Claverdon exact revenge on Kenilworth 2nds

Claverdon 23-5 Kenilworth 2nds

Counties Two Midlands West (South)

CLAVERDON started the new year with a confidence-boosting 23-5 victory over Kenilworth 2nds at Ossetts Hole Lane.

Charlie Wakelam and Ethan Houghton got the tries and Sam Turrell kicked a brace of conversions and penalties, while James Williams also slotted over a penalty in the success.

Having been defeated by one point in the reverse fixture, the Lions were keen to exact revenge on Saturday. As the heavens opened at the sound of the whistle, Claverdon started strong, with tight and compact play.

A series of phases and sublime off-loading allowed Wakelam to charge for the line and take the first points of the afternoon. Centre Turrell was on kicking duties and he duly slotted the conversion to take the score to an early 7-0 lead.

However, Kenilworth soon replied with a try of their own. A well-worked driving maul from a line-out gave the home side no chance to defend. Fortunately, a missed conversion took the score into half-time 7-5 in favour of Claverdon.

The rain subsided in the second half, allowing for more expansive play, with Claverdon’s speedsters George Redwood, James Gibney and Hilton Garner-Jones all making substantial yards.

A penalty awarded to Claverdon just inside the opposition half allowed Turrell to once again line up his shot.

Exuding great confidence in his kicking abilities, Turrell slotted it over for three points.

The Lions soon retained possession again and a 5m scrum allowed No.8 Houghton to control the ball and barrel over the line.

Another conversion for Turrell extended Claverdon’s lead.

Nearing the hour mark, Turrell fancied himself again for a penalty kick and he slotted the ball over once again for another three points.

With little time left on the clock, fly-half Williams wanted a chance to show his tee-kicking abilities and he drilled a penalty through the posts to complete the scoring at 23-5.

The Lions visit Alcester on Saturday (2.15pm kick-off).