Sat 3 Oct 2026
Claverdon were beaten by the final kick of the game on Saturday, as Lutterworth converted a last-play try to take a thrilling contest by two points.
Claverdon started the brighter side and were rewarded with an early penalty, which Alex Binnie kicked for a 3-0 lead. A long spell of pressure followed, with Lutterworth pinned inside their own 22, and the breakthrough eventually came when Will Thorneywork crossed for the opening try. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 8-0. Lutterworth hit back just before the break to make it 8-5 at half-time.
Claverdon began the second half quickly. Luke Sibley sold a dummy five metres out and went over, with Alex Binnie adding the extras for 15-5. Lutterworth responded with a converted try of their own to close the gap to 15-12, before Charlie Wakelam burst through the defensive line to score. Binnie converted again to make it 22-12 and Claverdon looked in control.
The game turned when Calvin Lynch was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Lutterworth made the extra man count, scoring to bring it back to 22-17 and set up a tense finish.
With time up, Lutterworth were awarded a penalty five metres from the Claverdon line. They forced their way over to level the scores at 22-22, and the conversion sealed a 24-22 win.
It was a cruel end to a close and exciting game, but there were plenty of positives for Claverdon. The scrum was dominant throughout, and the whole pack deserves great credit for its performance.
