A FIFTH win in seven matches away at Paviours did Old Laurentians’ chances of surviving in the Midland One East division the world of good, reports Bill Wallis.
A 38-31 victory saw OLs record their first away win of the season and it was also their first ‘double’ too as they continued their impressive run of form in recent months.
The win could have been more comfortable for the visitors if they had been able to string together over 80 minutes the purple patches they enjoyed at intervals through the game.
But Paviors refused to go quietly and in each half they pulled themselves back into contention.
A fine break by Troy Owen was supported by full back Reiss Boon who scorched over from 30 metres out after just three minutes and Jon Bean added the goal points.
Six minutes later, Ben Anderson fought his way over after OLs retained possession well as they worked their way up to Paviors’ line to put OLs 12-0 in front.
Ten minutes later the hosts had 14 points on the board after converting heavy pressure on OL’s line into tries, both goaled, and looking for more.
OLs restored their lead after a scrum deep in their own territory and when the ball was recycled on half way, James Orbinson scythed through from 40 metres out and Bean converted for 19-14.
OLs still had the upper hand when Jordan Bunn followed up Richard Parker’s kick deep into Paviors’ territory and set up a movement going left where Ben Scott went over for an excellent try which put his side ten points in front at the break.
Three minutes into the second half Ben Scott collected a Jon Bean kick to the corner to score and this time Reiss Boon converted for 31-14.
The visitors looked on course for a comfortable win but the Paviours had other ideas and fought back to withing just five points.
However it was OLs’ turn to hit back with both Ben Scott and Richard Parker crossing over the Panthers line only for both attempts to be disallowed.
With just seven minutes to play, Paviors lifted the siege and worked their way over in the corner for a try but the difficult conversion was missed and the scores were now level at 31-31.
Undaunted, OLs went back on the attack and Paviors conceded a scrum in their 22 metre area. Orbinson went blind and when the ball was moved back to the left Troy Owen cut effortlessly through midfield to go over, with Boon adding the extras for 38-31.
The win lifted OLs to third bottom but their survival hopes were dealt a serious blow when the team immediately above them, Market Rasen, pulled off an unlikely away win at Ilkeston to stay eight points clear.
After the Easter break, OLs return to action on April 2 when they face formidable opponents in league leaders Bedford Athletic at Fenley Field.
