Kiddy crushed as Spa throw off the shackles

Leamington built on the previous week’s nervy win to produce an exquisite display of free-flowing rugby in this Midlands Two West (South) clash.

No extravagance was spared as the home side ran in eight tries, with scrum-half Patrick Northover capping another flawless display by chipping in with 19 points.

The pattern of the afternoon was set in the openings minutes as Simon Dudley broke through at pace and forced Kidderminster to concede a penalty which Northover slotted over.

The speed in which Spa are able to attack can be devastating and they quickly pressed home this early advantage as Tom Daplyn raced out of defence and sent Nathan Earland away for try in the corner.

With Spa providing all the aces, they increased their lead with some majestic play from centre Alex Carroll and the quick-thinking Dudley allowing Daplyn to link up with winger Richard Staff, who sprinted in under the posts. Northover ensured maximum points.

Kidderminster hit back with a penalty goal, but Spa’s back division were continually looking to carve out openings and Carroll in particular was causing havoc for the visitors as he broke out at pace.

In one rampaging run he cut through the defence and his pass just failed to connect with winger Staff, who had a clear run-in.

This period of pressure eventually provided Northover with the chance to put Spa further ahead with another well-judged penalty goal.

Kidderminster took advantage of good possession to hit back with a converted score to go in 18-10 down at the break.

Spa began the second period in the best possible manner.

Alex Sharman chose the direct route into Kidderminster territory and found the supporting Carroll who raced over for the try. Northover added the conversion.

Within moments of the restart, Spa won a scrum and Northover charged in for another converted score after catching the visitors cold with a dummied pass.

A Simon Dudley steal then sent wing Chris Dixon off down the flank for Spa’s third try in quick succession.

In a rare Kidderminster attack, Spa prop Gareth Eastham stymied the incursion with a robust tackle to emphasise the home side’s determination.

With all guns firing, Spa increased their lead as Sharman once again broke through and sent Dudley over.

Daplyn added a further score and then Barry Gordon charged down the right wing before the ball was recycled for Mike Kelly to score the hosts’ final points of the afternoon.

In the final moments, Kidderminster claimed a converted consolation score.