THE SEARCH for a first win in Midlands 1 East is finally over for Old Laurentians after they beat Matlock 24-22 at home on Saturday.
Matlock came into the game perhaps expecting to come away from Fenley Field with a victory having won their previous match and in the knowledge that OLs had lost their opening five matches of the season.
But they were stopped in their tracks by a spirited and defiant performance by the home side to claim their first win of the season.
Their success was built on a strong start where they dominated possession and territory for most of the first opening 40 minutes.
But the visitors hit back strongly to go ahead for the first time deep into the second half before a late try by Paul Lewis levelled the scores again and a nerveless conversion by Reiss Boon secured the win.
Marc Eagles opened the scoring for OLs after seven minutes after weaving his way over for a fine try and the hosts stayed on the offensive.
Mark Todd got the second touchdown after a fine take by Robin Corrigan at a close in lineout and Reiss Boon converted on both occassions to create a healthy 14-0 lead.
Matlock fought their way back into the game and went over for a converted try from their first real scoring opportunity after 26 minutes.
This was followed eight minutes later by a well taken try after a scrum deep in OL’s 22 but the conversion was missed and OLs took a narrow 14-12 lead into the break.
Boon extended OLs’ lead to 17-12 with a penalty early in the second half but Matlock drew level with an individual try from their flanker.
The visitors then took the lead for the only time in the game when they drove a five-metre scrum back over OLs’ line to touchdown with 75 minutes gone.
Their advantage lasted just four minutes before Inch placed a finely struck penalty into the corner and from the lineout Lewis claimed the vital try and Boon’s cool conversion ensur the win.
Next up for OLs is a trip to Newark this Saturday where they will be looking for a repeat performance.
