Dunlop 16 Leamington 26: Spa feed the Byrne to rack up their fourth successive league victory

Dunlop actually went in front, courtesy of a penalty goal, with ten minutes on the clock and subjected Spa to an intense period of pressure which was eventually repelled by a clever kick into the home half by Tom Secher

And, when the home side were penalised, the Spa fly-half took the opportunity to get his side back on level terms.

Further indiscipline from Dunlop allowed Secher to kick his side in front.

However, Spa were soon back on the defensive following an excellent attacking move from the hosts.

Dunlop won their lineout ball and quickly fed it along the backline to the wing. Fortunately for Spa, Tom Daplyn was on hand to put in a decisive tackle and alleviate the pressure.

The home side continued to press, however, and deservedly went in at the break level courtesy of another penalty goal.

Leamington made a poor start to the second half, going behind to a penalty goal which was further compounded by the loss of two players to the sin-bin in quick succession.

Dunlop’s numerical superiority paid off as they scored in the corner and the conversion from wide out was superbly kicked to give them a 16-6 lead.

Spa certainly knew they were in a game and, with Secher re-entering the fray, they set about repairing the damage.

The ball was sent deep into Dunlop territory and the Spa forwards produced a strong drive to the tryline, with a little bit of verbal support from the touchline helping the referee award a score, attributed to Tom Greevy.

Secher added the conversion.

Although Spa were starting to show a bit more steel, they were still behind and spurned the attempt to try to draw level with a shot at goal when the opportunity arose.

Choosing to go for a lineout, they lost the ball to some sound defending from the home side.

This, however, was the beginning of an important juncture in the match, with Spa starting to build up some momentum.

The visitors won good ball at a lineout and set Ryan Byrne off on his first run of the afternoon.

Then they broke up the wing at pace through Adam Preece and when the full-back was felled by a high tackle, Secher made no mistake with the penalty to draw Spa level.

Leamington were now playing with more confidence and went in front with a fine try.

Dan Kane won the ball and slipped it to Alex Carroll who drew in the defence and then sent out a bullet-like pass to Byrne.

The Spa winger took no time in racing up the flank, outpacing the Dunlop cover to score in the corner.

Secher’s assured boot claimed maximum points.

The fixture was then settled in the closing stages when Secher added another three-pointer.