Sat 18 Mar 2023
Match report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Claverdon’s 1st XV hosted Bromyard on Saturday in their final league game of the season. While the Lions 7th place finish in the league was secure, a strong finish was still of paramount importance for their first season in Counties 2.
The hosts started with great momentum. Within the first two minutes of the game, a charge for the line from James Barton secured an easy seven points (following kicking duties from James Williams) for Claverdon. After 10 minutes, a midfield scrum allowed the ball to be shipped out to winger, Hilton Garner-Jones, who chipped the ball over his opposite man to score in the corner. Celebrations continued on, as Barton doubled his tally for the day with a similar try to the first. However, following some controlled possession and determined carries towards the Claverdon line, Bromyard took their first points of the day, followed by a conversion to bring the scores within seven. Just before half-time, Claverdon extended their lead with a breakaway try from Robbie Foster.
Bromyard looked to claw back the deficit in the second half with sustained pressure on the Claverdon line. Following 10 minutes of admirable defence, the Lions conceded. However, further tries from George Redwood and Charlie Wakelam extended the Claverdon lead, and cemented the victory. The match finished 40-19 to the Lions.
