Sat 15 Jan 2022
Claverdon RFC overcame a scrappy first half performance to beat Rugby Welsh and cement their position at the top of the Midlands 4 West (South) table.
On a cold day in Rugby, Rugby Welsh RFC were looking to avenge their defeat to Claverdon in the early stages of the season. The game started in predictably cagey fashion, with both sides trying to adapt to the slippery conditions and struggling to find rhythm. It was therefore unsurprising when a mistake led to the first score of the game. A dropped ball on the halfway line was collected and passed to Redwood, who showed rapid acceleration to beat his opposite man and score Claverdon’s first try of the game. However, it didn’t take long for Welsh to respond. Claverdon failed to secure a kick into their own 22, which was well turned over by the Welsh fly half who broke blind to score. This proved to be last score of the half as strong defensive efforts from both teams kept the game tight, with Claverdon man of the match Charlie Wakelam particularly impressive.
As both teams grew frustrated with penalty decisions, Claverdon began to lose their cool, and were temporarily reduced to 14 men on the stroke of half time as matchday captain Calcott was sin-binned. The half finished all square at 5-5.
Having had an opportunity to regain their composure, Claverdon came out in the second half full of purpose. Strong running by second row Johnson set the tone, and Claverdon were soon ahead when full back Sibley slotted a penalty kick. The lead was extended shortly after when Dunster stole line out ball, broke through the Welsh forward pack, and offloaded well to the supporting Smallwood who scored in the corner.
The momentum of the match then swung very much in Claverdon’s favour. A tapped free kick in the Welsh 22 was driven forward by Husthwaite, who was eventually brought down 5 metres from the try line. Scrum half Bromwich then fed Williams, who exploited a gap in the defence to speed through and touch down.
This was soon followed by Claverdon’s fourth try of the game. A good line from Turrell in the midfield broke through the Welsh defence. The ball then found its way to Sibley, who stepped inside his defender to score. With a bonus point win already wrapped up, Claverdon sealed the victory with an opportunist final try. The hard-working Dunster chased his own kick deep into the Welsh half, where he turned the ball over in a dangerous position. Bromwich then spotted a gap and headed blind, where he had a abundance of supporting players to pass too. Turrell was the fortunate recipient, and he gladly accepted the opportunity to stroll in his second try. The game finished 5-30 to Claverdon.
Claverdon’s next game is a top of the table clash away against Old Wheatleyans on 22nd January.
