Sat 24 Jan 2026
Claverdon RFC hosted Bournville II over the weekend in their first home fixture of 2026. The Lions, having been on a run of 4 straight defeats, looked to return to winning ways with some added confidence as they looked back to their away win over the Blues earlier in the season.
The match started with both sides competing, but neither allowing each other to execute that killer first blow. Claverdon, with the wind against them in the first half, defended strongly for 20 minutes, only for Bournville to eventually strike with a series of strong carries from their pack. Claverdon fought back and soon found themselves in the opposition half. Winger, Luke Sibley saw an opportunity to put some footwork in and dance around 2 Bournville defenders, falling emphatically over the line. Despite the tricky conditions, Sibley converted to add another two points. In the final 10 minutes of the first half, Sibley doubled his tally following some unexpected silky hands from prop, Will Thorneywork. Despite the slight uphill and wind being firmly against them, the Lions entered the break 12-5 up.
The second half didn’t begin as the Claverdon team would have liked. Despite the conditions now in their favour, the Lions lacked discipline around the ruck, allowing the Blues to creep up the pitch. Two tries in very quick succession meant that Bournville had suddenly taken the lead, applying pressure to the Claverdon 15.
However, strong defensive work from James Williams and the Philipps brothers (Thomas and Jamie) halted Bournville’s momentum. The Lions found themselves deep into the opposition half and opted for a scrum after a penalty infringement. Harry Fussell, adopting the 8 position for the first time this season, took the opportunity to pick-and-go from the base of the scrum and barrel his way over the line. Sibley once again took the extra two points, taking the score to 19-20 in favour of the visitors.
A heightened level of tension was felt during the final 10 minutes of the game. Claverdon, with the support of the home crowd, showed true determination with strong carries from Charlie Wakelam and Adam Wassall. The Lions made their way towards the Bournville line only for Tom Phillips to take some initiative and drive the ball over the line from the base of a ruck. The crowd cheered, as did the 15 Claverdon players on the pitch. Sibley once again added the two points. With only minutes left, the Lions kept their composure and saw the game out, kicking off their 2026 home campaign with a crucial win. The final score read 26-20.
Report by Hilton Garner-Jones
