Sat 9 Apr 2022
Claverdon RFC claimed the Midlands 4 West (South) league title on Saturday, with a home victory over second placed Old Wheatleyans, and extended their unbeaten league run to eighteen games.
In front of a large crowd at Ossetts Hole Lane, Claverdon delighted the home fans with an early score. It was created by a break by centre Chris Calcott, who then released to winger Tom Bicknell. With plenty still to do, Bicknell showed good strength to ride a tackle and score in the corner. Calcott then converted the try with a difficult kick from the touchline.
Old Wheatleyans responded well and enjoyed a long period of territory in Claverdon half. The home side were clinging on and Wheats were unlucky not to score, with a last ditch tackle from Hilton Garner-Jones the highlight of some spirited defence. Claverdon were finally able to clear their lines and win a penalty, with Calcott once again making the kick.
The Lions then scored a vital try on the stroke of half time. A cross-field kick from Calcott was fumbled by the Wheats winger under pressure from James Williams, who collected the loose ball to go under the posts. Claverdon went in at the break 17-0 in the lead.
The lead was extended early in the second half. Williams made the break and was supported well by flanker Charlie Byrd who cantered home for a try. However, in a repeat of the reverse fixture, despite looking out of the game Old Wheatleyans came back strongly. As Claverdon became ragged the away team scored three quick tries. The second of which was well taken by the Wheats fullback, who chipped through and outpaced the defence to collect his own kick.
The home side soon regained their composure and finished off the game in style. Charlie Wakelam capitalised on a loose Wheats line out as he stole the ball and powered over from five metres. Garner-Jones then finished off a slick move, involving great hands by Josh Evans, to score in the corner. The final whistle blew shortly after, to be begin Claverdon RFC's celebrations. Final score 40-21.
Claverdon next travel to Upton-on-Severn on 16th April.
Report by Mike Jay
