Sat 5 Nov 2022
Report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Saturday saw Claverdon’s 1st XV travel away to Woodrush. Two teams in similar form, both of which looking to add another much needed win to their record.
The contest was heavily contested from the off, but it was Woodrush who struck first after a Claverdon penalty well within range of their kicker. Woodrush soon added to their points tally after a scrum on the Claverdon 5-metre line. Claverdon responded well however… some flowing rugby carved the opposition apart. Notable mention to James Barton who could not be stopped once he got going. George Hazard charged over the line after a spell of Claverdon possession, while James Williams converted to take the score to 8-7 at half time.
The second half was for the taking, but failings in Claverdon’s own line-out proved far too costly. Woodrush, with turnover ball capitalised on the Claverdon mistakes, taking their points to 22-7. The boys in red and white continued with belief, with vocal encouragement from centre, Will Jackson, who bulldozed his way over the line to set the tone for the remaining 10 minutes. Claverdon were knocking on the door in the dying embers of the game, but a missed penalty kick from Williams, accompanied by a rush of blood to the head from Alex Grove saw Claverdon go down to 14 men, and ultimately fail to challenge for the victory.
The game finished 22-14 in favour of Woodrush. Claverdon must now travel away to Manor Park this weekend, in an attempt to pick up a much needed win.
