Sat 21 Oct 2023
Saturday saw Claverdon RFC’s 1st XV host Coalville in their bi-annual Vice-President’s Day. The Lions were looking to return to winning ways after a defeat against Birmingham Bees the weekend before. Claverdon started positively - strong carries from back-rowers Tom Bicknell and James Barton allowed the home side to gain metres into the opposition half. After a relentless drives for the line, fly-half, Jimbo Williams finally reaped the rewards of the pack’s hard work, dotting over the line. Despite Coalville’s best efforts to escape their half, Claverdon continued to apply pressure. Solid kicking returns from Williams, Jackson and Lynch ensured the Lions stayed firmly positioned to strike again. Just before half-time, a Claverdon driving maul was brought down right before the line. Quick thinking from hooker, Steve Grimsley saw him dive over the line to extend the home side’s lead.
After a cagey first half, Claverdon showed determination to extend their lead in front of a roaring home crowd. After some loose play front both sides, back row, Jordan Edwards regained possession and ran in an excellent solo try. With their tails up, the Lions continued to impress. Will Jackson executed a pin-point cross-field kick to winger, George Redwood, who still had plenty to do, weaving his way to the line and securing another 5-points. After seeing the meritorious actions of his brother, Roger Jackson decided to flex his abilities with an aggressive charge to the line. With the Coalville defence unable to stop him, another 5-points were added, followed by an excellent touch line conversion from Sam Turrell. In case there were any doubts about the potential outcome of the match, further tries from James Barton and Luke Sibley cemented the win for Claverdon. The only negative on an otherwise perfect run-out for Claverdon was conceding in the last play of the game. A special mention should also go out to Claverdon’s 2nd XV who defeated Alcester 2nd XV 51-0.
The 1st XV match ended 43-7 in favour of Claverdon.
By Hilton Garner-Jones
