Claverdon edged out by Old Wheatleyans in battle of promoted sides

Claverdon 13-17 Old Wheatleyans

Counties Two Midlands West (South)

CLAVERDON narrowly lost out to Coventry side Old Wheatleyans at Ossetts Hole Lane on Saturday.

The clash between the two promoted sides got off to an action-packed start as almost immediately the visitors were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card was shown to their fly-half for a deliberate knock-on.

However, the Lions failed to capitalise on the weakened opposition.

Centre Sam Turrell was on kicking duties for the day and slotted over a penalty to take three points. Old Wheats responded with their own penalty kick to level proceedings.

A highly contested first half culminated in a lengthy spell of possession for the visitors, who, despite heroic Claverdon defence, came away with a converted try to take a 10-3 lead at half-time.

Claverdon stayed optimistic going into the second half as they now had the advantage of the wind.

Another penalty kick meant Turrell could double his points for the day. However, a familiar spell of possession for Old Wheats resulted in another converted try for the opposition.

Claverdon now had plenty of work to do but with less than ten minutes left, a rarely seen back line attack saw James Williams and Hilton Garner-Jones combine effectively, with the latter dotting over in the corner.

A long-range conversion from Turrell then took the score to 17-13. The Lions retained possession after the restart but failed to apply the killer blow.

Claverdon travel to Rugby St Andrews on Saturday.