Sat 11 Mar 2023
Report by Hilton Garner-Jones
Claverdon‘s 1st XV hosted bottom of the league, Pinley on Saturday. The pitch was in surprisingly good condition following snowy conditions in the days prior. This was met with relief from the home side, who were aiming for a strong finish to their season in their penultimate fixture.
Claverdon started strong, an early try from Josh Evans set the tone for the rest of the game. Pinley came back with momentum, some strong carries brought the away side within the Claverdon 22. A penalty cost the Lions 3 points. However, once play resumed, Claverdon struck back almost immediately. A well worked try with strong carries from James Barton and James Kirby meant the latter drove over the line to score. It wasn’t long before Pinley, with the help of their big carriers, returned another blow of their own, in the form of a penalty kick. Despite continued pressure to the Claverdon line, the home side held firm, determined not to allow a try. With the visitors claiming 6 points, the Lions were determined to notch another try on the board before halftime. Flanker, Charlie Wakelam took possession of the ball 30 metres out from the Pinley line, shrugging off two tackles in the process and dotting down to claim 5-points of his own.
The second half proved to be a punishing one for the travelling side. Claverdon, having felt an inability to get out of first gear in the first half, ensured they removed any doubt on who the winning side would be. Further tries from Josh Evans (earning a hattrick), Hilton Garner-Jones, Charlie Wakelam cemented the win for Claverdon. Mention must go to Sam Turrell’s solo effort, shrugging off four Pinley defenders to score in the corner. The match finished early due to Pinley’s compound injuries, and the final score was 54-6.
