Claverdon Rugby Club make history as Colts squad takes to the field

CLAVERDON RFC made history last week when their Colts team for U17s and U18s took to the field for the first time in more than 16 years.

This season’s U18s are the first group to make it all the way through from U7 to the final year of age grade rugby in a generation.

The squad played games at Leamington on Tuesday evening and at their Ossetts Hole Lane home on Saturday.

After the hugely challenging last 12 months, the club have been delighted to be able to finish the season with a series of five matches with other Warwickshire clubs.

The series involves two pools playing round-robin games with a final match against a team from the other group.

Matches are played to adapted laws currently being played right across the country.

Claverdon Colts won 17-6 at Leamington in the first game, but finished second with a fine performance against Kenilworth (26-10), who have consistently been one of the top teams in the county over the years.

Colts manager Ian Lynch said: “Both matches were played in superb spirit with huge commitment. All the players from both teams being great ambassadors for their clubs and the sport.

“We at Claverdon are determined that every player continues to want to play and hunt out the opportunity to do so when they move to adult rugby.

“This aim has never changed since the group started 12 years ago. We are immensely proud to have got them all the way through to Colts rugby.”

Over the two matches 26 players wore the red and white shirt and experienced rugby’s unique values.

Claverdon president Liz Webster-Kelsey said: “Numbers have been good at all ages since the restart in March, despite the restrictions we are following to keep players and supporters safe on a Sunday morning.

"This is mirrored at Colts and adult training on Tuesday evenings and open age social touch rugby on Thursday evenings.

"There are great numbers of people enjoying the chance to get back to some group physical activity and social fun as government restrictions start to ease.

"It’s different from what we are all used to, but it feels great to be open for business again.”