Sat 2 Sep 2023
Claverdon’s league season kicked off on Saturday afternoon, hosting recently relegated Coventry Welsh. The weather was perfect for running rugby - something Claverdon have shown a penchant for in previous years.
The Lions started positively with a try within the first 5 minutes. Second Row, Chris Johnson stole a loose ball in a Cov Welsh line-out, only to head for the line and comfortably pinch 5 points from the visitors. Fly-half, Jimbo Williams converted to extend the Claverdon lead by 2.
Coventry Welsh showed their experience by responding well to the early deficit. A series of one-out carries up the pitch resulted in a try of their own. The two teams battled it out in the first half with positive attacking rugby, matched with brave defence. However, Welsh came out on top with a late first half try to take the score to 7-10 going into the half-time break.
Claverdon’s second half unfortunately failed to live up to the first half performance. A series of Coventry Welsh tries, mirrored with solid defence meant that Claverdon’s 7 points were all they could muster. The game finished 7-32 in favour of the visitors. A tough result for Claverdon’s first game of the season, but a learning curve to take into the away fixture against Uttoxeter this weekend.
By Hilton Garner-Jones
