Sat 21 Dec 2024
Claverdon’s 1st XV hosted local rivals, Harbury, on Saturday afternoon, in their final fixture of 2024. The lions were defeated comfortably by the villagers in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, so a better performance was required this time around.
Harbury commenced the game with a kick-off, which was fumbled by a Claverdon forward, giving the villagers immediate possession in the lions half. Following a bombardment of forward carries, Harbury touched down to secure the first points of the day. A missed conversion kept Claverdon within touching distance. Claverdon kicked back off and immediately showed intent to level the scores. Positive carries from Kieron Haynes and Jack Wyatt allowed the lions to make their way into the Harbury 22. A penalty awarded to Claverdon gave James Williams an opportunity to take 3 points, chipping away at the Harbury lead. Soon after the successful penalty kick, Claverdon’s backline showed how they could be threatening with a line break from last season’s player of the year, Luke Sibley. Brought down metres from the try line, the forwards provided heavy carries to enable Steve Grimsley to score Claverdon’s first try of the day. The kick was slotted by James Williams and the halftime score read 10-8 to Claverdon, after a late penalty kick from Harbury.
The second half was a solid contest between the two sides. Harbury, with two players receiving yellow cards in the first half, were back to a full 15, and a line break from their backs gave them an early second half lead. With the score reading 10-15, Claverdon needed to find another gear if they were going to come out on top. Flanker, Charlie “Cecil” Wakelam found that extra gear, producing some spectacular carries with real grit and determination. Wakelam charged through the Harbury defensive line and secured a score-levelling 5 points. Williams, who was in fine kicking form despite the windy conditions, added the extra two to give the lions a slender advantage. Harbury struggled find a response in the final 10 minutes of the match with various players out of position due to first-half injuries. Claverdon took the opportunity to extend their lead, with what was easily the try of the match. A well rehearsed backs move gave Luke Sibley a two-on-one, which he confidently executed, giving Henry Thorneywork a walk-in try. Williams, despite the tight angle, converted. The dying embers of the game were celebrated by the crowd, and the home side played with a sense of relief and relaxation knowing the hard work had been done. Wakelam once again, broke through the Harbury backline, dotting down for his second of the day, cementing his man of the match award.
The game ended 31-15, in favour of the home side. Claverdon’s supporters and players celebrated the win emphatically as they now sit just 1 point behind Harbury in the league, with a game in hand.
Report by Hilton Garner-Jones
