Telford Raiders 38 Leamington Royals 0

Telford Raiders produced one of their finest Rugby League performances in recent years to see off league leaders Leamington Royals to regain the top spot in the Midlands Regional Conference.

The home side were convincing in what is becoming a riveting race to finish top ahead of the playoffs.

Telford got off to a fine start with hooker Jimmy Gore burrowing over from close range to give the Raiders an early lead with stand-off Ben West adding the conversion to make it 6 - 0.

While the first try was down to the individual strength and vision of Gore the two that followed showed how the Raiders game has developed this season, with two sweeping moves from right to left finished off by centre Craig Guy, and full-back Paul Szehofner giving the Raiders a 16-0 lead.

The introduction of newcomer Charlie Richards and the experienced Pete Jones gave the Raiders added impetus and the home forwards were rewarded for their dominance when prop Dave Irvine powered over from ten yards out after collecting a short pass from scrum-half Jack Baker.

Camped

Irvine then shook off the attention of two defenders before touching down next to the right hand post to give the Raiders a 22—0 lead. Leamington finished off the first half camped on the Telford try line, but the resistance which the Raiders displayed in those closing seconds of the first half to keep out Leamington epitomized the defiant team spirit that has been built up this season.

As a way of focusing Telford's attack the versatile Pom Tutt was injected at hooker to challenge the Leamington defensive line.

Tutt soon had the desired effect following a rampaging run towards the line he was hauled down metres short.

Raiders prop Andy Farrell found himself at Hooker on the goal-line, and with the Royals defence still not recovered Farrell dropped his head and pushed through the scattered defence to take advantage of Tutt's good work an extend the Raiders lead to 28-0.

Tutt was rewarded for his hard work when he broke the defensive line and went the distance for a much deserved try making it 32 — 0 to Telford.

The opportunity to cap off the game was finally taken by David Furniss, who shook off the attention of the markers inside his own half and sprinted away before touching down in the corner. Baker added the conversion from the touchline to make it 38 — 0.

Scoreless

Raiders coach Fred Baker was eager to praise his side after the game: "That is the second occasion this season when we have kept our opponents scoreless.

"While we still have to continue to work on our attacking options to sustain pressure on our opponents, as long as we can maintain that kind of pressure in our defensive work we are going to give ourselves a chance," he said.

Telford are away to third placed Nottingham Outlaws on Saturday and will be without several key players including captain Paul Szehofner who has been selected to play for Germany against the Czech Republic.