Miller's quickfire hat-trick spurs OLs

WINGER Matt Miller helped himself to a hat-trick of tries in the opening 25 minutes to lead Old Laurentians into the third round draw for the EDF Energy Senior Vase. Miller's efforts helped secure a 15-7 half-time advantage at Tamworth, and although the home side hit back to go into the final quarter 18-14 down, OLs finished strongly with three more tries from backs Iain Wallis,

James Murray and Mawande Sinyakanyaka wrapping up a 37-14 win.

Barkers Butts eased to a 25-10 home win over Old Halesonians with first-half tries from Matty Gilbert and Nathan Tilsley backed up by a third after the break for Alex Brown.

Biggest county winners were Nun-eaton Old Edwardians who stormed through 55-11 at Wednesbury, while Leamington and Newbold were both involved in tihht finishes before booking their places in the draw -Spa edging past visitors Aston Old Edwardians 32-30, while Newbold squeezed out Corby hosts Stewarts & Lloyds 28-26.

Leamington trailed 12-3 at half-time and were 25-13 down inside the last ten minutes, but they battled back to draw level and take the tie into extra-time. Centre Tom Williams went over to put Spa ahead for the first time, Tom Secher converted, and although Aston responded with a try, it went unconverted to leave Leamington to celebrate.

Bedworth recorded a fine 28-17 win on the road at Stourbridge Lions, Dunlop also went through with a 23-13 home victory over Dixonians, and Silhillians saw off visitors Ludlow 22-13.

Berkswell & Balsall bowed out 18-3 at Bridgnorth, Southam slipped up 21-13 at Old Saltleians, and Old Leamingtonians came up short at Veseyans, 19-13.

Stratford's defensive frailties cost them again as they went out of the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup with a 39-25 first-round defeat at Leighton Buzzard. Trailing 29-8 at the break, Stratford pulled back to within a single score - veteran Pete Jones running in two tries - only to then concede a 50-metre breakaway try as they chased the game.

Two tries from hooker Richard Eden helped Pinley to a 24-5 home victory over Eccleshall in the third round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase.

Alcester's tie was swiched from Harborne to their own Kings Coughton ground, and they made the most of home advantage to win through 15-12 and extend their unbeaten record for the season in competitive games to five. Winger Stuart Whitehead, from a trademark interception, and full-back Andy Smith scored tries in either half for Alcester.

Stoke Old Boys recorded a 17-10 win at Birmingham Exiles, Tom Stokes scoring and converting two second-half tries to take them clear.

Manor Park came through 31-19 at Rugeley, and Harbury were also away winners, 38-6 at Old Griffinians.

Coventry Welsh were too strong for visitors Barton-under-Needwood, winning 34-12, and Claverdon raced to a 31-0 home verdict over Five Ways OE. Coventrians went out, 39-5 at Essington.