Sat 26 Nov 2022
Match report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Claverdon’s 1st XV hosted Coventry side, Old Wheatleyans on Saturday. Both sides are newly promoted to the league, and after Claverdon’s home and away wins over Old Wheats last season, the visiting side were looking to change that record this time round.
The game kicked off and almost immediately saw Wheats go down to 14 after a yellow card was given to the fly-half for a deliberate knock on. However, the lions failed to capitalise on the weakened opposition. Centre, Sam Turrell was on kicking duties for the day, and slotted a penalty to take 3 points. Wheats soon responded with their own penalty kick to level things off. A highly contested first half culminated in a lengthy spell of possession for Wheats, who, despite heroic Claverdon defence, came away with a converted try. The first half ended 10-3 to Wheats.
Claverdon stayed optimistic going into the second half as they now had the advantage of the wind. Another penalty kick awarded to Claverdon meant Turrell could double his points for the day. However, a familiar spell of possession for Wheats resulted in another converted try for the opposition. Claverdon now had plenty of work to do. With less than ten minutes left, a rarely seen back line attack saw James Williams and Hilton Garner-Jones combine effectively - the latter dotting over the line in the corner. A long range conversion from Turrell took the score to 17-13. Claverdon retained possession after the restart, but failed to apply the killer blow. The final whistle sounded to a devastated home side.
Claverdon now look on to the first reverse fixture of the season, away to Rugby St. Andrews. A win in the home fixture will give the boys some confidence to go and double up on their returns.
