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Match Reports 04 - 05
Sat 23rd Oct
1st XV Away Shipston 15 - Earlsdon 9
On a bleak, windy and wet day Earlsdon travelled to Warwickshire neighbours Shipston and the home side had plenty of vocal support with it being a VPs day. Shipton took and early lead with a penalty Marcus Jones equalised for Earlsdon with a penalty some minutes later. Jones had a kick charged down and Shipstone eased in front with a converted try.
With a further Jones penalty taking the half time score to 10 - 6 to the home side.
Earlsdon welcomed back Rob Callway forming a formidable partnership with Craig Mosey and Garry Back on the back row. Shipton extened their lead with another try and Jones again brought Earlsdon back into the game with his third penalty. Earlsdon were in contention to sneak a late try with a well worked rolling maul but it was pulled down and much to the visitors dismay a scrum was the end result and the final whistle came as welcome relief to the home fans.
Sunday 24th October 2004
First Round Warwickshire RFU Second XV competition
Nuneaton Old Edwardian II 10 Earlsdon II 15
Earlsdon Scorers Tries Steph Kenney , Tom Rawlings
Conversion Ed Keen
Penalty Ed Keen
Earlsdons lighter more mobile forwards and skilful backs overcame a physical Old Eds side in a tight encounter at Weddington Road in which the home sides ill-discipline cost them dear.
The heavy pitch looked more to the liking of Nuneaton Old Eds heavyweight pack as their power in rolling mauls and scrummages soon had Earlsdon under pressure. However, with two superb lineout forwards in Rich Cleary and Andy Forsyth, Earlsdon dominated in the lineout and had hooker Jim Lorimer had a better day with his throwing in, Earlsdon might have been able to exert sustained pressure to get the first score. As it was, the game was played mainly between the 22s: neither side able to retain possession for long.
The home side broke the dead lock when from lineout possession, deep in their opponents half they set up a rolling maul that Earlsdon could not contain and they drove over for the opening try.
Earlsdon responded by upping the pace of the game and as the home side tried to slow the game down by various illegal means the referee send the Old Eds scrum-half to the sin-bin for repeated infringements. This proved to be a crucial decision and Earlsdon soon took advantage whipping the ball wide from a tap penalty with Andy Forsyth making good ground before scrum-half Nigel Ball sent Steph Kenney home for the best try the ultra-veteran prop has scored in a long time. Ed Keen had no problem adding the conversion for a 7-5 interval lead.
The turn around gave Earlsdon the advantage of the elements and they should have made better use of their possession on several occasions leaving the hosts 22 without scoring. The strong running of the home sides big forwards allowed them to work their way up field and although mercurial flank forward Darren Perry looked to have relieved the pressure when he looked to rip the ball from a prone and isolated Old Eds player he was adjudged to be not allowing the player to regain his feet. The home side ran the ball from the penalty and their strength of running created the overlap for a try wide on their left wing to take a 10-7 lead.
Earlsdon again responded with renewed vigour and, with Ed Keen and Nigel Ball on good kicking form, most of the play was taking place deep in Old Eds territory. However, Earlsdon lost influential scrum-half and captain Nigel Ball following a brutal looking late tackle from the home-sides fly-half who was probably fortunate to receive only a yellow card but the home side were again reduced to 14 men.
Late cry-offs from key Earlsdon players had resulted in some rearrangement of the selected team which although hardly weakening the side left few options on the replacements bench. So, Earlsdon were grateful to committed club men Freddy Aitken and Nick Davies who acted as replacements and it was Davies who entered the field of play after some reshuffling of the Earlsdon back line. Perhaps this acted as a catalyst because Earlsdon soon regained the lead. Quick scrum ball was shipped on to fly-half Ed keen who hit a clever chip through for Tom Rawlings to show his pace and secure the vital touchdown.
Although, Keen missed the conversion Earlsdon continued to pile on the pressure and the home side were forced into conceding a penalty which the fly-half kicked with consummate ease. Fittingly, for the second XV competition Earlsdon scored their second 15 score line in consecutive weeks following the previous weeks 15-3 victory over Leicester Lions.
Shipston III 3 - Earlsdon III 10
Earlsdon 3rds made the journey with the 1st XV to Shipston and after watching the Earlsdon U13s lose narrowly to their Shipston counterparts had Craig Forsyth, Stuart Clarke and John Walker as substitutes. Earlsdon also welcomed back Neil Smith for his season bow at fly half. Skipper Dave Birch must have worked wonders with the team talk as Earlsdon came out all guns blazing and scored a try inside the first 2 minutes with Dave Laing being a out of position on the wing but managing to dive over for the opening score. Earlsdon then wethered the storm with the home side on the attack. Earlsdon were forced to reshuffle the pack with Craig Forsyth comeing on as replacement for Yorkie Kinmond who had torn his calf muscle. Forsyth declined the option for passive scrums and held his own as Earlsdon survived wave after wave of Shipston attacks. Shipston eventually electing to Kick a penalty to bring the game to 5 - 3 at half time. The rain stopped in the second half and Shipston introduced a number of substitutes which gave a different bearing the game with Earlsdon having a strong wind at their backs kept the ball in the opposition 22. Forsyth was the recipient of some good fortune with a Shipston defender missing the ball as he dropped on it and Forsyth stooped and placed his hand on the ball to extend the vistors lead to 10 - 3. John Reeves had swapped to winger to allow Laing into his familiar back row slot and was unlucky not to score following 2 chip a heads by scrum half Jason Comasky. Birch had to leave the filed with a re-occurance of his foot problem and was substituted by Walker, Clarke also made a 20 minute cameo appearance at full back with Smith getting a knock on the knee and coming off as precaution.
Manor Park III 36 - Earlsdon Centurions (IV) 24
Earlsdon Centurions fought a hard battle and lost in the fianl few minutes to a large Manor Park 3rd XV. Earlsdons light weight pack was led by skipper Nick Davies having a torrid time at hooker. Int he back row Phil Busby was outstanding in attack and defence. Earlsdon gave a debut to Josh Meszar who played on the wing his dad Steve in the forwards and Meszar Jnr had a dream debut scoring 2 tries, Adnrew Forsyth playing at centre and Ollie Wallace added singless with Forsyth and Wallace adding a conversion each
1st Team conceded their Intermediate Cup game with no recognised 1st team front row available.
Saturday 16th October 2004
Earlsdon II - 15 Leicester Lions Development - 3
Earlsdon Scorers - Tries - Darren Perry, Tom Rawlings
Conversion - Ed Keen
Penalty - Ed Keen
A beautiful autumnal afternoon saw both sides produce some fine rugby with Earlsdons greater experience in the forwards proving to be crucial as the hosts overcame their very talented visitors.
The game started off at high intensity and Earlsdon imposed great pressure on the Leicester Lions defence but, unable to break through - took the opportunity of a penalty kick which Ed Keen struck beautifully for a 3-0 lead.
Lions fought back immediately and the skill and pace of their back line caused Earlsdon problems in defence. The home side looked to have relieved the pressure as they nicked the ball when the Lions had an attacking scrum 5. However, the visitors regained possession at the lineout and, after some good ruck play, set up field position for a nicely executed drop kick to tie thing up at 3-3.
Earlsdon exhorted by Captain Nigel Ball and pack leader Neil Bullman to slow things down a little and play at their own pace started to dominate possession with young second row Rich Cleary outstanding in the line-out as time and again he took clean catches and also managed to spoil opposition ball. The result of Bally & Bullys wise words was that Earlsdon began to suck in the lions defence with rolling mauls before releasing the heavy cavalry of Jason Batt, Carl Rimmer and Steve Sharp as the big men made some hard yards to devastating effect. One such move saw Jason Batt break away from a maul to release Nigel Ball and although the visitors did well to stop the veteran scrum half he was able to ship the ball on to a supporting forward and from the resulting ruck Darren Perry took the ball on at great pace to outflank the defence and dive over in the corner.
At 8-3 the hosts looked anything but secure and Lions started to exert pressure stretching the Earlsdon defence almost to the breaking point, as the courageous Chris Ward at centre did much to hold them out and was rewarded was a nasty knock to the face. He was able to continue but Earlsdon looked in deep trouble when they lost their impressive young prop Carl Rimmer in obvious pain. The 14 men of Earlsdon held out for the remainder of the first half and much to their surprise and relief Rimmer was able to continue in the second half.
After the change round Earlsdon started to enjoy territorial domination but Leicester always looked dangerous on the break and Andy Walker and Dave Kendall each made try saving tackles as Lions young backs started to threaten. However, a typical Derry Thomas thumping tackle did much to subdue their menace.
Earlsdons pack, with No. 8 Neil Bullman in fine form ably assisted by the dynamic pairing of Darren Perry and Kev Hogan on the flanks, started to control the match with the youthful flankers often winning turnover possession. As Bully later opined it was a good game to watch. Earlsdon lost Perry to the sin bin late in the match along with the visitors no.8 but this made little difference to the pattern of the game and Earlsdon finally killed the game off when some good forward play with Carl Rimmer to the fore allowed Nigel Ball to break free and send in Tom Rawlings for a well deserved try.
Ed Keens prodigious conversion from near the touchline completed the scoring and although Lions worked hard to recover Earlsdon had the game wrapped up at 15-3.
Earlsdon III team made the trip to Leicester Lions III and met a well drilled and organised team Earlsdon however had the benefit of Steve Clarke back from University in the centre forming a formidable partnership with Rob Prince. Earlsdon started brightly and Clarke came closest to opening the scoring but decided to pass the ball on rather than take on the last defender. Clarke however made amends with a similar angled run and had learnt from his earlier mistake dotting down to give Marcus Jones an easy conversion ( after missing an easier penalty earlier). The home side then applied pressure to the Earlsdon line and some resolute tackling by Prince and fullback Tim Ellershaw kept the Lions at bay. Earlsdon took the game by the scruff of the neck and guided by scrum half Jason Comasky managed to work the ball into a kickable penalty position to take a 10 - 0 lead into half time.
From the restart Earlsdon went with a bang John Reeves wiping out the home sides attempt at catching the restart and put the visitors on the front foot. Lions found them selves camped in their 22 and Earlsdon applied wave after wave of attacks with Khondi Mhone and skipper Dave Laing combing well in the back row. Jones punished the home sides lack of discipline in the tackle with 2 further penalties when the game descended into farce with veteran prop Steff Kenny popping up in the centres to take a perfect pass and slice through the flat footed defence and trip over his own feet 2 metres short, the defender too busy laughing we suspect sliced his clearance kick to super Veteran Dave Lea ( try hanging in the corner ) who staggered 3 metres to the try line and then Jones converted from the touchline for a 23 - 0 win.
Coventrians II 0 - Earlsdon Centurions (IV) 40ish - score line varied between 40 and 70 !
The Earlsdon Centurions continued their search for strength and honour by putting Coventrians II's to the sword in an uneven contest at the Radford team's HQ. Buoyed by the captaincy of Colin 'Gluteus maximus' Morton at prop with John 'Unleash Hell' Murphy at No 8 playing in the same pack as his son Ben, the Earlsdon 8 never looked like going backwards in a thoroughly rampaging and uncontrolled game. There were a number of scores, notably from the quick/young in the side including Brains 2T, Micky Moore, Craig Kelly and Chris Scott on a weekend home from Uni to get his washing done. The last quarter of the game saw the home side rise to the challenge as the Coventrian 'vaquero' (Mexican Cowboy) on the side lines donned his boots and made an instant impact on the game. However despite their toils, they could not cross the hallowed line and the score ended lots to nil in the Romans favour.
Earlsdon Women 10 Oct
Earlsdon Women 22 - Sutton Coldfield Women 15
Earlsdon started the game off the game a little rocky with Sutton taking the lead after 15 min's unable to convert, Earlsdon went back at them with Laura Medford pass the ball off to Hayley Morley unlucky for Morley as she put the ball down for a try she hit the corner flag. Earsldon gained in confidence from this bit of play and went back at Sutton again with Sorelle Stoba scoring under the post and Sam Dale converting which took Earlsdon in to the lead. Sutton then scored again just before halftime with out converting for a 10 - 7 lead.
At Half time Earlsdon re-grouped and went out in the second half looking by far the better team Earlsdon rucking came to gether with Captain Abi leading by example.Bekki Riley then put Earlsdon ahead making a break and dotting the ball down for a try. Sutton again came back at Earlsdon scoring another unconverted try to retake the lead. In the last 20 min's of the game Earlsdon took compete control with Riley scoring her second of the game and Player of the match Tracy Lole scoring her first try of the session. Just before the end of the game Lole appeared to have scored a second try but ref called held up.
Earlsdon would like to say a big well done to the new players that played their first game.
Women's Training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights 7.00 - 9.00pm at Mitchell Avenue Canley
Saturday 9th October 2004
Earlsdon 1st XV 10 - 36 Old Yardleians 1st XV
Tries: Neil Ward, Cons: Marcus Jones, Pens: Marcus Jones
A disastrous final 20 minutes saw Earlsdon lose out in the battle of the promoted sides to Old Yardleians at Mitchell Avenue. Still missing several key players Earlsdon were further hampered by an injury to skipper and fly half Gareth Mitchell with second team stalwart Marcus Jones coming into the side. The experienced Martin Rourke was drafted into the back row from the third team.
The home side started brightly and dominated possession for the first 10 minutes. They were particularly dominant in the lineout, spoiling Old Yardleians ball and securing clean possession for the back line who struggled to use it effectively. The home side were rewarded for their period of pressure with fly half Marcus Jones converting an easy penalty. Old Yardleians were dominating in the scrum and were awarded a penalty try after a series of scrums on the Earlsdon line. The home side then had another period of possession but it wasnt in the Old Yardleians 22 and they struggled to break down the visitors defence. Number eight Craig Mosey was particularly impressive with some storming runs. Earlsdon then took the lead, Marcus Jones charged his opposite numbers kick down and the ball fell to the home backs, flanker Martin Rourke then took the ball on linking with winger Malcolm Jack who put centre Neil Ward in to score. Jones converted and Earlsdon led 10 - 7. The visitors got a crucial score on half time going in 14 - 10 ahead.
Old Yardleians started the second half strongly and had a sustained period of pressure on the Earlsdon line, the home defence was good and kept them out. Earlsdon responded with a period of pressure of their own and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but the visitors defence also held. They did have a couple of good changes but the final pass was poor and they went begging. The impressive Craig Mosey was forced from the field with a head injury to be replaced by Andrew Forsyth. Earlsdon had a chance to pull back to within a point but Jones narrowly missed the kick. This seemed to spur the visitors on and they hit Earlsdon with 4 tries in the final twenty minutes with the home side having no answer and they ran out 36 - 10 winners.
Team: Mickey Moore, Malcolm Jack, Neil Ward, Gareth Benyon, Mark Day, Marcus Jones, Martin Slater, Craig Mosey, Craig Kelly, Martin Rourke, Paul Keene, Sean Moore, Paul Hurst, Martin Taylor, Leigh Davies. Subs: Andrew Forsyth, Tom Rawlins
Second team skipper Nigel Ball made his first start for the seconds with a 2 try blitz of the heavyweight Old Yards 2nd XV. Ball also contributed a Penalty. With Ed Keen slotting into the fly half role and kicking a further Penalty and coverting the 2 tries. Youngsters Darren Perry and Keving Hogan were outstanding in the loose and Derri Thmoas made sure his laces were loose on his boots to avoid any pulled muscles as he managed 2 weeks ago and had an sterling game. On the down side Mark Evans sustained a knee injury and wil be out for a number of weeks.
Earlsdon III - Old Yardleians III The visitors cried off at 11.15 and we were unable to find a replacement game some guys played for the Centurions, others watched the 1sts XV and some guested at Coventry Tech.
Warwickians II 29 - Earlsdon Centurions 53
A mix of youth and experience made the short trip to Warwickians for an entertaining match last seasons top try scorer Tony Kopporo showed he knew where the try line was with 3 well taken tries, centre collegue Darren Checklin weighed in with 2 with singles from Chris Ward, Jason Comasky, Matt Rossi and John Reeves, Comasky managing to convert 4. Earlsdon gave a senior debut to Richard Broer who formed a formidable partnership with Mark Dodd in the second row. And Ollie Wallace came off the bench with some sparkling handling skills and the most outrageous dummy seen for a while. The try of the game was some fast hands from the backs working in the 15m area allowing Tank Rossi to glide in for his opening try of the season. The referee was most entertaining for the afternoon and managed to have all the players scratching their heads when Tim Ellershaw after touching down in goal and lying on the ball relieved to have carried it back over his own goal line was amazed to see the referee awarding a Penalty try even the Warwickians were astounded at this piece of good fortune. Ellershaw was subject to some light hearted comments from team-mates in the bar afterwards the only case of an "own" try anyone had seen.
Saturday 2nd Oct
Earlsdon 1st XV made the trip to the Malvern Hills to play Ledbury and managed a 6 - 0 lead in the first half with 2 penalties from Gareth Mitchell playing with the slope and the wind. With 8 first team squad members not available either through injury or unavailability Earlsdon gave debuts to ex colts Craig Kelly on the flank and Darren Perry on the bench. Neil Bullman came in for his seasonal bow at number 8.
The second half proved to be a different matter with the bounce of the ball beating Malcolm Jacks all ends up as the ball went over his head and then bounced back over his head into the arms of the Ledbury winger who touched down to bring the home side back into the game. Ledbury then took the lead with another unconverted try followed by a converted try for a 17 - 6 lead Mitchell added to his personal tally with a try and Earlsdon were unlucky with claims for a Penalty try after a series of collapsed scrums but the home side survived the pressure and but the game safe with a 4th try and their first win of the season.
Leamington 2nds was the venue for Earlsdon 2nd XV Ed Keen skippering a youthful side including the Super Veteran John Murphy with Andy Walker and Tom Sharpe on the wings Earlsdon played again the wind in the first half and were 12 - 0 down at the end of the first period spending most of it on the back foot defending. Marcus Jones was in his element in the second half with some excellent territorial kicking and set a try up for Darren Checklin converted by Jones. Earlsdons forwards also managed to heap the pressure on Leamington's line and eventually the ball ended up with Andy Walker who dove in the corner for a levelling score Jones adding the 2 points for a 14 - 12 lead. It was now Earlsdons turn to defend and the visitors repelled the home side several times before they managed to force a try with the last movement of the game and sneaked a 17 - 14 win.
Mitchell Avenue played hosts to Leamington III and had a good start to the 1st half always in the game. The visitors had borrowed Rob Callaway from the home side who played in the centres against the Earlsdon skipper Dave Birch and it was Birch who had the better of the first exchanges ghosting past Callaway to release Lee Arbuthnott for an early try converted by Arbuthnott. Leamington had scored a couple of tries at this stage but Earlsdon fell into their slump in the last 20 minutes of the 1st half and Leamington extended their lead. It was the same story at the beginning of the second half Earlsdon finding it difficult to get going but they did in the last 20 with Tony Koppora scoring from a 5m tap penalty and Colin Morton scoring the final try after sustained pressure and 6 phases of continuity by the home side. Steve Horton made a memorable debut for Earlsdon lasting all of 90 seconds before he hit a ruck and ended up with being hospitalised and having 17 stitches in his head.
Earlsdon Centurions were affected by the number of injuries in higher teams and with opposition Coventrians II lacking numbers as well decided to scratch the game with some players guesting for neighbours Cov Tech in their defeat at Old Wheatleans II.
Sunday 26th Sept
Aylestone St James Girls U17s 17 Earlsdon Girls U17s 12
For their opening game of the season Earlsdon travelled to North East Leicester with a depleted squad due to other comitments borrowing Stacey Tolley from
Old Coventrians and 4 of the St Jimmies Angels to make a team of 12. Earlsdon gave a debut to Catherine Evans who showed little signs of nerves in her first ever game of rugby at tight head prop. The visitors started wll pressurising the home line in the first 10 minutes but a breakaway from their own line led to pressure on the Earlsdon line and they fell behind to a converted try that was quickly follwed by another try the conversion hitting the cross bar. Earlsdon continued to pressurise the home line and depite runs from scrum half Toni Bladon, fly half Nic Elvidge and centres Stacey Tolley and captain Laura Clarke they couldn't convert the pressure into points and fell behind to further try for a 0 - 17 half time score line. The half time team talk revitalised the visitors and some quick hands in the backs got Megan Attridge the ball out on the right wing and she dove in for a try.St Jimmies used the wind and slope to their advantage but Earlsdon kept them at bay working the ball back up the pitch and some neat interpassing by Bladon and Elvidge led to a try from Elvidge who converted for a 12 - 17 scoreline and that stayed as the fianl score .
Any girls aged between 11 and 17 who would like to learn about playing contact rugby or start playing again training is on Thursday nights 7.00pm - 9.00pm, with RFU qualified coaches both male and female or call Yorkie 07976971656
Saturday 25th September 2004
Earlsdon 1st XV 16 - 34 Barkers Butts 1st XV
Tries: Mickey Moore
Cons: Gareth Mitchell
Pens: Gareth Mitchell (3)
Earlsdon suffered their first loss of the season going down 34 - 16 to a youthful and well-organised Barkers Butts side at Pickford Green lane. They again made some changes to the side from last week with backs Mickey Moore, Chris Scott and Martin Slater returning to the side and flanker Andrew Forsyth on from the start. The also had a youthful looking bench featuring ex-colts Tom Rawlins, Carl Rimmer and Rich Cleary.
Earlsdon started the match well and put the home side under pressure at the scrum and lineout but were undone by giving away penalties at crucial stages. The home sides back line looked dangerous and it was they who drew first blood exploiting an overlap for the winger to score under the posts. Earlsdon kept on trying to play rugby but were struggling to find a constant flow of ball and seemed to be on the wrong side of the referee who was harsh on the visitors. Butts moved further ahead with 2 penalties to take the score to 13 - 0. Earlsdon were forced into a change with centre Gareth Benyon leaving the field with a badly cut ear to be replaced by Tom Rawlins, who came on at wing with Chris Scott moving to centre. Butts scored an unconverted try before half time for an 18 - 0 lead. Earlsdon did get on the score sheet just before half time, skipper Gareth Mitchell kicking a penalty following good play by the forwards.
Butts came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and took a 21 - 3 lead with a drop goal. Another penalty by Mitchell pegged the score back to 21 - 6 as Earlsdon struggled to break down the strong home defence. Veteran lock Paul Keene and the opposition hooker were then sin binned by the referee for handbags, which seemed a bit innocuous. Earlsdon continued to dominate the scrummage but couldnt secure regular second phase possession for their backs. The home side pressured the Earlsdon line and came away with another 3 points, the fly half in good kicking form. Earlsdon again showed plenty of endeavour and Mitchell kicked his third penalty to bring the score to 24 - 9. The lead didnt last long the home fly half slotting another kick for a 27 - 9 lead. Barkers third try sealed the match, Earlsdon struggled to clear their lines and the home backs attacked from deep with the other winger getting the score for a 34 - 9 lead. The visitors threw on prop Carl Rimmer and second row Rich Cleary for the final ten minutes. Earlsdon attacked for the final five minutes and were rewarded when good hands by the backs saw full back Mickey Moore score, Mitchell converted but it was only a consolation with Butts running out 34 - 16 winners.
Team: Mickey Moore, Chris Scott, Steve Clarke, Gareth Benyon, Neil Ward, Gareth Mitchell (c), Martin Slater, Craig Mosey, Gary Back, Andrew Forsyth, Paul Keene, Sean Moore, Paul Hurst, Martin Taylor, Leigh Davies. Subs: Tom Rawlins, Carl Rimmer, Rich Cleary
Earlsdon 2nd 11 Barkers Butts 2nd 22
Earlsdon 2nds played hosts to city neighbours Barkers Butts II and renewed old rivalries from previous Mid Week cup matches. The home side started the liveliest and had a formidable team out with a blend of youth and experience throughout the team. Neil Bullman claiming a spot in the 2nd XV due to John Murphy's late fitness test. Ed Keen skippered the side from full back and Earlsdon were in control up to half time despite stalwart Deri Thomas pulling his hamstring lacing up his boots ! A Dave Kendal try and 2 Penalties from Marcus Jones kept Earlsdon in touch with a 12 - 11 score line in the visitors favour. Barkers Butts however sustained an injury in the front row and scrumages went to passive Earlsdon relying on just their own ball and now down to 13 men conceeded a further 10 points in the second half and ended up 22 - 10 losers.
Barkers Butts III 7 Earlsdon III 13
Earlsdon 3rds travelled to Barkers Butts III and produced a sterling performance with a hard won victory. Earlsdon started brightly and put pressure on the home side but failed to capitalise and were unlucky to fall behind to a try with Barkers first attack of the afternoon. In a see saw match Earlsdon managed to work the ball back to Tom Sharpe who used his power to skid over the line to drag the score back to 5 - 7 with a Penalty from Any Walker taking Earlsdon in to the lead 8 - 7 and in a game mirroring the 2nd XV were down to 13 men with both wingers leaving the field Matt Tank Rossi and Martin Davies both suffering with cramp and pulled muscles. Earlsdon persuded spectator Mark Perch to don some boots and he proved to be the difference using his strength in the scrum , leading to a push over try claimed by Martin Rourke but suspicion gives the score to Mick Roberts for a wining score line of 13 - 7. With 3 minutes on the clock and Barkers looking to reclaim the kick off Perch caught the ball and then showed great pace down the tramlines and over the Barkers winger to drive the ball deep into the home sides half making it difficult for them to work the ball up the field for a converted try and Earlsdon kicked the ball dead for an exhausted win.
Barkers Butts III 7 Earlsdon III 13
Earlsdon 3rds travelled to Barkers Butts III and produced a sterling performance with a hard won victory. Earlsdon started brightly and put pressure on the home side but failed to capitalise and were unlucky to fall behind to a try with Barkers first attack of the afternoon. In a see saw match Earlsdon managed to work the ball back to Tom Sharpe who used his power to skid over the line to drag the score back to 5 - 7 with a Penalty from Any Walker taking Earlsdon in to the lead 8 - 7 and in a game mirroring the 2nd XV were down to 13 men with both wingers leaving the field Matt Tank Rossi and Martin Davies both suffering with cramp and pulled muscles. Earlsdon persuaded spectator Mark Perch to don some boots and he proved to be the difference using his strength in the scrum , leading to a push over try claimed by Martin Rourke but suspicion gives the score to Mick Roberts for a wining score line of 13 - 7. With 3 minutes on the clock and Barkers looking to reclaim the kick off Perch caught the ball and then showed great pace down the tramlines and over the Barkers winger to drive the ball deep into the home sides half making it difficult for them to work the ball up the field for a converted try and Earlsdon kicked the ball dead for an exhausted win.
Earlsdon Centurions played an evenly matched game versus Hinckley's 4th string last Saturday captained by Nick "The Bic" Davies and Dave "Loopy" Lea leading the pack admirably. Hinckley took an early lead, capitalising on their extra man as Earlsdon only
had 14 players, one of which (Mick) was leant kindly by Hinckley who played a commanding game at full-back. Some brave tackling by Gareth Knights "of passion" kept the score down in the first half to 12-0 and some attacking play by his father Dave Knights "lightening" gave Earlsdon some opportunities but Hinckley managed to keep us scoreless until the second half. The forwards lead by Dave Lea, showed great skill and determination in rocks and mauls, at one time rolling a maul over 30 yards, with a back row of Dave Laing, Phil Busby and Ian "Finny" Finlayson putting everything including the kitchen sink into their performances. The engine room of Dave Lea and John Reeve did extremely well in the line-outs and loose, backed up by a front row of Alfie Dodgson, Kurt Gunn (kindly guesting for us from the Tech) and "Fat Freddie" Aitken making some great crashing runs and breaking down the oppositions defence. Earlsdon scored two tries in the second half through Dave Laing after some incredible rucking and mauling play from Earlsdon's forwards. Unfortunately Matty "Milf" O'Sullivan missed the kicks but made up for this with his crashing runs from fly-half after some perfectly timed delivery from the base of the scrum by Nick "The Bic" Davies. The opposite number 10 told Matty he was glad after the final whistle had gone, no longer having to tackle his 17 stone of muscle I have been informed? Dennis Cummins put Earlsdon ahead 15-12 scoring a brilliant
try from the oppositions 10 metre line side stepping 5 of Hinckley's backs. Matty "Milf" O'Sullivan missed the kick and Hinckley, with 3 minutes to go, chipped ahead from their half and chased down the score in the corner. It was a very physical but good natured match and the referee played a big part in making the game so enjoyable.
Saturday 18th September 2004
Earlsdon 1st XV 25 - 15 Old Saltleians 1st XV
Tries: Craig Mosey (2), Adam Clarke, Penalty Try
Cons: Gareth Mitchell
Pens: Gareth Mitchell
Earlsdon moved through to the second round of the PowerGen Intermediate Cup with a hard fought win over Old Saltleians at Mitchell Avenue. They were forced into seven changes from the previous week due to injuries and unavailability's. Back rowers Craig Mosey and Dave Evans made their full debuts for the club with ex-colts Adam Clarke and Tom Rawlins also making their first appearances for the first team. There were also 2 changes to the front row with Paul Hurst making his first appearance of the season at prop and veteran Martin Taylor coming in at hooker. The absence of any recognised scrum half due to injury and unavailability saw club stalwart and centre Malcolm 'Maggie' Jack pressed into service at number 9.
The visitors started very strongly and spent the first ten minutes camped in Earlsdons half, with the home side unable to clear their lines. They scored the first try of match after taking a scrum against the head 5 metres from the Earlsdon line. Earlsdon then grew in confidence and started to secure more possession, but poor handling and ball retention was hampering their play. The home side's first try was a bit lucky, they lost their lineout close to the Old Salts line following a penalty, but the ball was scrappy and the visitors hooker tried to offload to his fly half but it went into the hands of number eight Craig Mosey who scored his first try for the club. Skipper Gareth Mitchell missed the difficult conversion from the touchline. The second try was a much better effort, good work from the forwards saw the ball recycled quickly, it was then moved to the backs with centre Steve Clarke making an incisive break to set up centre partner Adam Clarke for the try. Mitchell again missed the conversion and the home side led 10 - 7 at half time.
The visitors started the second half strongly and levelled the scores with a penalty within 5 minutes of the restart. They then took a 15 - 10 lead, driving over the Earlsdon line from a lineout after Earlsdon had conceded another penalty. The home side were having mixed fortunes at the set piece struggling at the lineout but dominating at the scrum (although the referee seemed to be penalising the dominate side). Earlsdon then levelled the scores, taking the ball against the head at a scrum 5 metres from the Old Salts line, number eight Craig Mosey showed good strength to force his way over for his second try. Mitchell missed the conversion from touchline. The home side should have taken the lead, a penalty move 10 metres from the saw flanker Dave Evans spill the ball over the line, as he was about to score. Earlsdon replaced the tireless Dave Evans at blindside with young flanker Andrew Forsyth for the last ten minutes to give them more options in the lineout. Earlsdon's fourth try proved crucial, a long kick down field from Mitchell was fielded by the home full back who tried to chip kick over the chasing Earlsdon backs, open side flanker Gary Back got to the ball first, kicked it through and was cynically tackled as he was about to score and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try. Mitchell added the extra 2 points for a 22 - 15 lead. Mitchell converted a penalty in front of the posts before the end and Earlsdon were pleased with the 25 - 15 score line in their first appearance in the Intermediate Cup.
Team: Gareth Benyon, Tom Rawlins, Steve Clarke, Adam Clarke, Neil Ward, Gareth Mitchell (c), Malcolm Jack, Craig Mosey, Gary Back, Dave Evans, Paul Keene, Sean Moore, Paul Hurst, Martin Taylor, Leigh Davies. Subs: Kev Day, Steph Kenney, Andrew Forsyth
Earlsdon 2nd XV played host to an experienced Broadstreet 3rd XV and were unlucky to go down by a single point in an entertaining game with Earlsdon using a blend of youth and experience. Earlsdon's talisman John Murphy had to leave the field early in the game and the home side missed his unique talents Earlsdons tries came through Mark Jones back playing after a couple of years out and Marcus Jones ( no relation) with the later adding 2 conversions and three Penalties for a 24 - 23 loss. Jones the boot by his own admission missing the chance of winning the game with an easy penalty late on in the game.
Earlsdon's 3rds made the trip to Old Laurentians III and with a wealth of experience and youthful looking back line managed to keep the hosts at bay with Tom Sharp especially prominent in defence after last weeks hat trick of tries and was ably supported by Martin Davies and Andy Walker. Stalwart players Deri Thomas and Mark "Blev" Evans did their bit for the team with a resolute display at half backs, Evans always looking dangerous round the edges of rucks and mauls. Earlsdon had a couple of chances with half brakes by the lively Martin Rourke ably supported by his back row wing man Iain Finlayson. It was 0 - 0 after 20 minutes but the efforts in repelling wave after wave of attack proved too exhausting in the hot humid conditions and a series of tries followed in quick succession. Half time came as a welcome respite for the visitors and a chance for skipper Dave Birch to galvanise the teams efforts but Old Laurentians had the benefit of 13 subs on the side line and were able to keep fresh legs on the pitch with Earlsdon wilting in the heat and fullback Sion Bowen struggling with a twisted knee tries eventually flowed for the hosts and they were 40 winners with Earlsdon unable to cross the white wash.
Saturday also saw the first outing of the 4th XV or Centurions a team based solidly on experience skippered by Nick Davies assisted by Craig Forsyth and Dave Laing traversed the city to city rivals Broadstreet for a game against their 4ths. Earlsdon had 14 players either injured or not available this weekend so it was an admirable effort by the team captains to get so many players games. The Centurions fared better than the 3rds scoring a try through ex-cold Gareth Knight converted by Nick Taylor however it wasn't enough as Broadstreet managed to score 17 points John Reeves in the engine room with Forsyth won the plaudits of his team mates with a storming display against a very experienced opposition second row.
Sunday 19th September
Earsldon Women 17 - Bridgnorth Ladies 17
Earlsdon Women's team opened the league program with a game against Shropshire rivals Bridgnorth in what is normally a very close game. Earlsdon had a disjointed side missing vice captain Gill Burrows, Tracey Loll and injured Gemma Eaton with Ruth Burns, Gemma Craker and Rachael Farmer all away at University the hosts were down to a bare 15. Despite these set backs Earlsdon started the livelier of the 2 and Laura Medford was prominent in the loose despite having just played a handful of games she showed the way with fearless tackling and Sam Dale her fellow flanker was turning over ball and scrapping for anything loose on the ground. Hayley Morley came in at scrum half and linked well with Di Youngman , Youngman using her electric pace to ghost through the Bridgnorth midfield and she backed herself to score a try on an arching run from a lineout turnover. With Beki Riley shoring up the defence from the inside centre berth controlling the Bridgnorth crashing attacks the visitors eventually did make a break and scored an equalising try. This seemed to increase the tempo of the game and both sides counted attacked at will with the game finely poised to go either way.
Earlsdon started livelier in the second half with Riley managing to make it over the line and Kim Hilley adding the extras to regain the lead however hooker and inspirational driving forward Sinead Matthews had to withdraw from the game with a twisted knee forcing Earlsdon to reshuffle. The visitors again came back with a converted try to level the game out again but Youngman again attacked a gap that didn't seem to be there transfixed the fullback and regained the lead for Earlsdon. Next followed a period of dominance for Earlsdon as they launched attack after attack Dale making a superb break down the left wing and laid the ball off to the supporting Youngman who then linked with Morley for the move of the match but Morley was stopped short and the ball ended up going into touch. Youngman coming off worse with a suspected broken wrist and took no further part in the game. With a numeric superiority and the 2 noticeable Earlsdon players out of the game the visitors were in the ascendancy and mounted wave after wave of attacks. One tackle in particular by Riley appreciated by the crowd as she tackled the Bridgnorth winger in mid air flipping her over and holding the tackler and ball up over the try line. However as the second half drew to a close the visitors managed a try out wide and needed the kick for a victory they missed the points were shared in what the spectators thought was a fair result.
Saturday 11th September 2004
Earlsdon 1st XV 6 - 3 Bedworth 1st XV
Pens: Gareth Mitchell (2)
Earlsdon can count themselves fortunate to come away with the league win from this error-strewn encounter at Mitchell Avenue against a dogged Bedworth side. They made 3 changes to the side from last week with ex-colts hooker Ali McPheators coming in for his debut, Jason Batt returning to the front row and winger Mark Day returning to the side for Chris Scott. Recent recruits Craig Mosey and Dave Evans provided the forward backup on the bench.
The match was evenly contested with Earlsdon looking to release their speedy backs and Bedworth using their powerful forwards. Bedworth had an early period of pressure but the home defence was up to the task and was solid, turning the ball over on a number of occasions. Earlsdon struggled up front against a heavier pack, but they won enough ball to use their dangerous backs, with winger Mark Day and centre Gareth Benyon making some useful runs. Earlsdon took the lead with a Gareth Mitchell penalty that proved to be the only score of the half. The home side won enough ball to move further ahead but made too many errors and kicked possession away far too often. They did have the ball over the line just before half time, Benyon again making a telling break up the middle offloading to Gary Back only for the referee to give a forward pass from 20 yards behind the play.
Earlsdon made a change at half time Craig Mosey replacing Andrew Forsyth at flanker. Bedworth started the second half strongly and levelled the scores with an early penalty. The home side struggled to produce any sustained possession and were guilty of making errors at crucial stages. They did take the lead with another Mitchell penalty for a 6 - 3 lead. Bedworth dominated the last quarter of the match and missed two crucial penalty attempts. Earlsdon lost Gary Back to the sin bin after Bedworth came close to crossing the home line. The home side hung on defending well with 14 men and were relieved to claim the 2 points but will need to improve next week.
Team: Mickey Moore, Mark Day, Steve Clarke, Gareth Benyon, Neil Ward, Gareth Mitchell (c), Martin Slater, Rob Farrell, Gary Back, Andrew Forsyth, Paul Keene, Sean Moore, Jason Batt, Ali McPheators, Leigh Davies. Subs: Craig Mosey, Dave Fowler-Simmons, Dave Evans.
Bedworth II 5 Earlsdon II 25
Earlsdon started slowly in a game initially dictated by past reputations, but as their greater fitness and dominance in the scrum came to the fore (though sadly not in the lineout) a belligerent Bedworth 2's were ground down with some excellent defensive lines and counter-attacking play by the men in red and white hoops. Marcus Jones initiated the scoring with a well taken penalty after 10 mins (of killing the ball by the opposition) which was soon added to with a conversion following a jinxing score by scrum-half Malcolm Jack.
Pressure continued from the front and after 25 mins, tight-head Carl 'Baby' Rimmer collected the ball somewhere between the oppositions 22 and our tryline (depending on the time of the evening) and having dummied a few players, bulldozed his way over in the right hand corner to leave Earlsdon 15-0 up at half-time. Earlsdon were then dealt a near crippling blow as stalwart campaigner Colin Morton left the field at half time to join an equally disconsolate Eddie Keen on the touch line after ripping a pectoral muscle (he has them?-Ed) in a heavy tackle on the oppositions 5m line. With Earlsdon down to 14 men, and reduced to passive scrummages, pressure on the visitors line increased.
However showing all the hallmarks of a stonewall, they managed to defend and during a breakdown in the home-team's play, the ball fell loose and into the arms of Tony Kopporo who sprinted the length of the field to score under the posts. With the conversion missed (don't know how - sorry Marcus), the Bedworth boys made a determined effort to breach the Earsldon defences and after several minutes of sustained pressure
managed to score a try and avoid a luv score. However Earlsdon had the last laugh, with the last play of the match, flanker James Rooke having read the game well all day found himself on the wing and having received the pass, sprinted (surely not - Ed) and just managed to ground the ball with an out-stretched arm as the cover tackle came in. Final score Bedworth II 5-25 Earlsdon II.
Earlsdon 3rds V's Pinley 2nds Won 49 - 5
After the return of the colts from last week's paint balling day out, a strong mixed team of seniors and colts beat a determined Pinley 2nds.
Playing with a strong wind at their backs Earlsdon showed great pace and commitment with scores coming out wide in the first 30 minutes. A debut hat trick for ex colt Tom Sharp and a try for Andy Walker made up for the lack of pace from last week. Pinley were awarded a penalty try for a cynical off the ball tackle as they had chipped ahead with no one to beat . Martin Rourke added a to his score from last week with a long range effort after a great run of play. And Ian Skeene scored a try but was scalded by the ref for "show boating" or as we call it running fast. Earlsdon had strength in reserve and introduced 8 subs to the game in the second half lending Pinley 2 players as well when they started flagging.
Iain Finlayson ended a great move with an arching try affording time for a giggle as he dummied a pass to his back row college Dave Laing. Derri Thomas back after injury used his devastating pace over 5m to open his account for the season. Prop Mark Jones ran in a 25m try showing great power to the end. Unfortunately Sion Bowen was unable to add to the score after dropping the ball in the in goal area as he was tackled in mid air by the still determined Pinley defender. Paintballing flankers Kevin Hogan and Darren Perry were a constant threat to the Pinley defenders with some neat footwork and powerful running.
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