1st XV Match Reports
Saturday 15th November - Birmingham Exiles 15 - Claverdon 9
Saturday 8th November - Claverdon 16 - Warley 0
CLAV WIN THE WAR AGAINST TITLE RIVALSMan of the Match - Jean Visser
Try scorer - James Barton
Conversion - Ian Wyllie
Penalties - Ian Wyllie x 3
A superb team performance by Claverdon first XV in front of their home crowd, put their promotion campaign right back on track as they overcame a strong and determined Warley side. The visitors came into the game joint top having not lost since the opening game of the season. Claverdon gave a debut to Tom Skinner, in the second row, as they hoped to put the disappointment of last week's narrow defeat away at Bredon Star behind them
The first half was a tetchy affair with the early pressure coming from the visitors and the Claverdon defence did well to hold out against the early onslaught. Valiant last ditch defending from centres Marsh and Westmacott combined with some good work in the loose from Edsall and, man of the match Visser, defied the visitors. Having weathered the early storm Claverdon grew in confidence and started to assert themselves to achieve parity in the forward exchanges and gain ground. Paul Daws at full back, in only his second game back from injury, looked back to his mesmerizing best, as he twice sliced through the Warley defence, only to be just stopped short. This seemed to boost Claverdon but still the clear scoring opportunities would not come as Warley restricted their attacks. The closest Claverdon came was when Paul Carruthers reacted best by a spilled ball and hacked through to only be denied by good defensive play from the Warley full-back. Claverdon then suffered a massive blow when winger Johnson had to leave the field with a split eye. Such is the strength and depth of the Claverdon squad this year they were able to replace Johnson with Barton, who has been very impressive to date in his debut season for the Claverdon 1st XV. This break in play allowed Warley to regroup and they finished the first half in the ascendancy. Claverdon sport one of the best defensive records in the league and showed why with some aggressive tackling, notably from Grimsley, Horswill and Skinner, and restricted a good period of Warley pressure to a missed penalty kick. 0-0 Half-time.
Turning round level and with the wind now behind them, Claverdon raised their game and it was their turn to apply the pressure with the play very much concentrated in the opposition half. Solid running from props Knight and Carruthers began the move that led to a well worked try for the home side. After a series of excellent off loads from the Claverdon forwards, the ball was played across the entire Claverdon back line, for substitute Barton to score in the corner. Wyllie added the tricky conversion. 7-0 Claverdon. Warley tried to rally after this score and looked to their influential fly-half to kick them into a good territorial position. During the first half, he had run the game for Warley but Horswill and Marsh, at 10 and 12, were quick to adapt for Claverdon and did not give him any time on the ball and by putting pressure on the 10 they were increasing the pressure on Warley. With Warley unable to get a consistent period of play in Claverdon's half, they looked to their forwards to drive them on. In previous seasons they have been able to dominate sides this way, and it was credit to Claverdon's young but maturing pack that they were more than a match to the away side on this occasion. Unable to dominate in the pack, and with constant pressure being applied to their fly-half, Warley began to show their frustration and began conceding penalties. Captain Wyllie, in scintillating form with the boot, continued to punish Warley by landing three penalties. Within a period of 15 minutes, Warley went from still being in the game at 7 - 0, to being 16 - 0 down, showing the damage ill discipline can be do when the opposition have a good goal kicker. Claverdon then lost their second key player to a nasty eye injury, in the form of impressive debutant Tom Skinner. Skinner was replaced by Brannon and Claverdon also replaced the inspirational Edsall with fresh legs in the form of Thorndale. Credit to Warley though, as they did not give up and ended the game well. Claverdon's defence was yet again tested but again stood up well and impressive defence from Grimsley and Joyce, in particular, enabled Claverdon to weather the late storm.
Claverdon travel away to Birmingham Exiles (2.15pm K.O) this coming Saturday lying 3rd in the league and knowing that a win is guaranteed to put them into 2nd place as they head into December.
Paul Brannon
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 1st November - Bredon Star 17 - Claverdon 12
Claverdon Lose on the Road
Tries - Sam Murphy x 2
Conv - Ian Wyllie
Claverdon's first league match away ended in defeat to a highly organised Bredon Star team.
After a fast and aggressive start from both sides it was Bredon who drew first blood. The Bredon prop powered his way through some sloppy tackles to crash under the posts, the conversion was scored. This proved to be the wake-up call that Claverdon needed who were unlucky not to score when Paul Dawes broke away after a few nice passes only to be held up by a last ditch tackle. Further good breaks from Wyllie and Edsall saw Claverdon make good yards, only to be turned over again and again at the ruck. Claverdon at times played some very nice rugby but some dropped catches at crucial points, and conceding too many silly penalties kept Claverdon playing on the back foot for most of the first half and failing to keep the good ground gained. It was only down to their strong defence that kept the score the same until half time.
Half time 0-7.
Claverdon started the second half with more purpose, stepped up their performance and where soon rewarded with a try. Claverdon soaked another Bredon attack before a massive tackle by Westmacott saw the ball pop loose which lead to Claverdon's young winger Sam Murphy scoring his first try for Claverdon in his debut match. Sam picked up the loose ball and sprinted down the pitch from his own 22 and out paced three players to score under the post. Claverdon hit the post with the conversion. From the restart Claverdon again were under pressure due to some ill discipline at the breakdown but again strong defence and another pressurised pass from Brendon saw Sam score a similar try to his first, this time he intercepted the pass and sprinted again from his 22 to score under the post. The conversion was scored.
Claverdon were now up 12 - 7 with 20 minutes to go but Bredon were not finished yet after slotting a penalty, their very well organised mauling finally produced the goods and the went over to score near the posts leaving an easy conversion and final victory Brendon 12 - 17.
It was a second defeat to this young Claverdon side but with other top
teams also losing it leaves them just two points off the top spot.
Photos Will Barnes
Saturday 25th October - Claverdon 10 - Birmingham Civil Service 5
CLAV RETURN TO WINNING WAYS IN THE LEAGUE AFTER HARD FOUGHT VICTORY
CLAVERDON RFC 10 - BIRMINGHAM CIVIL SERVICE RFC 5
Try scorer - Dave Carruthers
Conversion - Ian Wyllie
Penalty - Ian Wyllie
Man of the match - Dave Carruthers
Claverdon 1st XV continue to ride high in Midlands 6 West, moving up to
joint second, having survived a severe test of their character and resolve
to beat a strong Birmingham Civil Service team by 10 - 5 at Ossets Hole
Lane. The two teams came into the game with very different form lines. Claverdon,
having won two out of three in the league, and on the back of a massive
cup win against a higher league opposition, whilst Civil Service had lost
three out of three in the league. Claverdon were more than aware though,
that despite their league position, Civil Service are a very good outfit,
having finished 3rd twice in the last two seasons.
Civil Service stuttered in the early exchanges with missed tackles giving
the impetus to the home side and the opening score came after some intense
pressure from the Claverdon backs. From a Civil Service scrum, fly-half
Richards and centre Busby, were quickly up on the Civil Service backline,
and under the pressure the Civil Service scrum-half spilled the ball, and
that allowed prop Carruthers to show good strength to pick up and drive
over from 10 metres. Wyllie added the conversion, 7-0 Claverdon.
Lifted by the early score and the advantage of the slope, Claverdon started
to assert themselves and it wasn't long before they stretched their lead.
Some good work at the breakdown from Edsall, Visser and most notably Paul
Carruthers, Civil Service were forced to concede a penalty for not releasing
the ball on the ground. A tricky penalty was landed by Wyllie and Claverdon
led 10-0 midway through the first period. At this stage it looked like Claverdon
may build on this platform and record an easy victory, but credit to Civil
Service who regrouped and came back at Claverdon with renewed purpose. Firstly
their fly-half narrowly missed a kick after Claverdon's forwards were penalised
from joining the ruck from the side. Then a brilliant 40 metre run from
their full-back, and several phrases of good play later, Civil Service were
camped in Claverdon's half, and despite some solid defence from the Claverdon
forwards, they eventually succumbed to Civil Service's powerful pack. The
conversion was missed and the half time score was 10-5 in the home team's
favour.
Civil Service started the second half the way they had finished the first
and applied sustained pressure to Claverdon, especially in the scrum, where
they began to dominate. The middle period was littered with handling errors
and infringements and resulted in scrum after scrum. Even when Claverdon
hooker Grimsley was winning the ball, both on his own and the opposition
put in, it was anything but clean, as Civil Service turned their weight
superiority into yards. With Civil Service dominating the scrum it became
about ability of Claverdon's defence who soaked up attack after attack from
the away side. Claverdon's task was not made any easier when they lost one
of their best tacklers, Busby, to injury. Such is the strength in depth
of Claverdon's squad this year they were able to introduce Sam Horswill,
a quality player who can play in a variety of positions. The game remained
finely balanced with just a try separating the sides going into the last
ten minutes, but Claverdon held their concentration, and more importantly
their discipline, to hold out for an important victory. Final score 10-5.
Whilst this was a frustrating afternoon, especially for Claverdon's wingers
and full back, this was much more than two points for the home side. The
young side bore out a hard fought victory against a good, experienced side,
that despite their form to date, will be there or thereabouts at the end
of this campaign. Claverdon have now won 6 of their last 7 games and head
to Bredon Star for another league game this coming Saturday.
Paul Brannon
Try for Dave Carruthers 
Pictures Will Barnes
Saturday 18th October - Claverdon 31 - Five Ways Old Edwardians 0
3rd Round EDF Junior Vase
Try Scorers - Paul Carruthers, Dave Carruthers, Tom Johnson, Dan Mollenoux,
James Barton
Conversions - Ian Wyllie x 3
Claverdon entered the 3rd round of the EDF junior vase in emphatic style
by beating Five Way Old Edwardians RFC 31-0, outscoring them 5 tries to
0 in the process.
Still smarting from last week's top of the table defeat, Claverdon were
keen to test how far they had come so far this season, against higher league
opposition, in the form of Five Ways Old Edwardians. Claverdon are quickly
developing a young, strong squad with the sort of the consistency that previous
captains have only craved. Robbins and Richards were the only changes to
last week's squad, replacing Marsh and Thorndale, who were unavailable and
injured, respectively.
Both sides started the game in typical cup spirit, aggressively taking the
game to each other up front. Claverdon more than held their own in the early
scrummages, as the superior weight advantage failed to materialise into
yards, for Five Ways. Carruthers rattled his opposite number in the front
row early, and Grimsley started to dominate hooking, both on his own ball,
and Five Way's. With things going Claverdon's way, somewhat unexpectedly
easily up-front, the backline were starting to come to life more and more
as the half drew on. Every time Wyllie, and man of the match Richards received
ball in hand, an array of opportunities were available. Be it Busby and
Westmacott's aggressive running style or Johnson and Barton's sheer pace,
Claverdon were slicing the Five Ways defence wide open.
Unsurprisingly, it was Claverdon, who opened the scoring. Good work at the
breakdown from Visser and Knight led to a breakaway from Robbins, who brilliant
off-loaded in the tackle to Richards, who in turn passed inside to Paul
Carruthers to power over the line. Club captain Wyllie added the conversion
7-0. Claverdon continued to dominant the remainder of the half but without
adding to their tally. 7-0 half time.
During the half time break, coach Woody called on Claverdon to turn their
dominance into points in the second period. Richards set the tone of the
half with a huge kick off, down the hill, deep into Five Way's half. Excellent
chasing from Robbins and Joyce instantly put Five Ways under pressure, and
whilst they managed to get the put in at the scrum, this was far from a
guaranteed scrum win for Five Ways. Hooker Grimsley yet again stole the
ball for Claverdon, and a good spell of possession culminated in prop Dave
Carruthers crashing over from five metres. Wyllie again added the conversion.
14-0 Claverdon.
This was a hammer blow to Five Ways so early into the second half, and they
now faced a confident Claverdon team, looking to put on a show in front
of a decent home crowd. Claverdon started to up the tempo and it soon became
one-way traffic. Wave after wave of attack from Claverdon saw them go close
a couple of times, before an individual moment of brilliance from Johnson,
who beat six Five Way's players to score under the posts, effectively ending
Five Ways chances. Wyllie again added the conversion. 21-0 Claverdon. Shortly
after it was 26-0 as winger Dan Mollenoux finished off a well worked team
try, which during the build up, seemed to pass through the entire Claverdon
team. Claverdon had the luxury of then making wholesale changes as Austin,
Allsopp and White joined in the rout. Five Ways, however, play their rugby
in Midlands 5, and briefly showed why, as a combination of good rugby from
their pack, and ill-discipline from Claverdon nearly led to a consolation
try. Twice Five Ways forwards were stopped from ten metres out, firstly
by Austin, and then by Grimsley. This was to prove the last that Five Ways
entered Claverdon's half. There was, though, time for the ever impressive
Barton to add his name to the score sheet, showing great strength to smash
over from ten metres out, despite the attention of three Five Ways players.
Final score 31-0 to Claverdon.
Claverdon 1st team have now won 5 of their last 6 games and are showing
signs that this could end up being a very special year at the club, both
on and off the field. The work that Wyllie, Woody and Harvey are putting
in on the coaching side is evident, in both the 1st XV, and 2nd XV's performances,
and is worthy of note.
Claverdon entertain Birmingham Civil Service (again at home) this Saturday,
as they aim to go back to the summit of the league.
Pictures Will Barnes
Additional pictures from Nigel Pigdon of the first team http://pigdon.smugmug.com/gallery/6294556_qu9kw#396764640_pPYm8
and pictures of the of the second team 2nd Team http://pigdon.smugmug.com/gallery/6294543_AgEvx#396761801_US8iN
Saturday 11th October Claverdon 0 - Bromyard 11
Ill Discipline cost Claverdon the Chance to go Top
Bromyard traveled to Claverdon for a top of Midlands 6 League clash. Even though it is only a few games into the season both teams have had impressive wins in there last two games and the winner today would help shape their league season.
The first half was a nervous affair with both team's failing to take the
initiative.
Claverdon started the brightest, Olly Thorndale shined with some outstanding
forward play and even caught and droved halfway up the pitch from a Claverdon's
own 22.
There were two moments in the first half that changed the game, Claverdon
were based on their own 22 when quick hands from the backs gave James Barton
some space to smash a mighty kick deep into Bromyard's half. The Bromyard's
full back failed to deal with it correctly giving Barton time to follow
up his own kick, then to chip on and was judged to have knocked on as he
touched the ball down. Soon after, Bromyard was able to suck in Claverdon
defense on Claverdon's 22 and with a cheeky chip and chase saw the only
try in the game by Bromyard's number 9 to score in the corner however Bromyard
failed to convert the try.
Half Time. Claverdon 0 - 5 Bromyard
The second half started similar to the first but Claverdon got to grips with a very experienced Bromyard pack. Good scrumming from Fraser Knight and Dave Carruthers also later by Paul Brannon gave Gunner Grimsley every chance against a wily Bromyard Hooker. Claverdon defense throughout the game was solid and were well marshaled in the centre by Luke Busby but special mentions must go to Tom Johnson and James Barton starting his first season as a senior for some crucial tackles. However all of Claverdon's good work was wasted after they conceded penalty after penalty with two players being sin binned. Dave Austin and Paul Brannon both came on late in the game and tried to change the outcome but it was too late. Claverdon losing 0 - 11 as Bromyard scored two late penalties.
Claverdon's young team were taught a lesson by a more experienced Bromyard team. Claverdon have played Bromyard for the last 3 years now and it has never been a year where a team has won both games. Claverdon will have ever chance for revenge in the return game and one thing is for sure with this young team they are learning in every game that they play!
Man of Match
James Barton
Saturday 4th October (VPs Day) - Claverdon 21 - Highley 5
Saturday 20th September - Claverdon 21 Tenbury 5
Hungry Lions Roar Past Tenbury
Claverdon won the opening fixture of their 2008/09 league campaign with
an impressive win over last seasons relegated team Tenbury 21-5 after a
solid display in front of a Partisan crowd down at Ossetts Hole Lane.
Having never met before the first 20 minutes were very cagey with both teams
testing each other out and trying to find a weakness, it was Claverdon who
struck first blood after good work by the Claverdon pack in particular Chris
Edsall and Olly Thorndale was rewarded with a penalty just of centre on
the 22. Capitain Ian Wiggy Wylie stepped up to show that his kicking was
back to its best majestically stroking the ball between the posts.
Tenbury came back strong and on a hot day at the theatre of dreams the pace
was ferocious, with end to end free flowing rugby being played by both sides.
A good spell of possession from the visitors allowed them to create an overlap
out wide and with Claverdon's defence cut in half the try was inevitable,
a poor conversion was charged down by veteran fly half and mini fridge magnate
Richard Gray.
Coming out for the second half Claverdon trailed 5-3 but were starting to
put the pressure on Tenbury with long periods in the Tenbury half, this
possession was turned into points when former retired rugby player and hair
dresser Luke Busby went on a 30 yard run and linked up with Claverdons up
and coming young 8 Carruthers (PC) who showed quick hands and a turn of
speed to release gas man Paul Dawes after 15 month out with a knee injury
who finished a well worked move with style scoring in the corner, Wiggy
missed a difficult conversion.
Claverdon kept piling the pressure on and with pacey backs Westmacott and
Johnson looking sharp and making yards with ball in hand another score was
inevitable. Poor discipline from the Tenbury pack gave away another penalty
in front of the posts and once again Captain Wiggy slotted home.
After a short spell of pressure from Tenbury they were awarded a penalty
5 yards out and a clever penalty move saw there centre crash through under
the posts only to drop the ball, try disallowed.
With 20 minutes left Claverdon stepped up another gear and strong return
running from young full back James Barton saw them back in opposition territory.
More strong running from Busby released Matt 'Golden Retriever ' Joyce who
showed good skill to offload in contact to Rich Gray who crashed over, unfortunately
the ball was adjudged to go forward and Gray needed to be replaced as his
head needed 4 stitches.
With the Claverdon pack gaining confidence they were now starting to dominate
the scrum and work from Props Night and Carruthers (DC) allowed Hooker Gunner
Grimsley to take the ball against the head 25 yards out, from here Carruthers
(PC) popped to scrum half Wiggy who then skipped past 3 players to score
under the post showing surprisingly good pace, try converted.
With Claverdon comfortably ahead and only 5 minutes remaining they kept
possession well and played the game out, in they dying moments Clav were
awarded another penalty and Wiggy stepped up to take another 3 points to
take his total for the day to 16.
A great performance by Claverdon was only marred by Tim Westmacott's inability
to down a pint, Claverdon take on Whittington next week in the 2nd round
of the Junior Vase.
The future looks bright for Claverdon as young stars Westmicott and Barton shine.
Warwickians 12 - Claverdon 18Man of the match - James Barton
Try scorers - James Barton x 2
Conversions - Wyllie x 1
Penalties - Wyllie x 2
Claverdon went into their last warm up game of the season facing a tricky away fixture against local rivals Warwickians. Clav won this fixture impressively last season, but realised that this game would be very different, as they fielded a younger, more inexperienced side and with Warwick also looking to put the record straight. Clav gave a debut to winger Mike Corsi while Jean Visser, John Glover and Paul Brannon all returned to the squad for the first time this season.
In the first half, Clav had the slight advantage of the slope, but the early exchanges showed typical pre-season nerves by both sides, as neither could piece together a good, consistent passage of play. However, a couple of impressive breaks by Allsopp and Barton respectively, soon gave Clav the confidence to attack the Warwick back line, and when they did, they caused Warwick a lot of problems. With over twenty minutes on the clock, Clav were camped deep in the Warwick half, but had nothing to show for their efforts. Some sublime running and off loading just faltered with the last pass or some good defending by Warwick. It did seem just a matter of time before Clav opened the scoring and it was Tim Westmicott, having a very mature game at centre, that made the break. Combining well with winger Gregg White, he made good yards that led to the impressive James Barton scoring a well deserved try. Wyllie missed the conversion. Shortly after this Clav had to re-shuffle after losing fly-half Allsopp to a hamstring injury. Allsopp had looked back to his best with some strong running, and Clav will hope to have him back in the fold sooner rather than later.
As so frequently happens in sport, Clav, having been the better side throughout the first half, soon found themselves behind, after a mistake led to Warwickians scoring cheaply under the posts. However, the try shouldn't have stood as a Warwick player was in touch in the lead up to the try, but unfortunately a mix up on the sideline, meant it was missed. Warwick converted and led at half time 7-5. Just before half-time, Clav lost their second player to injury, in the form of winger Mike Corsi. Mike, making his debut for the first team, can be more than proud of his first half performance, and looks to have a big future at the club. One silver lining to Mike's injury was that club legend, and recently retired Luke Busby, returned to the side at centre.
After some wise words from captain Wyllie, Clav started the second half with real purpose and soon began to stamp their authority on the game. Some really good aggressive forward running from Thorndale, Carruthers and Joyce ensured that Claverdon were never far from the Warwick try line. After a series of failed tap penalties, captain Wyllie choose to kick for posts and was rewarding with the 3 points, and the lead for Claverdon. 8-7. Clav now received more unwanted headaches, as line out stalwart John Glover had to leave the field with an injured shoulder. Brannon replaced him and slotted into the front row as multi-positional vice captain Fraser Knight moved to the second row. As the half progressed, Clav grew more as a team and the influence and experience of Gray at 10, and Busby in the centre, allowed some creative running from Westmicott, White and Barton. Barton looks a star in the making for Clav and he soon scored his second try of the game with some good individual running and strength play. Wyllie converted and Clav now led 15-7. Claverdon further extended their lead after a well won scrum against the head by Grimsley, and good aggressive running by Visser, led to Warwickians conceding another penalty. Again Wyllie chose to kick for goal and another excellent kick led to Clav leading 18-7.
Warwickians did hit back with their second try of the game, after a defence mix up by Clav. The conversion was missed. This ensured that the game had an exciting edge to the last few minutes but Clav eventually ran out 18-12 winners, and with the victory, retained the Gary Hampson trophy.
Claverdon now hope to build on this success and follow it up with a first league win of the season at home to Tenbury this coming Saturday.
By Paul Brannon
