RUGBY Welsh opened up the Midlands 5 West (South) title race after they produced an outstanding performance to beat league leaders Five Ways Old Edwardians 19-27 to move up to third in the table.
The foundations for the victory were laid in the first half when, by common consent, Welsh played their best rugby in many years.
Youngster George Lowe set the tone with a superb early tackle as the home side moved the ball wide in the opening moments and the ball went loose for Jack Taylor to capitalise to score a try in the corner.
Shortly afterwards Welsh scored a try, from first phase possession, which would have graced any game.
A line out on the half way was taken by Roche and the ball quickly moved to fly-half Taylor who made a lovely break, feeding centre Bond, who gave the scoring pass to full back Guy Shaw who raced in under the posts for a try he converted.
Welsh were now in complete control and playing a fluent brand of rugby with forwards and backs interlinking superbly.
The Welsh scrummage caused all sorts of problems for the hosts while the backs were making constant line breaks.
In truth they could have been further ahead with only a forward pass and then a touchline tackle on Angus Wilson preventing further tries.
Guy Shaw did increase their lead with a well struck penalty and as half time approached Welsh secured their third try when Taylor and Bond combined again for Shaw to score his second try to give Welsh a well merited 20 point lead.
Welsh knew their opponents, with their impressive league record, would respond and they had to defend hard for the opening 15 minutes of the second half.
Welsh had a player sinbinned but from a clearance kick Lowe again put in a fine tackle near the half way line, the ball fell loose and Taylor kicked and chased ahead and scored under the posts for Shaw to convert.
To Old Eds credit they raised themselves for a fierce late revival. Welsh had given everything in the first hour of the contest and the wide open spaces of the pitch began to take its toll.
Welsh had another player sinbinned and the home side managed to score three late tries, two of which were converted, however time ran out and Welsh were worthy winners considering their dominance for most of the game.
Old Eds are still ahead in the league but Welsh will hope to keep the pressure up this week when they face a much improved Copeswood outfit at Alwyn Road (3pm kick-off).
