Sat 22 Jan 2022
Unbeaten Claverdon RFC edged a thrilling game against Old Wheatleyans RFC on Saturday, in a hotly anticipated match between the top two teams in the Midlands 4 West (South) league.
With a large travelling support cheering them on, Claverdon played with high intensity in the early stages of the game. The resulting pressure led to a string of penalties in the Wheat’s half, with the home team perhaps lucky to keep all 15 players on the pitch after repeated infringements in dangerous areas of the pitch. However, Claverdon managed to make the territorial advantage count, with Chris Calcott kicking two early penalties.
Claverdon then scored the first try of the game, attacking from deep straight from a restart. A pitch-long flowing move was finished by George Redwood, who was found by a perfect floated pass from Alex Grove.
A galvanised Wheats team then tested out the Claverdon defence with a period of possession in the away team’s half. As they inched closer to the try line, it took a last-ditch tackle by Charlie Wakelam to prevent the home team’s first points of the game. Claverdon’s defence remained stoic, and following an excellent turnover by Charlie Byrd, they were able to score against the run of play. A clearing kick by man of the match James Williams was caught brilliantly by Grove. With the Wheats defence scrambling, Claverdon recycled and Byrd fed Sam Turrell, who scored under the posts. Calcott kicked the conversion to take Claverdon into the half time break 18-0 in the lead.
Wheats came out at the start of the second half with something to prove, and they performed accordingly. Soon after the kick-off they were on the scoresheet after Claverdon gave away a penalty deep in their own half. An enterprising quick tap penalty was stopped not far from Claverdon try line, however Wheats were able to power over with a pick and go.
Two further tries followed soon after as Wheats shifted the momentum of the match. For the first, Claverdon lost a scrum against the head and were unable to prevent a try being scored in the corner. The second was indicative of the pressure Claverdon found themselves under, as repeatedly failed attempts to find touch allowed Wheats to counter-attack. A slick move created an overlap, allowing the attacking team plenty of space to score. The successful conversion took Wheats into a 19-18 lead, with less than 10 minutes to go.
The game became incredibly tense, as both teams put all their efforts into coming out with a win. With time ticking down, Wheats were reduced to 14 men, as they conceded one penalty too many for the referee’s liking and had a player sin-binned. Claverdon immediately made it count. A ruck on the left hand side of the opposition’s 22 was spun wide, with James Kirby coolly drawing the last defensive player and creating space for Luke Sibley on the wing. Sibley turned on the pace and scored, prompting wild celebrations from the Claverdon support. Calcott brilliantly kicked the conversion from the sideline, to put Claverdon 25-18 in front. Wheats pressed hard to reclaim the lead, and despite a late yellow card, Claverdon were able to hold on and extend their unbeaten run to 12 games.
Claverdon next welcome Bedworth to Ossetts Hole Lane on Saturday 29th January, for another important game at the top of the table.
Mike Jay
