widden dick of the day volleyed the ball into touch. From the line out the forwards opted for a driving maul, they boys drove hard 15 meters towards the Widden line. Then again, straight off the training ground a ‘Springbok’ was called. Harry Atkinson went straight up the centre before popping to Ed Glanville just before contact. Ed drove through the defensive line and beat the full back to score under the posts. (8 – 22)
For the next 20 minutes, Levens weathered the Widden attack. Before two consecutive infringements sent the super 2s into the Widden 22 for another line out. The same call for a driving line out. This time however, the Gazelle variation of Springbok was called. Harry Atkinson drove at the line only to pop an inside ball to captain Mike Yorke who sliced straight though and dove under the sticks for the bonus point try and final play of the game. (8 – 29)
A massive effort from all the boys with an electric feel after the game. Huge smiles all around and the grit and determination to get off the deck and make the tackle made the rewards worthwhile at the end.
This puts the Super 2s six points clear at the top.

Man of the Match was awarded to Ed Glanville. A huge defensive and offensive effort. Working hard off the line to make tackles and exiting well.
Dick of the Day was decided on the pitch and everyone who was there knew it instantly. In a familiar pattern Widden sent a kick long left into the Levens 22. After a single bounce Tyler Grant caught the ball and shouted MARK and stuck his elbow up.. Not the rules TY! DOTD.
Finally a big shout out to Paul Church for driving the minibus and the firm for huge support on the sideline.
The super 2s welcome Minchinhampton to Longford Lane on Saturday for the halfway fixture.