1st XV Latest Match Report
Saturday 13th February - Claverdon 14 - Bredon Star 30
LIONS DROP TO SECOND PLACE
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 30th January - Birmingham Civil Service 15 - Claverdon 3
LIONS OVER ROARED BY STRONG SERVICE PACK
Penalties - Wyllie
Claverdon continued their league campaign with a trip over to Solihull to face an ever improving Civil Service side that had recently put 40 points on Chaddesley Corbett.
Claverdon were struck a major blow when top try scorer Johnson pulled out just before kick off after failing to shake off a hamstring strain. With the recent departure of captain Horswill to work commitments, Westmacott away travelling and regulars Knight, Edsall & Wenborn missing, Claverdon looked up against it. However, such strength of their squad this season saw welcome returns from Joyce, Gill & Visser as more than suitable replacements.
The first 10 minutes saw Claverdon show good aggressive tackling and running. Forwards and backs were carrying and recycling the ball well. After Claverdon gained good territory by way of a quick free kick by Smith, Carruthers' strong running forced Service to give away a penalty within range. Wyllie duly stepped up to put the ball between the posts. 0-3 Claverdon. It came at a cost as Carruthers popped his shoulder and was replaced by Warren.
After this period of good play by the league leaders, Claverdon then fell off the pace and it was Civil Service who were now first to every ball and looked the more likely to score. Good tackling by full back Bennett and centre Noble kept the home side at bay. Everything that Service threw at them, Claverdon seemed to repel and this solid defence is a key part as to why Claverdon are topping their table.
The half was played out with service on the ascendancy and Claverdon were grateful of half time to re-group and try and come out stronger in the 2nd period. 0-3 Half Time.
Service started the 2nd half in he same vain as they had ended the first period and their far heavier pack started to dominate the Claverdon pack at every scrum. It was from one of these scrums that Service fed the ball to the blind side and their winger kicked the ball deep in the Claverdon 22. Bennett could do no more than put the ball out. The resultant lineout saw Service catch and drive to go over in the corner from 5 yards out, conversion missed, 5-3.
With the wind now behind them, Service used this with great effect and with good place kicking in behind wingers Wilding and Barton, Service were soon again camped in the Claverdon half. After Claverdon gave away a sloppy free kick, Service fed the ball to the big number 4 who powered through 3 Claverdon defenders to score between the posts, converted, 12-3. This caused another blow for Claverdon with Gill suffering a head injury and being replaced by Williams.
Claverdon tried to dig deep with captain Skinner leading the vocals but the dominance of the Service pack meant that they struggled to build any platform for the Claverdon backs who were not seeing the amount of ball that they were used to.
Another cheap penalty given away by Claverdon saw Civil Service kick another 3 points and with it seal the points, 15-3 Final Score. This was Claverdon's first defeat of the League campaign and one that they will have to learn a great deal from with the upcoming crucial league games.
Claverdon were simply outplayed in this game and as sometimes happens against Service were dictated to the way that Service wanted to play. They couldn't play off their usually dominant scrums and lineouts and as a result the talented and skilful Claverdon backs didn't have chance to play their expansive game.
Claverdon are back at home this Saturday to face Tenbury in the League. With Tenbury's recent run of good form this will be a tough test for the league leaders.
Report by Tom Johnson
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 12th December - Chaddesley Corbett 7 - Claverdon 30
THE LIONS ROAR FOUR POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP
Man of the match - Bennett
Try scorers - Johnson x 2, Bennett, Noble, Knight
Conversions - Barton
Penalties - Barton
League leaders Claverdon travelled away to face a strong Chaddesley Corbett side that had only lost a single game all season. Claverdon had always struggled at this venue and it was here that they had recorded their last competitive defeat in the final game of last season.
Claverdon were able to field a very strong side with the only noticeable absentee being captain Horswill who was sidelined with illness. Such strength of the team meant that usual 1st team regulars Brannon, Horsfall & Wyllie dropped to the bench. Flanker Gill came back from injury, Noble replaced Horswill at fly half and Wilding returned to the wing with Barton continuing his kicking duties.
After some intense preparation from coach Gray and wise words from stand-in captain Skinner, Claverdon started the game at a ferocious intensity. Good lineout work from Grimsley and excellent place kicking from Noble soon saw Claverdon camped deep in to Chaddesley's half. From the resultant lineout Claverdon fed the ball to Westmacott who broke 2 tackles to feed to the looping Noble. He drew the full back to feed centre Johnson to score an early try under the posts. Barton converted, 0-7.
Claverdon continued to shine and Chaddesley struggled to contend with the determination and shear pace of Claverdon's attacks. Every time Chaddesley tried to clear the danger the back trio of Wilding, Bennett and Barton ran the ball back with interest. Any time Chaddesley did try to run the ball at Claverdon they were met with crunching tackles notably from flanker Gill and centre Johnson.
Time and time again Claverdon pressed and should have made Chaddesley pay but for the odd knock on or misplaced pass. Smith in at scrum half was linking the play excellently and his determined running nearly put Claverdon further in the lead after he broke his tackle to create a break down the left flank. Quick phases of play between forwards and backs saw Bennett go over in the corner only for the final pass to have been judged as forward.
With half time drawing close, Noble found himself in the pocket but his drop goal attempt narrowly missed the right post. The whistle blew with Claverdon again on the ascendancy and after all their possession, territory and outright domination they found themselves only seven points to the good. Half time 0-7.
Coach Gray's words at half time were simply to keep up the intensity and be more clinical in the final third. Claverdon have had a tendency to go off the boil in previous games and they were determined not to let this happen and finish off what was now a tired looking Chaddesley outfit.
The 2nd half started in much the same way as the 1st half had with Claverdon on top of their rivals straight away. Strong running from second rows Joyce and Skinner gave Claverdon a good platform to work off. The scrum was solid as it had been all season and Austin at number 8 was creating his own chances. One such chance saw him crash over from close range but Chaddesley's scrambling defence managed to hold him up, with a 2nd chance being knocked on as he went to ground the ball.
With 8 minutes of the half played, Chaddesley conceded a penalty just outside their 22. Barton duly stepped up and put it smack between the posts to ease Claverdon's nerves, 0-10.
Westmacott had been suffering a knock to his ankle and was unable to continue, being replaced by full back Horsfall. Bennett slotted in at inside centre and Barton to the wing. The change around bought an immediate response as the ball came out to Noble who found Bennett cutting a great line to take the ball at pace and beat two Chaddesley defenders. Barton narrowly missed the conversion, 0-15.
With Claverdon now in a comfortable lead they were able to show some of the brand of rugby that had seen off previous opposition. Again, good lineout work with a Williams catch saw quick ball out to Smith and Noble. With a side step and Chaddesley players drawn towards the centres, Noble was able to glide in under the posts to potentially secure the points for Claverdon with 20 minutes remaining. Barton saw his conversion bounce back off the post, 0-20.
Skinner carrying a facial injury was replaced by energetic prop Brannon which saw Knight move to second row and the experienced Wyllie took over scrum half duties from young Smith. The switches gave Claverdon an extra boost and an excellent rolling maul involving all 8 forwards saw Knight crash over in the corner. Conversion missed, 0-25.
With the game coming to an end and again Claverdon camped in Chaddesley's half, centre Johnson picked up the ball from the back of a ruck. With 2 defenders to beat, he chipped the over them and with a favourable bounce touched down for his 2nd score of the game. Conversion missed, 0-30.
With only minutes still on the clock, Claverdon cleared from inside their own 22 only to find the Chaddesley winger who collected and with some unorthodox poor Claverdon tackling, he ran through to score in the corner. Try converted, 7-30 Final Score.
The fact that Claverdon were so upset by this breach in their defence on the stroke of full time just shows how far they have come and how high their expectations now are.
Claverdon are back at home this Saturday to face Tenbury in the League. With Tenbury's recent run of good form this will be a tough test for the league leaders.
Report by Tom Johnson - Pictures Will Barnes
Sarurday 28th November - Claverdon 49 - Bromyard 13
SIX OF THE BEST AS UNBEATEN CLAVERDON ROAR TO TOP
Man of the match - Conor Smith
Try Scorers - Johnson x 2, Noble x 2, Westmacott, Horswill
Conversion - Barton x 5
Penalties - Barton x 3
Claverdon roared to the top of the league after a fine victory over title rivals
Bromyard at Ossets Hole on Saturday. Following on from the victory away at Bredon
Star two week's ago, Claverdon once again put on an impressive performance to
send a clear message of intent to the rest of the league.
Johnson, Smith, Westmacott and Knight all returned to the starting line up and
captain Horswill moved to the flank, as Claverdon once again showed their tremendous
squad strength.
The game started at a typical high tempo as both sides tried to run the ball
at every opportunity. With the head to heads at two a piece between the sides
in recent seasons, it was key for Claverdon to gain the early advantage and
it was Barton, taking over the kicking duties from new dad Wyllie, who obliged
with two early penalty kicks. 6-0 Claverdon.
Shortly after Claverdon added their first try through centre Westmacott. After
a good movement down the right-hand side, involving excellent interchange play
from Johnson, Knight, Carruthers and Skinner, Grimsley weighted a perfect pass
to Westmacott, who broke the line to score just right of the posts. Barton added
the conversion, 13-0 Claverdon.
Claverdon and Bromyard then exchanged penalties before Bromyard added their
second penalty kick, as Claverdon were penalised again for blocking from the
restart, 16-6 to Claverdon.
Under inspiration leadership from Horswill and Skinner, who were both having
exceptional games, Claverdon begin to exert more pressure onto Bromyard. Grimsley,
Williams and Skinner were dominating the lineout and Claverdon were more than
holding their own in the scrum under the stewardship of Carruthers. Good runs
from Noble and then Austin, saw Claverdon make good ground, as Bromyard struggled
to cope with Claverdon's attacking prowess. Every time Bromyard tried to clear
their line, Wilder and Bennett gathered well and started Claverdon on another
attack with their abundance of pace. Scrum-half Smith was also making an impressive
return to action. Quick thinking by Smith saw him beat three Bromyard players
before popping the ball to Noble, who powered over, under the posts, from five
metres. Barton, having an excellent game, added the conversion, 23-6 to Claverdon.
Bromyard, visibly rocked by Claverdon's wave after wave of attack, briefly tried
to rally, and were having one of their few periods of good phase play when a
massive joint tackle from Horswill and Noble saw their powerful centre spill
the ball. Smith hacked the loose ball on first, followed by Johnson, who won
the sprint to touch down for Claverdon's third try. Barton added a tricky conversion
to make it six from six. Half-time 30-6 to Claverdon.
Claverdon almost added to Bromyard's misery immediately after the restart. Good
work again from Skinner and Austin, created a platform for quick ball for Smith,
who found Barton on the wing. Barton looked certain to score but for an exceptional
tackle from the Bromyard full-back. Claverdon still looked likely to score until
the Westmicott and Johnson were deemed to have crossed in midfield and Bromyard
were awarded a penalty. Credit to Bromyard at this point, as despite the score
line, they continued to try and play rugby.
Just as Bromyard were starting to put the first half behind them, fly-half Noble
produced another moment of individual brilliance. Again fed by quick ball from
a ruck by Smith, he jinked past five Bromyard players to score under the posts.
Barton, not in keeping with his outstanding game, missed the conversion. 35-6.
It was always going to take something special to top Noble's try and that moment
came from another well worked lineout. Clean ball from the forwards, combined
with quick hands through the three-quarters fed Westmicott, who beat his man
and off-loaded perfectly to Johnson, who beat his man and the full-back to score
just left of the posts for an excellent team try. Barton added the extras, 42-6.
Winger Wilder was unlucky not to get his name on the scoreboard after a scintillating
run, following good work at the breakdown from the quality Joyce. With Skinner,
Joyce is quickly establishing himself at the heart of the Claverdon pack.
After been so dominant for so long, Claverdon were always going to have to absorb
pressure at some point, and mid way through the second-half Bromyard showed
that they are not to be written off in this league. A good fifteen minute spell
saw them come away with a try after some strong scrummaging. Their centre added
the extras. 42-13.
With minutes left to go and both sides seemingly happy for the game to end as
was, Johnson, in tremendous form at the moment, broke the line and zigzagged
through several players and looked destined to score before being tackled high.
From the resultant penalty, Smith found Horswill, who powered over from five
metres for a well deserved try to round off a near perfect day for Claverdon
and one to forget for Bromyard. Final Score 49-13.
Claverdon have a break from league action this coming weekend but have a friendly game at home against Old Yardleyans Seconds, 2.15 kick off.
Report Paul Brannon - Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 14th November - Bredon Star 5 - Claverdon 18
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 7th November - Claverdon 25 - Birmingham Civil Service 5
RETURN OF LEGEND INSPIRES CLAVERDON TO FOURTH STRAIGHT LEAGUE VICTORY
Man of the Match - Horsfall
Try Scorers - Hill, Austin, Westmacott, Busby
Conversions - Barton x 1
Osset's Hole was abuzz for two big reasons on Saturday. Firstly, it was the
opening Vice Presidents day of the 2009/10 campaign, with a record turnout of
over 150 people and the guest of honour being none other than Claverdon's legendary
President, Basil Sawyer. Secondly, it was the perfect opportunity for Claverdon's
exciting first XV to build on their hundred percent league and cup start to
the season, and give Basil the perfect homecoming, against tricky opposition
in the form of Birmingham Civil Service. Vice President's day always ensures
Claverdon field a strong team, but few occasions could have seen a squad the
strength of the one which took to the field on Saturday. Wyllie and Paul Carruthers
were unavailable for selection, so were replaced by Murphy and Joyce respectively,
in the only changes to the starting line up from last weeks win at Stourport.
With captain Horswill still unavailable through injury, Barton continued at
fly-half. Hill, Visser, Knight and a name for the future, Wilder, made up a
talented Claverdon bench.
Claverdon made the perfect start after just five minutes. Good work at the base
of a Claverdon scrum from Murphy, saw the ball fed wide quickly to Busby at
inside centre, who showed great strength to burst through three Civil Service
defenders to score a brilliant individual try under the posts. There is something
about Busby and a big occasion and he gave Claverdon the perfect start they
have so often desired, but so frequently missed out on. Barton narrowly missed
the conversion. 5-0 to Claverdon.
Buoyed on by a boisterous crowd, Claverdon continued to attack the Civil Service
line. Good runs from Grimsley, vice captain Skinner and Carruthers, all put
Claverdon in good attacking positions. Civil Service were defending well and
their forwards were making their two stone a man weight advantage show, particularly
in the scrum area, where they were beginning to get on top. Just as Civil Service
were starting to build together some good phases of rugby, the outstanding Westmacott
delivered a sucker punch with a trademark try. Again quick thinking from Murphy,
at an under pressure Claverdon scrum, saw Barton dummy to Busby, but find Westmacott,
who broke through the tackle of his opposite man and then the full-back, to
score just right of the posts. Murphy missed the conversion, 10-0 to Claverdon.
Claverdon suffered a period of frustration shortly after scoring their second
try, losing Williams to illness (replaced by former captain Hill) and also conceding
a penalty, although the kick at goal was missed.
Hill, alongside his fellow flanker Gill, were brilliant in the tackle area and
winning the 50/50 balls at the breakdown, and this was instrumental in keeping
Claverdon in the ascendancy. Good combination work from Westmacott and Johnson
led to the winger almost breaking through, but for a last ditch tackle from
the Civil Service full-back. Hill and Gill were once again quick to the breakdown
and Hill was held up short as he dived for the line. Although Civil Service
managed to briefly clear their lines, Barton, having another mature performance
at ten, hoisted a long, testing ball deep into the Civil Service half. Never
one to believe in a lost cause, Johnson once again showed his pace to chase
down the kick and force the Civil Service winger to touch down behind his own
try line. From the resultant five metre scrum, powerful running from number
eight Austin, saw him score his third try in two games, and take Claverdon into
a 15-0 lead. Murphy missed the conversion.
Grimsley and Joyce again set the tone for Claverdon from the restart, with strong,
straight running. The pace of the game was clearly taking it's toll on Civil
Service, who then lost one of their flankers to injury. Claverdon, under excellent
leadership from Skinner, began to turn the screw. Barton kicked brilliantly
to the corner from a Claverdon penalty, and a textbook catch and drive, from
a perfectly weighted throw from Carruthers, saw Hill cross the line after good
work from the Claverdon pack, notably Gill, Brannon and Grimsley. Barton added
the conversion and Claverdon finished the half leading 22-0, much to the delight
of the home support.
Half-time saw Knight replace Brannon, and Claverdon were forced into using the
last of their allocated substitutes within minutes of the restart, as Westmacott,
suffering with a hip injury, was replaced by Wilder. Versatile Johnson moved
to his preferred position of outside centre and Wilder went on to the wing.
Civil Service also lost their second player to injury, meaning they were forced
to play out the remainder of the game with only 13 players. Despite this, and
having a mountain to climb, it was Civil Service who started the half the brighter.
With the advantage of the slope, Civil Service settled into their more familiar
routine of powerful running rugby, supported by the excellent place kicking
of their fly-half. In an almost a replica of Claverdon's try in the first half,
Civil Service scored after a catch and drive from a lineout five metres from
the Claverdon try line. The conversion was missed and Claverdon led 22-5.
Claverdon then found themselves down to 14 men as they lost Hill to a nasty
looking rib injury. With both sides down on personnel, the game descending into
a scrappy affair. Both sides had further chances to add to the score sheet,
with Johnson, Murphy and Bennett, twice, unlucky not to add tries for Claverdon,
after excellent runs. Man of the match Horsfall was the busier of the full-backs
in the half, but did everything asked of him, in impeccable style. Barton added
to his points tally for the season with a penalty to take Claverdon into a 25-5
lead, which is how the score remained. Full-time 25-5 to Claverdon, but credit
must go to Civil Service for their battling second half performance.
Claverdon must now build on their excellent start to the season as they face
their three main title rivals over the next month, starting with Bredon Star
away next Saturday.
By Paul Brannon
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 31st October - Stourport 16 - Claverdon 25
DIVERSION FAILS TO LEAD CLAVERDON OFF WINNING COURSE
Men of the match - Gill / Williams
Try scorers - Austin x 2, Johnson
Conversions - Wyllie x 2
Penalties - Wyllie x 2
Claverdon travelled away from Ossetts Hole Lane to face a Stourport side that had been relegated from the division above only last season. Although Stourport had lost their opening three league games, Claverdon knew that this was going to be a tough encounter.
Preparation to the game wasn't great as a diversion only a mile from the ground had meant that the referee and players were late arriving and so kick off was pushed back to 3pm with virtually no time for a proper warm up.
With Horswill injured and Joyce, Visser & Noble away, Paul Carruthers came into second row, Austin to no. 8 and young Barton in to fly half. Claverdon also welcomed back Busby & Bennett with Brannon making his 1st league start of the campaign, Knight dropping to the bench.
The game started off slowly with silly mistakes from either side. It also became quite apparent from the start that the referee was going to penalise any infringement and referee this game to the very letter of the law. Claverdon were slow to realise this and any good territory gained by them was nullified by the concession of needless penalties letting Stourport clear away any danger.
From further possession deep in the Stourport half, Claverdon put together some good phases of rugby and after strong running from Brannon, Skinner and Carruthers Snr, Austin picked up from five metres out and burst through to score with an outstretched arm. Wyllie missed the fairly straight forward conversion, 0-5.
With Claverdon now fully warmed up and in to their stride, good strong running from Bennett & Horsfall again had Stourport pinned in their own half. It was from a loose ball that winger Johnson picked up and punted the ball down field. With their full back and winger struggling to judge the flight of the ball, Johnson chased his kick and judged the bounce superbly to take it at pace and score under the posts. Wyllie duly converted, 0-12.
In previous games, Claverdon have kicked on from these positive starts but indiscipline kept them pegged back in their own half for much of the next twenty minutes. It was from a scrum that Stourport got back in the game. Their no. 8 picked up the ball and found a gap in the usually solid defence and with his pace and various missed tackles managed to run in a try in the corner, conversion missed, 5-12.
Again, strong refereeing and Claverdon indiscipline led to further penalties conceded within range of the posts and Stourport took advantage and kicked 2 penalties before half time, 11-12 at the break.
The message from the Claverdon camp at half time was fairly simple. Encourage each other, hit the breakdowns in twos and threes and cut out the needless penalties. Claverdon had conceded 11 to Stourport's 1 penalty in the 1st half.
The 2nd half started with another excellent restart from the impressive Barton and Claverdon seemed to have taken note of the stand-in captain's words. Good, strong and straight running from centres Westmacott and Busby saw Claverdon gain territory and Stourport were struggling to cope with these attacks. This pressure eventually led to a Claverdon penalty within range for goal kicker Wyllie. Although not at his best with the boot, he slotted the penalty from out wide under pressure, 11-15.
Claverdon then made their first and only change with Knight replacing the ever impressive Brannon. More pressure was again exerted by Claverdon who had now picked up momentum and were playing phases of rugby that the crowd had been used to witnessing over previous games this season. Well drilled rucking and excellent running play from flankers Gill & Williams as well as hooker Grimsley meant Stourport did not venture into the Claverdon half at all. Phases when Stourport did finally get their hands on the ball and out wide were nullified by strong tackling from wingers Johnson & Bennett as well as full back Horsfall.
Claverdon now at their best were running the ball back at Stourport with interest and lively winger Johnson was unlucky not to get on the end of another chip and chase. Another similar attack saw an inside pass from Johnson just fail to reach the supporting Barton who again would have been in for a certain try.
Stourport were now showing their own signs of indiscipline and conceded a further penalty deep in their own half. Wyllie again converted under pressure, 11-18.
With Claverdon firmly in the ascendancy, centre Busby took the ball at pace from a Claverdon scrum to crash through the Stourport defence. With excellent recycling from Knight, Austin picked up the ball at the back of the ruck to smash over the line for a Claverdon try. Wyllie converted, 11-25.
As the daylight was diminishing, Stourport pressed Claverdon strongly in the last five minutes and although Claverdon kept them at bay with strong tackling across the park, a well worked penalty spun out wide saw Stourport score in the corner right at the end of the game. Conversion missed, 16-25 Final Score.
Credit must be given to excellent scrummaging from all the forwards who didn't lose a scrum and managed to win ball against the head on several occasions. This served as a great platform for the dynamic and well drilled backs.
Claverdon are back at home this Saturday to face Birmingham Civil Service in the League with a sell out crowd of VP's cheering on the red and whites.
Report by Tom Johnson
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 24th October - Claverdon 21 - Stoneygate 7
Man of the match - Johnson
Try scorers - Johnson x 2, Barton
Conversions - Wyllie x 3
Claverdon RFC 1st XV produced one of their best performances in recent years
as they beat a very strong Stoneygate RFC in a cup fixture at home on Saturday.
Claverdon outscored their high flying Midlands 4 opposition by three tries to
one, running out 21-7 winners as they continued their excellent start to the
2009/10 season.
Claverdon's afternoon did not start well though, as they lost full-back Allsopp
to a hamstring injury as he kicked off the game. Allsopp, who has unfortunately
been blighted by injury over the last few seasons, was replaced by Noble, who
went to centre, with Johnson going to full back. Wave after wave of attack from
Stoneygate soon saw Claverdon on the back foot and the visitors would certainly
have taken an early lead but for excellent defensive work from Horsfall, Westmacott
and Johnson, to keep the visitors at bay. This gave Claverdon some much needed
confidence and the game developed into an excellent spectacle between two quality
sides, both showing a willingness to try and play expansive rugby. After more
sustained pressure from Stoneygate, flanker Gill turned over the ball for Claverdon.
Some excellent work from the forwards and scrum-half Wyllie allowed Horswill
to feed the ball out wide to winger Barton, who easily outpaced his man, chipped
over the full-back, and won the sprint to score a wonderfully individually crafted
try. Wyllie added the conversion to make it 7-0 to Claverdon.
The score visibly lifted the home side who began to match Stoneygate across
all areas of the game, none more so than the scrum, where Claverdon were asserting
themselves well under pack leader Skinner. Grimsley continued his superb form
as hooker, and it was from a turned over scrum that led to Claverdon's next
chance to add to the scoreboard. A trademark Westmacott run, and good work in
the loose from Joyce and Visser forced the Stoneygate pack to concede a penalty,
just outside their 22. Claverdon elected to kick from the resultant penalty,
Wyllie hit the left post and the ball agonisingly bounced out. The score remained
7-0 to Claverdon.
During some heroic defending, Claverdon's captain Horswill fell awkwardly on
his ankle and play was stopped while he received treatment. Given the earlier
injury to Allsopp, Horswill was forced to continue on until half time despite
clearly not being able to operate effectively on his ankle. Claverdon rallied
to their captain's plight. Stoneygate's powerful, aggressive running was consistently
met with stonewall defence from Claverdon with Noble, Visser and Horsfall, amongst
others, making several key tackles. The breakthrough that Stoneygate were after
came after an excellent period of well worked phase play, which saw their centre
score under the posts to bring the sides level. 7-7.
The home side were edging ahead in the scrum and line-out areas and their back
line looked capable of scoring given any quarter, but equally so did Stoneygate's.
Both Noble and Barton had further good chances for Claverdon and despite some
strong running from Wyllie, Skinner and Carruthers, the half ended with honours
even at 7 all.
The second half saw Horswill, Knight and Gill be replaced by Lidsey, Brannon
and Hill as Claverdon set about producing one of the shock results of the round.
Johnson switched to his more familiar role of centre, and Horswill deputised
at fallback. Again Stoneygate started well, and again stalwart defence from
Claverdon kept them out. Hill and Grimsley in the loose were immense, as Claverdon
continued to disrupt and frustrate the Midlands 4 side. As the game wore on,
the balance of play began to shift in the home sides favour. Playing down the
hill and with the wind in their favour, some excellent distance place kicking
from the outstanding Noble pinned Stoneygate deep in their own half, forcing
them to show their own defensive abilities. Sensing something special, the Claverdon
support roared their approval as the Claverdon pack surged towards the line.
First Skinner, then Hill broke tackles as the home side raised the tempo. Stoneygate's
defence was again broken by some excellent centre play by Westmacott and Johnson.
Wyllie fed Westmacott, after another solid scrummage from Claverdon, who brilliantly
drew his man and off-loaded to Johnson at pace, who beat his opposite number
on the outside and scored from 30 metres out. Wyllie added a tricky conversion.
14-7.
The high tempo of the game continued, with more solid defense from Claverdon,
which twice kept good Stoneygate attacks at bay. Noble and Johnson in particular
were outstanding in attack and defence, and Noble's kicking game, combined with
some well drilled line-out play from Claverdon, kept Stoneygate pinned in the
own 22. As Stoneygate tried to orchestrate an attack from deep inside their
own half, their inside centre tried to off load the ball after a tackle from
Westmacott, only for Johnson to read it well, intercept the ball and race away
to score under the posts. Wyllie added the conversion. 21-7. Claverdon soaked
up all Stoneygate could throw at them in the last remaining minutes but ran
out winners of a thrilling game of cup rugby.
This week Claverdon look to keep their 100% league record intact as they travel
to recently relegated Stourport.
Paul Brannon.
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 17th October - Claverdon 66 - Highley 7
Try scorers - Johnson x 3, Horswill x 3, Westmacott x 3, Knight x 1
Conversions - Wyllie x 8
Men of the match - Wyllie/Westmacott
Claverdon's first team followed up contrasting friendly victories with an emphatic
league win over Highley RFC on Saturday. With this seasons aim of automatic
promotion, combined with the new leadership team of captain Sam Horswill, vice
captain Tom Skinner and coach Rich Gray, Claverdon have made an excellent start
to the season, building on the firm foundations established last year.
Having only joined the league set up three years ago, Highley RFC arrived at
Claverdon with the knowledge that they have always played out close fought matches
against Claverdon, often with the result only being settled in the dying minutes.
The first ten minutes went to type and was a scrappy affair with Highley's aggressive
pack trying to counter act Claverdon's fast-paced, running game. But despite
Highley's promising start, Claverdon's quality soon became evident, as after
a well worked lineout won by Visser, outside centre Westmacott crashed through
three Highley players to score under the posts. Wyllie added the conversion,
7-0.
From the restart, Highley tried to tie Claverdon into an upfront physical battle,
but yet again good work from the Claverdon pack, notably the ageless Hill in
the loose, allowed Wyllie to spin the ball wide to Horswill, who in turn found
Westmacott, who mirrored his first try to score his second. Wyllie again added
the conversion, 14-0.
Claverdon were now in the ascendancy and brimming with confidence. Hooker Grimsley
won yet another ball on a Highley scrum and quick thinking from scrum-half Wyllie,
found winger Johnson on the blindside who beat his opposite number to score
under the posts. Wyllie made it three from three, 21-0. Almost straight from
the restart good work from Grimsley and Wyllie found Westmacott at full pace,
who completed his quick-fire hat-trick. Wyllie added the extras, 28-0.
More good work from the forwards, first Visser and Austin to win turnover ball,
then at the breakdown by Carruthers, Joyce and Knight allowed Horswill to break
a tackle and find Johnson on the wing who beat his man again to score in the
corner. Wyllie added his toughest conversion of the half and Claverdon led 35-0
at the break.
The second half started in the same vain the first had finished, with more excellent
forward phase play. Gill, Grimsley, and powerful surges from Austin, then Hill,
had put Claverdon within touching distance of the line, before Knight drove
over for his first try of the season. Wyllie continued his 100% record to make
it 42-0 to Claverdon.
Claverdon were now dominating all aspects of the game and were playing some
attractive, expansive rugby to boot. Good runs from Joyce, Carruthers and the
impressive Allsopp at full-back, all could have led to further scores, but it
was captain Horswill who added the next points, when he ran onto a ball from
Johnson to score in the corner. Wyllie missed the conversion, 47-0.
If Horswill's first try was the consequence of excellent team play, then his
second was a piece of individual brilliance, as he picked up a good ball from
Wyllie inside his own half, beat six Highley players to score under the posts.
Wyllie added yet another conversion, to take his points tally to 14, and Claverdon's
to 54.
Highley, to their credit, never allowed their heads to drop and were rewarded
for their efforts when their number 8 drove over for a try. 54-7. Any hopes
of a revival were soon quashed though as Highley lost a player for violent play.
Claverdon were quickly back into their stride and it was again captain Horswill,
who broke from inside his own half for the second time, and despite being half
tackled, managed to breakthrough and score his third try of the match. Wyllie
missed the conversion, 59 -7.
Claverdon arguably saved their best try until last though, when, after gathering
a high ball, Allsopp made a powerful run, beating three Highley players before
superbly off-loading to Johnson, who ran 40 metres to score his third, and Claverdon's
tenth, try of the afternoon. Wyllie added the conversion and the game ended
66-7 to the home side. A most entertaining game for the home spectators.
Paul Brannon
Pictures Will Barnes