Sat 27 Jan 2024
Claverdon’s 1st XV hosted Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday afternoon in a mid-table clash. The two sides met earlier in the season, with Bees coming out narrowly on top, following a last minute penalty kick. Claverdon, who have been on the losing end of several close matches this season, were determined not to let history repeat itself once again. The match began with Bees utilising the wind and strong kicking ability to set up camp deep in the Claverdon half. A well worked backs move allowed the away side to gain an early lead. Claverdon appeared to be half-asleep during the first 10 minutes of the game, allowing Bees to take as many points as possible. A further two tries within 15 minutes meant that Claverdon were 21-0 down. This appeared to cause the Lions some much needed motivation to focus on the task at hand, and start putting a performance in. As Claverdon grew into the game with positive carries from James Williams and Chris Johnson, team morale was boosted. While knocking on the Bees defence for several phases, number 8, Ali Norman charged for the line to take the home side’s first points of the day. The conversion by Sam Turrell meant the game was not over going into halftime.
The second half began positively for Claverdon. The late try in the first half allowed the players to share the belief that they could chase the Bees scoreline down. After some time in the Bees half, a well worked backs move allowed winger, Robbie Foster, to dot over for a try. The kick proved too far out for Turrell, so further work was needed from the Lions. Having spent the majority of the second half in the Bees territory, Claverdon’s confidence was growing. A penalty awarded to the home side meant Stan Lawrence could run meaningfully towards the Bees defence. A dive for the line added a further 5 points to Claverdon’s scoreline, but the conversion once again couldn’t be taken. With the score reading 17-21, Claverdon knew an unconverted try would be all they would need to secure a win. With Turrell kicking penalties to the corners, the pack were able to secure the ball at the lineout and apply pressure to the Bees defence. However, a mixture of heroic defensive efforts from Bees and foolish penalties conceded by Claverdon meant that away side narrowly held on to their lead. The final whistle blew much to Birmingham & Solihull’s relief. Another narrow loss for Claverdon, but a losing bonus point nonetheless. Claverdon now look on to Coalville away this weekend.
By Hilton Garner-Jones
