Warwicks wilt to let in three late tries
By Coventry Telegraph
January 29 2008
Warwickshire conceded three tries in the final quarter to go down 43-15 to North Midlands in their opening National Under-20 Championship game at Broadstreet. A generally even first half saw North Midlands turn round with a 26-15 lead thanks largely to the accuracy of goalkicker,
Luke Walmseley (Moseley) who converted three of his side's four tries while opposite number Nick Bingham (Old Leamingtonians) was unable to improve any of Warwickshire's three tries.
Both defences were exposed by penetrative running from the opposition three-quarters, but North Midlands managed to plug the gaps to deny Warwickshire a further score in the second half while running in three scores themselves.
Warwickshire were always dangerous in attack in the first half, centre Sam Wood (Kenilworth & Loughborough University) regularly finding space and helping to set up two tries for winger Jeff Gregson (Barkers Butts) while No.8 Joe Gavin (Loughborough Univ) was driven over for the third try from a line-out.
North Midlands finally managed to exert some control in the second half, but it was 62 minutes before they added to their try tally in a late flourish which saw outstanding flanker Jake Abbott (Stourbridge) complete a hat-trick.
Warwickshire are away to Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire this coming Sunday, at Derby.