Sat 7 Jan 2023
Match report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Claverdon’s 1st XV started the New Year with a positive result against Kenilworth’s 2nd XV on Saturday afternoon. Having been defeated by 1-point in the reverse fixture, a win at home for Claverdon meant even more.
As the heavens opened at the sound of the whistle, Claverdon started strong, with tight compact play. A series of phases and sublime offloading allowed Charlie Wakelam to charge for the line and take the first points of the afternoon. Centre, Sam Turrell on kicking duties, slotted the conversion to take the score to an early 7-0 lead. However, Kenilworth soon replied with a try of their own. A well worked driving maul from a line-out gave the home side no chance to defend. Fortunately, a missed conversion took the score into halftime 7-5 in favour of Claverdon.
The rain subsided in the second half, allowing for more expansive play. Claverdon’s speedsters; Redwood, Gibney and Garner-Jones all making yards. A penalty awarded to Claverdon just inside the opposition half allowed Turrell to once again, line up his shot. Exuding great confidence in his kicking abilities, Turrell slotted it for 3 points. Claverdon soon retained possession again, and a 5-metre scrum allowed no.8, Ethan Houghton to control the ball and barrel over the line. Another conversion for Turrell extended Claverdon’s lead.
Nearing the hour-mark, Turrell fancied himself again for a penalty kick. Another 3 points and a real sign of game management from the Claverdon side. With little time left on the clock, fly-half, James Williams wanted a chance to show his tee-kicking abilities and in true “anything you can do, I can do better” fashion, drilled it through the posts.
The game ended 23-5 to Claverdon. A huge confidence booster going into this weekend’s game against league leaders, Alcester.
