Sat 18 Jan 2025
Claverdon travelled over to Coalville for what was the first league fixture this year after having the previous two postponed due to weather. A well drilled Coalville side started extremely strongly by opening up the scoring within the first five minutes. They converted to make the score 7-0.
The next 20 minutes consisted of some great line-breaks from Claverdon, however, Coalville’s defence was strong at each attempt, denying Claverdon to push into their 22. Unfortunately, a turn-over in a crucial area released Coalville’s backs to score. With the conversion successful the score was now 14-0.
Coalville were aggressive off the restart, and made yards up to Claverdon’s 5m line. Unfortunately a lack of concentration from a Claverdon player gave the opponent a penalty, and the player was sent off with a red card. Claverdon’s defence was strong and won the turnover clearing their lines.
Claverdon played some great rugby up on the Coalville 5m, but the opponents defence was too strong and ultimately provided them with an opportunity to kick to clear their lines. Their kick-chase was great, and a fumble from the Claverdon full-back gave the opponent possession again which ultimately lead to a penalty. They took the penalty quickly and scored under the posts. The conversion successful again, score now 21-0. The half ended with yet another try from Coalville, with the kick missed, the score was 26-0.
A better start to the game from Claverdon saw them camping in the Coalville’s half, and after a few penalties taking them closer to the 5m, a scrum was awarded and Mikey Jay quickly got the ball to Luke Sibley who chipped over the defence line, collected his own kick, and scored in the corner. The conversion was missed, score now 26-5. Coalville came out the blocks fighting again, and after a few phases of play scored in the corner. The conversion successful, score now 33-5. After the restart, an accidental injury to a Claverdon player, and a bench of injuries, meant Claverdon had to go down to 13 men for the rest of the match.
Coalville made use of the numbers difference, and their wide pitch, and scored in the corner. The kick was missed, making the score 38-5.
There was some impressive Claverdon heart on show for the next 10 minutes, holding up two try attempts, and a barrage of attacking phases from the opponent. However, the numbers game proved too much and Coalville bagged another try under the posts. The kick was successful, score now 45-5.
In the final minutes of the game, some great attacking phases from Claverdon walked Coalville all the way into their half, and a great line from Kieran Haynes, including some footwork, allowed him to score. George Redwood took the opportunity to take a 7s-esque drop goal for the conversion which was successful.
Final score for the day was 45-12.
Next week Claverdon host Coventry Welsh at home.
Report by James Kirby
