Sat 20 Jan 2024
After a difficult start to 2024, recording losses against the top two teams in the league, Claverdon’s 1st XV hosted Uttoxeter on Saturday. The Lions were looking to get back to winning ways and a win in the reverse fixture gave them the confidence needed going into the match. Claverdon started strong with an early try from second-row, Harvey Skinner. The windy conditions made kicking duties for both Jimbo Williams and Sam Turrell more challenging than usual. Claverdon continued to apply pressure to the Uttoxeter defence, and an excellent run from George Redwood saw him dot over the line, beating 3 players on his way. With the wind gusting in the direction of the Claverdon back three, Redwood, Garner-Jones and Sibley were happy to run with ball in hand and continue to cause problems for Uttoxeter. A well worked backs move in open play allowed Elliott Saltmarsh to run a fantastic support line and charge of the try line, increasing Claverdon’s lead. After some back and forth in possession, Saltmarsh recorded a brace for himself following a dominant carry 5 metres out. This time, Williams converted, and the game looked to be over for Uttoxeter. Luke Sibley added to Uttoxeter’s woes following a lightening quick run down the left wing, scoring in the corner. The halftime whistle provided a moments respite for the travelling side.
The second half saw Uttoxeter attempt to right their wrongs of the first half. The first 15 minutes saw the away side knocking on the Claverdon try line. Despite heroic defensive efforts from Will Jackson and Charlie Wakelam, Uttoxeter came away with a converted try. With the next score appearing more crucial than Claverdon had hoped, the Lions roared into action again. A clever backs move in the opposition 22 allowed Hilton Garner-Jones to attack a gap in the defensive line and take his first points of the day. Almost immediately after the restart, a wayward kick upfield from Williams saw both Sibley and Garner-Jones take chase. The lucky (or unlucky depending on your allegiances) bounce of the rugby ball allowed Garner-Jones to retain possession and step his way to the try line, securing his brace for the afternoon. In the dying embers of the game, Sam Turrell added his name to the scoresheet with a charge for the line following a simple crash ball. Converting his own try saw the final score read 46 - 7 to the hosts. Claverdon now turn their attention to Birmingham & Solihull, who travel to Ossetts Hole Lane on Saturday.
By Hilton Garner-Jones
