Our determination, grit and team spirit saw us to the league title, says Claverdon captain James Williams
CAPTAIN James Williams hailed Claverdon’s grit, determination and team spirit as they survived an early second-half scare to defeat Old Wheatleyans and clinch the Midlands Four West (South) title.
Everything seemed to be going swimmingly for the Lions when they raced into a 17-0 lead at half-time. However, the visitors were far from out of the contest and after the break they scored three quick tries to bring themselves right back into it.
After that scare, the hosts gathered themselves and went on another scoring spree of their own, eventually running out 40-21 victors to ensure the league crown was heading to Ossetts Hole Lane and make it 18 wins from 18.
Williams told the Herald after the match: “Winning the league is great. There was a massive difference to this club at the start of the season, as a new coaching team was brought in.
“There’s been a huge change in attitude in the lads. We used to get ten or 11 players for a wet November game, this season we’ve been getting 25 to 30.
“And winning the league is what all this effort is for. We showed grit, determination and Claverdon spirit to win the league. We’ve been there before in terms of being in front, throwing it away to then getting back ahead.
“I didn’t think we’d lose, but we did have five minutes of real panic in the second half. However, once those few calm heads came in, we got the scoreboard ticking over again and the match took care of itself.”
In front of a large crowd at Ossetts Hole Lane, the Lions delighted the home fans with an early score. It was created by a break by centre Chris Calcott, who then released to winger Tom Bicknell.
With plenty still to do, Bicknell showed good strength to ride a tackle and score in the corner. Calcott then converted the try with a difficult kick from the touchline.
Old Wheatleyans responded well and enjoyed a long period of territory in Claverdon’s half.
The home side were clinging on and Wheats were unlucky not to score, with a last-ditch tackle from Hilton Garner-Jones the highlight of some spirited defence. Claverdon were finally able to clear their lines and win a penalty, with Calcott once again making the kick.
The Lions then scored a vital try on the stroke of half-time. A cross-field kick from Calcott was fumbled by the Wheats winger under pressure from Williams, who collected the loose ball to go under the posts to give his side a 17-0 lead at the break.
The lead was extended early in the second half. Williams made the break and was supported well by flanker Charlie Byrd who cantered home for a try.
However, in a repeat of the reverse fixture, despite looking out of the game, Old Wheatleyans came back strongly.
As Claverdon became ragged, the away team scored three quick tries.
The second of those tries was well taken by the Wheats full-back, who chipped through and outpaced the defence to collect his own kick.
The home side soon regained their composure and finished off the game in style. Charlie Wakelam capitalised on a loose Wheats line-out as he stole the ball and powered over from five metres.
Garner-Jones then finished off a slick move, involving great hands by Josh Evans, to score in the corner and the final whistle blew shortly after to begin Claverdon’s celebrations.
President Elizabeth Kelsey said she “could not put into words” just how proud she was of Claverdon for claiming the Midlands Four West (South) title.
Reflecting on an historic day, Kelsey told the Herald: “I am so ecstatic. I had full confidence in the boys. We’re now going into a level we’ve never played at before and I cannot put into words just how proud I am of this club.
“The boys fully deserved what they got. It’s been a tremendous season both on and off the pitch.”
She added: “Saturday is definitely up there as one of the greatest days in the club’s history.”
Claverdon will be looking to make it 19 wins from 19 on Saturday when they visit Upton-on-Severn.
