Sat 18 Feb 2023
Match report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Saturday saw Claverdon’s 1st XV hosting league leaders, Manor Park for their annual Ladies VPs event. With the away side under pressure for the league title and the Lions fighting to finish in the top half of the table, the fixture promised some entertaining rugby.
Manor Park started strong, relying heavily on a sizeable forward pack. A relentless bombardment of forward carries paid off, and the away side took the first points of the afternoon. The Claverdon support continued to stay muted after another well worked try from Manor Park who had taken an early 0-10 lead. After continued pressure, a driving maul gave the away side an opportunity to extend their lead yet again. A conversion took the score to 0-17, and showed little resolve for Claverdon. The Lions reduced the deficit thanks to centre, Sam Turrell’s right boot. Two successful penalties in the first half meant that hope was still there for the following 40 minutes.
Claverdon struck first in the second half. A charged down kick from James Williams gave the Lions an easy 7 points to once again, reduce the deficit. However, celebrations were short lived. A simple yet effective move from Manor Park allowed them to gain 7 points of their own, and extend the score to 13-22. With 20 minutes left on the clock, Claverdon dug deep. Endless phases in the opposition 22 allowed Will Jackson to step into a pocket, call for the ball and nudge the ball over the bar to take 3 points. With momentum firmly with the home side, while knowing a converted try would give them the win, the boys pressed on and gave all of their effort. However, the solid Manor Park defence showed ruthless determination not to buckle. The final whistle blew confirming a relieved away side, the victors. A cracking game from both teams, and a performance Claverdon could be proud of against the league leaders. Final score: 16-22.
