Claverdon finish Midlands Four West (South) campaign as invincible champions

CLAVERDON completed the perfect season for the second time in their history, as they made it 20 wins from 20 games with a comfortable 36-5 success at Old Yardleians.

Having already wrapped up the title, the Lions entered Saturday’s game looking to emulate the success of the 2010-11 campaign which saw them claim the Midlands Five West (South) crown without defeat.

The visitors got off to a flying start, with centre Will Jackson making a break which resulted in a line-out 5m from the Yardleians try line. From the resulting set-piece, the ball found its way to winger Max Oxton-Morris who powered over from short range. Jackson then added the conversion.

The momentum was very much in Claverdon’s favour and they added two further tries in a short space of time. A charging Chris Johnson created the first, beating multiple defenders and off-loading to flanker Charlie Wakelam to score.

The next try was made in the back row, as a brilliant turnover by No. 8 James Kirby caught Yards by surprise. Charlie Byrd made the most of the scattered defence, rounding the full-back on his way to score under the posts.

The game then became scrappy as Yards began to get a foothold in the game. However, only a dropped ball by Oxton-Morris with the try line begging prevented Claverdon adding to their 19-0 lead before half-time.

Old Yardleians came out in the second half with much more impetus.

Their consistent pressure finally provided a return when a scrum in the away team’s 22m area led to a score down the blind side.

With Old Yards continuing to threaten the Claverdon line, a fantastic individual effort by Hilton Garner-Jones pretty much sealed the game for the away team.

After a big hit by Oxton-Morris, Garner-Jones collected the loose ball and ran 70m to score, beating a couple of defenders on the way.

The last hurrah of the season then went to Oxton-Morris, who scored two late tries to complete his hat-trick, the second of which resulted from a clever cross-field kick by James Williams.