Sat 14 Sep 2024
Claverdon hosted Southam at home for what was our first home game of the 60th season. In complete contrast to the previous week, it was bright, sunny and warm - the perfect conditions. Claverdon started off very strong with great chases from debutant Callum Davies and Calvin Lynch to enable Chris Glover to dot down in the corner after only 5 minutes played. With the conversion missed the score was 5-0. Southam came back from the restart strong, gaining territory into the Claverdon half, however a mistake left them with a penalty on our 22m. A successful kick for points brought the score to 5-3.
After a long 15 minute period of possession switching between the two sides, a perfectly placed kick from another debutant Jimmy Lewitt secured Claverdon a lineout on the Southam 5m line. An executed line-out move enabled the ball to be passed through the hands to end up with Calvin Lynch who used his fast footwork to get Claverdon their second try. Unfortunately, with the conversion missed, the score was 10-3. There were further exchanges of possession before Southam kicked to the Claverdon corner to gain themselves a line-out on the 5m. A well worked line-out into a driving maul allowed Southam to score in the corner for their first try of the game. Their conversion was missed, meaning the score was 10-8. Claverdon were unhappy with giving away a try, so they came back fighting. After numerous mistakes from Southam within their own half, quick-tap penalties led to some simple hands where the ball again found itself in the hands of Calvin Lynch who secured Claverdon’s third try. With the conversion missed, the score moved to 15-8. After many scrums and some solid Claverdon defence, a penalty was given in Southam’s favour which rewarded them with another kick for goal on the 22m. With the kick successful, the score was now 15-11.
This concluded the first half, with the score remaining at 15-11.
Southam opened the scoring within this half from a line-out to a driving maul, then into a grubber kick within Claverdon’s 5m to score under the posts. A successful conversion brought the score to 15-18. Claverdon knew they had to turn up a gear to regain the lead in this close match. With strong carries from Ali Norman and Jack Barwell, Claverdon were camped on the Southam 5m. After numerous attempts the Southam defence held strong and denied Claverdon a try by holding up the ball over the line. The goal line drop out was charged down which provided Claverdon with the front foot again in the same area. With the penalty count for Southam adding up, it wasn’t long before they were down to 14 men. Claverdon knew this was the time to strike. Further quick-tap penalties allowed a perfect line from Jimmy Lewitt to score under the posts. James Williams with the conversion made the score 22-18. Quickly after the restart Southam found themselves within the Claverdon 22m with a penalty. After a tap and go, the Southam 10 opted for a drop-goal which he successfully kicked after hitting the crossbar. This brought the score to 22-21. Similarly to the previous kick-off, Southam were awarded another penalty just outside the 22m which was unfortunately walked up the field to be just inside the 22m. They opted for the kick which they got, taking the score to 22-24. After a good retention of the ball from Claverdon, who were camped on the Southam 22m, a controversial tackle from a Southam player entering the field during open play saw Southam gain a turnover on their 22m. Unfortunately, poor discipline from Claverdon meant the referee awarded a 40m gain to Southam to place the penalty within kicking distance. Southam successfully kicked to take the score to 22-27. Determined to make amends for the previous, the restart was launched high for Thomas Bates to get underneath and secure the ball for Claverdon. Big carries from pretty much everyone on the field, and numerous mistakes from Southam, provided George Redwood with the line-break to score for Claverdon. Calvin Lynch successfully added the extras, making the score 29-27.
Shortly after the restart Southam found themselves with free play in Claverdon’s 22m, and decided to take another drop-goal. This was successfully made, making the score 29-30. After some good phases of play from both sides, Claverdon were ultimately awarded a penalty on the Southam 22m line. Claverdon opted for the boot, however unfortunately the kick wasn’t successful. This was to be the last kick of the game. The final score in the very eventful match was 29-30.
Next week we’re looking ahead to a historic local derby against Harbury. This is an away fixture, and kick-off is at 3:00pm.
