The Leamington Royals are adjusting to the demands of the 2011 season after an improved performance in their 26 – 46 loss to the long established Birmingham Bulldogs. Three years ago the Royals made their competitive debut against Bulldogs “A” team at the Old Leamingtonians Help for Heroes Festival and at this year’s tournament they faced off against the 1st team.

With absentees in the backs the Royals did well to keep pace with a youthful Birmingham team who started quickly with a try in the opening minutes. No deterred the Royals hit back through John Cooper who rolled back the years with a try from 20 meters out. The game developed into an arm wrestle with the Bulldogs continuously finding space and scoring tries on the Royals flanks. For each Bulldog try the Royals hit back with one of their own first through Gregg Swinburn and then, no doubt motivated by his 2 held up tries last week, Lloyd Horton powered over for his 1st try. Matt Timlin and Louis Kelsey also added their names to the score sheet with a special mention for Jon Carnell who kicked 3 goals. The Bulldogs however finished the stronger running in 3 unanswered tries. The Royals can take positives from the experience and long standing Captain Marcus Pask is looking forward to taking on league leaders Bristol next week.

Leamington Royals Squad: R Oliver, B Pithouse, E Doyle, R Durrant, L Kelsey, J Carnell, T Bradbury, K Bowles, M Timlin, T Quintanilha, M Pask (c), M Haselden, G Swinburn, I Grime, J Goldsmith, J Cooper, A Burr, L Horton.

Leamington Royals RL

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