Sat 13 Jan 2024
Claverdon’s 1st XV travelled away to league leaders, Barkers Butts on Saturday afternoon. Following a home defeat to second in the league, Veseyans, the Lions were determined to cause an upset.
Claverdon started with intent and physicality, catching Barkers off guard. A continuation of Barkers penalties allowed Claverdon to march up the pitch until Sam Turrell was within range to take three points using his right boot. This fast start from Claverdon left Barkers with no option but to reply. Some well worked forwards carries and a penalty kick to the corner allowed the home side to utilise their driving maul to get over the line and take 5 points. A missed conversion was written off as Barkers almost immediately kicked a penalty after the restart to take the score to 8-3. The game levelled out after 15 minutes, with both sides appearing very even in attack and defence. An opportunistic moment for captain, James Williams saw him take a fantastic interception in the middle of the field and harge over the line for Claverdon’s first try of the day. An additional two points from Sam Turrell’s conversion sent Claverdon into the lead. However, the back and forth nature of the match continued, as Barkers replied with another try from tireless forward pressure. Going into half time, Barkers led 16-10.
The second half was highly contested. Claverdon, having surprised the league leaders with their tenacity, showed belief and determination to take the game into their control. A fantastic line from centre, Roger Jackson, saw him fend off two defenders as his crossed over the line. Once again, Turrell converted, and Claverdon took the lead by the narrowest of margins 16-17. With just 5-minutes left of play, Barkers showed why they are top of the league. A breakaway from their winger allowed them to camp out just metres from the Claverdon try line. After three phases, Barkers found the space out wide to score. Claverdon, who at this point were a man down through a yellow card, couldn’t reply in the dying embers of the game. In what was one of the best performances Claverdon have shown this year, only a losing bonus point could be taken home.
Claverdon coach, Lewis Clarke, had this to say after the game: “We went into the match with nothing to lose. Our game plan was to still be in the game at halftime, and we did exactly that. Being one point up with five minutes to go requires game management, and unfortunately, we couldn’t keep Barkers out.”
Claverdon now look on to the rearranged fixture at home, hosting Uttoxeter, on Saturday 20th January.
Hilton Garner-Jones
