Claverdon keep up perfect Midlands Four West (South) record with emphatic victory at Kings Norton
UNBEATEN Claverdon made it 17 wins from 17 with a comfortable 41-8 success at bottom-of-the-table Kings Norton on Saturday.
In the first half the Lions applied the pressure to the home side’s defence from the off and they struggled to clear their lines.
Finally, after a few spurned chances, the deadlock was broken when No. 8 James Kirby pinched a line-out in the opposition 22.
His tap back to his own side led to quick hands down the back line, where Sam Turrell went over in the corner.
Claverdon continued their territorial advantage for much of the rest of the first half, with a resolute Kings Norton defence keeping them at bay.
However, a second try was added about 30 minutes into the game, as a strong scrum on the 22m line gave the back line the momentum it needed.
Once again Turrell scored after finding a gap in the centres to speed through. He then continued his kicking duties by converting his own try.
The second try seemed to galvanise the home team, who finished the first half strongly.
It took excellent turnovers from Will Jackson and Charlie Byrd to ensure that the Kings Norton attacks were broken up.
On the stroke of half-time the home team did get on the scoresheet with a penalty after a rare foray into the Claverdon half. At the interval, Claverdon led 12-3.
The second half started in scrappy fashion, with Claverdon failing to control the Kings Norton kick-off. A scrum followed and Kings Norton powered over on the blind side for their first try of the game.
The momentum then shifted back in Claverdon’s favour, as the game became quicker and more open. A penalty in the Kings Norton half was quickly taken by Josh Evans, who caught the defence unawares. Centre Chris Calcott then stepped two defenders to score a fine try.
A rampant Lions continued to score at will, eventually running out 41-8 victors.
Next up for Claverdon is a top-of-the-table clash against Old Wheatleyans at Ossetts Hole Lane on Saturday.
