Match reports 2006 - 2007
Nuneaton Old Edwardians 10s, Sunday 6th May
Earlsdon took part in Warwickshires biggest 10s tournament with a very young and inexperienced squad. With 16 teams taking part, including the British Army (so thats where our taxes went), Sheffield Uni and Nuneaton, the calibre of the opposition was extremely high. Earlsdon arrived in fine fettle, despite late call-offs from Kev Hogan and Paddys car breaking down on the outskirts of Nuneaton. Credit to Liam and PotatoHead for dragging a barely conscious Rory out of his bed and forcing him to join the squad despite a heavy night in the Rainbow with some boyfriends.
Earlsdon began their first game with PotatoHead, Paddy and a hooker (Jamie - recruited when his Barkers Butts teammates failed to turn up) in the front row, and a mobile back row in Ian Forsythe and Ziggy making his senior debut from Earlsdons youth ranks. Luke Tolley, desperate to play well and impress his bird who prefers football, began at scrum half with Malc, Liam, Tom Rawlins and Fastlad completing the backs. Fastlad was noticeably slower this week, having spent much of the warm-up period sleeping in his girlfriends cleavage. Earlsdon started brightly, going close with some good handling and offloading in the tackle despite aggressive defence from Sheffield Uni. Having unfortunately lost one try, the match was abandoned with Earlsdon on the attack as the touch judge ran onto the pitch to point out that the teams were not in the same league and shouldnt actually be playing each other! A moral victory to Earlsdon in other words.
After a short rest, Earlsdon took on a strong VK Legends (Nuneaton and Nuneaton Old Edwardians) side and were up against it from the kick off. In the second game against Broadstreet Earlsdon started more brightly with a try by guest player Monty, who then blotted his copybook by getting sin binned for most of the game for enthusiastic but unnecessary rucking. Liam McIdiocy did manage to cross the tryline but the act of touching the ball down somehow escaped him and he was forced out in the dead ball area. With a man down Earlsdon lost a few more tries to a cocky Broadstreet side. Earlsdons final game saw a much improved performance and solid defence against another physical and quick Nuneaton side, with Earlsdon unlucky to lose a few tries as experience told in the end.
As well as thanks to Jamie for putting in an impressive stint as Earlsdons guest hooker, special mention to Ziggy, Phil and Tolley for growing into the senior game as the tournament progressed. Cheers also to club stalwart Bob Price who braved the elements to support the team and was probably in contention for a starting slot if wed had another game!
We'd also like to issue a public apology on behalf of Ian Heartless-Git Forsythe who refused to apologise or make right his wrong after cruelly kicking a ball which knocked an ice cream out of the hands of a toddler, who burst into tears and had to be comforted by her mother. If we can help by setting fire to Ian or forcefeeding him live hedgehogs please contact us at the clubhouse.
And a final mention to Craig Bone, who didnt turn up and went on the all dayer instead. You will suffer boy; the Manager still has one of your shoes that you left in the funbus last week. A round of drinks might repair the savage damage youve inflicted on the morale of the squad, Boney!
Squad: Jason PotatoHead (Capt); Jamie; Paddy Motherscarbrokedown; Ian Heartless-Git; Ziggy; Phil; Tolley; Maggie; Liam; Fastlad; Tom; Sam Montague.
Benevolent 7s, at Coventrians, Saturday, 28th April
Earlsdon sent over a strong squad to this years Benevolent 7s, with only Ed Rentboy Keen suffering excessively from the previous night. With nine teams taking part, Earlsdon were placed in the larger pool of five teams, but were spared Broadstreet A and Barker Butts who appeared on paper to be the strongest teams. Earlsdon went on to win all four pool games, with the toughest encounter being the last game against Dunlop, who were also unbeaten from their first three games. Strong defence throughout the pool games saw Earlsdon lose only one try in the pool games, and frequent turnovers allowed Garth Potter Beynon and Brains Forsythe particularly to show good pace and elusive running skills. Rob Farrell and Craig Mosey provided the brawn and occasional bursts of moderate pace to get the team going forward, whilst fellow forwards Ally McPheators, Ian Forsythe, Craig Bone and Rentboy all contributing throughout. Paul Fastlad McGranaghan showed sporadic glimpses of the roadrunner style running that earned him his nickname, and also put in some good hits in defence. Special mention also in despatches must go to Rory McPheators, who grew in confidence as the tournament progressed and demonstrated good handling, decision-making and running lines with able support from Matt Tank Rossi and Liam McGlobalcrimesyndicate. Tom Rawhands was very difficult to catch (sorry that should read found it very difficult to catch) introducing himself to the crowd by tripping over his own feet and losing the ball without an opponent in sight the game was held up for a minute or two after the ref swallowed his whistle laughing so hard!
Having won the pool, Earlsdon came up against Barkers Butts in the semi-final. Malcolm Jack scored the first under the posts, but an unexpected gust of wind meant he just missed the conversion. Earlsdon scored a second before half-time, but the game remained evenly balanced. Barkers Butts clawed back two tries, although one should not have stood after the scorer went out of play in the in-goal area. Having converted both tries, Barkers had the edge and forced Earlsdon to take some chances in chasing a winning score. The last play of the match saw Brains Forsythe, who otherwise had an outstanding tournament, launching a long miss-pass which would have given Earlsdon the overlap, but unfortunately a Barkers player nipped through to grab an interception score and win the match.
Barkers later lost the final to a very good Broadstreet A side, but Earlsdon went home disappointed with just missing out on a place in the final and the chance to pick-up a medal.
Squad: Rob Farrell (Skipper); Craig Mosey; Craig Bone; Ally McPheators; Andrew Forsythe; Ian Forsythe; Malcolm Jack; Ed Keen; Paul Fastlad; Tom Rawhands; Matt Rossi; Rory McPheators; Garth Beynon.
Saturday 21st April 2007
Coventrians A 7 Earlsdon A 52
Earlsdon sent a 2nd team with a few first teamers to the Black Pad and enjoyed a 8 try fest with Malcolm Jacks, Liam McGladagain 2, Joe Jennings 2, Tom Rawlings, James Payne, Matt Rossi and six conversions from Marcus Jones. There were muttering from the visitors that Craig Mosey visiting his old team was under orders not to score and his missed tackled let the home side in for their try, skipper for the day Andrew Forsyth was very suspicious and his post match analysis was very interesting and informed, brains indeed.
Earlsdon B 10 Coventrians B 10
Forsyth senior, Craig made 40 text messages and phone calls to get 15 players out , including himslef in an entertaining game at Mitchell Avenue against a youthfull looking Coventrians side ( apart from Rich Walters).Earlsdon scored 2 tries one from try machine North Brunt and one for Dave Kendal. Father and son Steff and Dean Kenney joined siblings Kev and Ashley Hogan in the side Kenney jnr coming off worse with a bruiused and swollen nose after a collision with the rock hard surface.
Broadstreet Colts 0 - Earlsdon Colts 10
Earlsdon took the majority of the U17s and half a dozen U19s colts to Broadstreet for one last game for a last game. The game started at a frantic pace and Earlsdon had the better of the earliest exchanges and Phil Graham scored first after about 10 minutes Ollie Lindon just scraping the upright. Loz Gitting, Craig Roberts and Chris Zutic were exciting runners in the loose with Luke Settle anchoring the midfield. Jack Brown Ross Aubrey and Johnathan Pateman were solid as front row are with Jason Walker, Pete Sandford and double trouble Rob and Roy Fisher offering pace out wide. Broadstreet came back into the game with Earlsdon playing some high risk rugby running the ball at every opportunity and it took a while for the 2 ages groups to galvanise for the visiting side. Halftime saw some substitutions from the management team and on of those Lawrence Parker scored a try from a driving maul from good line out ball by Simon Lole. Broadstreet had their opportunities to score but resolute tackling, powerfull scrumaging and attacking defensive lineouts repelled all of the home attacks. It was a full blow colts game between city rivals and tempers ran high but it was a wonderful advertisment for Colts rugby between 2 committed Coventry sides.
Saturday 14th April 2007
Earlsdon 18 Old Laurentians 12
Earlsdon welcomed playoff hopefuls Old Larents to a hot and sunny day with the hosts in party mood with skipper and number 8 Rob Farrell leaving to move south for work, second row Dave Kendal also relocating and centre Malcolm Jacks off travelling round Europe. Earlsdon and Old Laurents VPs had a buffet lunch before the entertainment started and it was gripping stuff in the first half with a Tom Kendal penalty and Neil Ward try giving the home side a dream start Old Laurents came back with atry themsleves and then it was a skippers try Rob Farrell controling the ball from a rolling maul and dotting down converted by Kendal. Old Laurents narrowed the gap with a converted try themselves and the final action of the half was a drop goal by fly half Chris Scott. The score remained at 18 - 12 to the home side with no further scoring in the second half with Earlsdon managing to shut the game down and nullify any attacking options Old Laurents had. One passage of play saw a line out steal from Andrew Forsyth driven 30m deep into the opposition 22 by the home pack sapping the energy and resolve of the Rugby visitors. It was fitting that Farrell with time up kicked the ball out for the final whistle and the cider was pouring.
Old Laurents II 22 Earlsdon II 19
Earlsdon sent a young 2nd XV over to Rugby and they weren't intimidated by the older experienced forwards. The home side were a man down after he took exception to Martin Rourkes finger wagging and the Power of the Finger was too much for the home player who whacked Rourke with a right hander in front of the referee. Earlsdon's tries came from youth and experience 18 year old Rob Jones taking a return pass off Liam McGladagain to score the first try, fellow colt Rory Dixon opened his senior account with a try from a kick off with the home side appealing to the referee as Dixon scampered in for a try and veteran Derri Thomas showed the kids that the oldun's are just as good with a try as well. Marcus Jones added 2 conversions as well in a warm up game for Wednesday nights 2nd XV cup at Barkers Butts.
Earlsdon III 7 Kenilworth Pirates 86
Earlsdon III had a satisfying squad of 18 also bolstered by some colts and it looked as if it would an entertaining game with neither side wanting to go to ground on the unforgiving surface and the opening minutes saw converted tries from both sides. Colt Dan Stephenson getting his maiden try for Earlsdon converted by Higgins.However this proved to be the undoing of Earlsdon and Kenilorth used their experience and popped the ball out of tackles, changed the angles and even though they were pushed all the way by Joe Simmons, Dean Kenney and prop Jason Batt the floodgates had opened and Kenilworth put on an exhibition of running rugby.
Saturday 7th April 2007
Southam sent over a 22 man squad to face the massed ranks of Earlsdon 1st, 2nd and Colts. In the Easter sun coach Crayton Philips had deemed that there would be no kicking and it would be an open kicking game. Gareth Beynon enjoyed the game and managed to open the scoring tries soon followed from Jason Walker and a second from Beynon with Iain Forsyth adding the fouth score with a pass from his backrow partner and brother Andrew with 3 conversions from Matt Rossi. Earlsdon squandered several chances with forward passes and knockons and Walker missed another 2 golden opportunites being bundled out to touch just before the try line.
The second half saw Earlsdon introduce a veterans line up of subs with Mick Roberts, Dave Lea, Marcus Jones, Martin Murphy, Gareth Mitchell, Martin Rourke, and Nigel Ball all playing their part. Mitchell pulled a fetlock and Benyon came back into the fray and added a further 2 tries with Rossi adding a try of his own 3 converted by Jones for a satisfying 47 - 0 win.
Wednesday 4th April 2007
Coventry and District 2nd XV Cup
Coventry Welsh 13 - Earlsdon 16
Earlsdon popped across town for a preliminary round game against Coventry Welsh to decide who plays against Barkers Butts in the first round proper on the 18th April. Earlsdon had a number of big names back Rob Callaway in the back row, Gareth Mitchell at centre and Marcus Jones at full back but the experienced failed to spark with the rest of the 2nd XV and at time misfired nearly to the point of self destruction. In a feisty first 20 minutes Earlsdon playing down the slope found themselves 6 - 0 and a 2 players down. Martin Rourke had been binned for what appeared to be tackling one of the Cov Welsh players and then Darren Perry red carded following some intimidation in the front row ( he was in at hooker) and he decided to take his frustration out on a Cov Welsh player from a kick off and tackled him with the ball still hovering in the air. The luckless Kev Hogan had to come of the pitch after an excellent start to the game to be replaced by substitute hooker Rory Dixon. Earlsdon eventually managed to get some passes together and Callaway scored a try dotting down under the posts with an easy conversion for Marcus Jones. The second half saw more drama with Jones adding 2 further penalties and giving the visitors a 13 - 6 lead. Coventry Welsh next benefited from a penalty try as their winger was impeded in the corner and the game was level at 13 all. Earlsdon's management thought it was 10 minutes each way but Cov Welsh had read the rules and confirmed it was first score wins.
Earlsdon were kicking up the slope after 2 minutes Jones had a penalty up the hill on the edge of the 22 and with a delicate 9 iron style chip won the game 16 - 13.
Saturday 31st March 2007
Old Silhilians I 13 - Earlsdon I 8
Earlsdon slipped up at their old rivals Old Sils with an injury time try and conversion stopping what would have been a reasonable draw. Earlsdon scored a try from soon to be departing Dave Evans and a Tom Kendall penalty only for Sils to sneak the win with some woeful tackling in the last play of the game letting the Solihull side getting the 2 points.
Earlsdon II 29 - Old Silhillians II 5
In an even first half Earlsdon ran away with the second half with colts captain Rob Jones dominant in the loose and tight. Both sides playing a high risk open running game. Earlsdon scored out wide early on through Dave Kendall and that was the only score for the first half. Martin Rourke added his 20th try of the season from a tap penalty converted by Matt Rossi, his 21st followed from a chip from the outside of his boot 'a la Carlos Spencer' by loose head Steve Meszar for Rourke prowling on the wing. Ian Forsyth capped a fine display scampering on a loose ball for the 4th try and Liam Munchengladtobeback added a fine team try converted by Rossi for a 29 - 0 lead Old Sils having the last word with an unconverted try at the death.
Old Silhilians III 19 Earlsdon III 48
Earlsdon 3rds enjoyed revenge for an earlier seasons defeat against Old Sils South Brunt and Tom Hamm scored 2 tries each, Josh Meszar, Jason Batt and John Reeves adding singles Ady Higgins added five conversions and a penalty for a satisfying result.
Market Harborough Colts 5 - Earlsdon Colts 7
Earlsdon set away late and only had 13 players their hosts generously leant a winger and Earlsdon found them selves camped on their try line for most of the game. Earlsdon introduced a number of U17s to bolster the side with some Colts regulars up in the 1st and 2nds. It was the last seconds of the game and Earlsdon were down by a try to nil when 2 of the U17 player made their mark on the game Ian Silvera scored a scintialting try and Chris Zutic converted for a 7 - 5 win.
Saturday 24th March 2007
Earlsdon 2ndXV 12 - 16 Coventry Welsh 1st XV
Tries: Martin Rourke, Marcus Jones
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon 2nd XV produced their worst performance of the year in a forgettable game against Cov Welsh 1st Team at Mitchell Avenue. Welsh took the lead with and early penalty but the home side hit back with an unconverted try from fly half Marcus Jones. Another penalty and unconverted try saw the visitors turn round 11 - 5 up at the break. Earlsdon took the lead after winning a scrum against the head on the Welsh line, number eight Martin Rourke adding another to his season's tally. Earlsdon had chances to extend the lead but made far too many handling errors, one of which led to the match winning try from the Welsh fly half. Late pressure built but again poor play let the visitors of the hook and they held on for a 16 - 12 win.
Coventry Welsh 2nd 7 - Earlsdon 3rd 17
Earlsdon were fortunate to have a squad of 20 available for the away trip to Coventry Welsh 2nds. Earlsdon started off well with Steff Kenny showing his son Dean how it was done with the opening try converted by Adi Higgins. A second try was added by Colts 2nd row Ryan Lippy Little his first for the club and stalward Deri Thomas added a third for a 17 - 0 lead. The hosts closed the game down in the forwards in the second half but their only reward was a converted try.
Saturday 17th March 2007
Earlsdon 13 - Bedworth 12
Earlsdon managed the slenderest of wins and did the double over county rivals Bedworth in a tense and error stewn game at Mitchell Avenue. Earlsdon opened the scoring with a try from Andrew Forsyth converted by fullback Tom Kendal who also added a penalty. Bedworth stuck back with a try from fly half A Foster and that concluded the scoring for the first half. Earlsdon welcomed Gary Back onto the backrow with Super Vet and Vice Chairman Dave Lea helping out in the second row packing down behind Veteran Steff Kenny. Bedworth sneaked into the lead with a try from number 8 R Nesbitt and conversion from Foster with Kendal responding with a penalty from out wide retaking the lead 13 - 12 to Earlsdon. Bedworth had opportunities to retake the lead with a close range penalty that skimmed the post in the last minutes but despite wave after wave of attacks Earlsdon cleared their lines and claimed the 2 points.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 27 - 15 Bedworth 2nd XV
Tries: Rich Broer, Chris Ward, Martin Rourke, Marcus Jones
Cons: Marcus Jones (2)
Pens: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon's second string travelled to Bedworth with and inexperienced pack but a useful looking set of backs. Agreeing to an early kick off with only 14 players (Mad Dog was late and forgot his kit - doh!!) looked an unwise decision as the visitors found themselves 12 - 0 down after 15 minutes having had no decent possession at all. They stopped the rot when Mad Dog arrived but struggled to gain any decent ball for the backs to use as Bedworth used their big forwards to keep the ball. Half time came with the score still 12 - 0 but possession 90%vs10% to the home side. It looked a daunting task in the second half as the visitors were against the slope. After weathering an early spell of pressure in the second half Earlsdon finally got some decent possession and pulled the score back to 12 - 7 with second row Rich Broer galloping in from 20 metres to score under the posts. Marcus Jones converted the try. Chris Ward then scored another try wide out which was unconverted but Jones then put a penalty over and Earlsdon were 15 - 12 up. Another spell of pressure saw the home side draw level with a penalty at 15 - 15. Earlsdon then scored two more tries to wrap the game up. The first followed a good run from Marcus Jones who found Mad Dog on his shoulder at pace who smashed his way over the line to score. Jones converted for a 22 - 15 lead. The game was made safe at the end, a good backs move saw Chris Ward get tackled just short of the line, he managed to offload in the tackle and quick hands from Jason Walker and Neil McDonald saw Jones score in the corner. Jones missed the difficult conversion and Earlsdon won 27 - 15. After the game skipper Joe Jennings had his laces removed from his shoes for his own safety after dropping 5 consecutive high balls in the match.
Earlsdon III 7 - Bedworth III 24
Earlsdon looked to be light on numbers but some last minute begging from Craig Forsyth meant that Earlsdon had a squad of 18, Forsyth ending up benching for the 1st XV. Earlsdon had problems with selection tight head prop Jason Batt ending up at inside centre. In the sunny weather Bedworths experienced pack had the upper hand with strong wind on their backs. Both sides having a mix of youth and experience mainly old forwards and young backs. For Earlsdon Steve Shepherd made his first outing of the season with his brother Dave and father and son Dave and Gareth Withers were prominent in the pack. However it was Bedworth who opened the scoring a try from some loose work at the base of the scrum from the home side and that was followed by another try from some typical Bedworth mauling. Just before half time the visitors looked to have put the game out of sight with another try from the forwards and Earlsdon turned round 17 - 0. In the second half Earlsdon introduced Nick Taylor and Stuart Clark to the fray and Earlsdon enjoyed territorial advantages with a spell camped on the Bedworth try line eventully securing a penalty try after a series of offences to take the score to 7 - 17. Despite further pressure on the visitors side when they were down to 13 men after a midfield fracas Bedworth had the last say with another converted try in the closing minutes of the game to secure a 24 - 7 win.
Saturday 10th March 2007
Leamington 26 - Earlsdon 10
Earlsdons slump continued with a poor show against Leamington side after a winto maintain their league status. Gareth Beynon and skipper Rob Farrell scored the tries for the visitors who gave a full debut to 18 year old prop Craig Bone and Colts skipper Rob Jones also made his 1st XV debut.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 19 - 10 Broadstreet 3rd XV
Tries: Marcus Jones, John Murphy, Bobby Friel
Cons: Marcus Jones (3)
Earlsdon's second string came out on top against an experienced Broadstreet 3rd team in a hard fought encounter at Mitchell Avenue. Earlsdon again fielded some colts in the pack who again held their own in a tough game. Earlsdon started brightly and were a try up after 10 minutes, the forwards nearly scoring a push over try and then the ball being moved to fly half Marcus Jones who scored. Jones failed to convert and the home side led 5 - 0. The lead didn't last long, poor tackling saw the visitors tie the score up at 5 - 5. It was the home side who scored next, a neat chip through into the 'bog' from Jones saw centre Deri Thomas hack the ball on, the supporting players then rucked the Street full back off the ball which was moved on with skipper Joe Jennings putting veteran number 8 John Murphy in for the try. Jones converted this time for a 12 - 5 lead. Earlsdon were getting frustrated with the referee who was coming up with some bizarre decisions (all going Street's way). Just before half time Earlsdon scored again, winger Bobby Friel poaching an interception on his own 22 and going all the way, Jones converted and the home side led 19 - 5 at the break.
The second half saw the visitors dominated possession and terriroty but the home defence was magnificent and restricted them to an unconveretd try a minute from time. Earlsdon held on for a well deserved 19 - 10 win.
Trinity Guild II 36 Earlsdon III 19
In the annual Lee Rourke memorial game Trinity Guild won the cup for the first time. Lee's brother and skipper for the day Martin aptly opened the scoring with a try after 10 minutes with Adi Higgins adding the extra's. Higgins him self added a converted try after a searing break form Mark Evans to give Earlsdon a 14 - 5 lead Guild responded with another couple of tries to have a slender lead, Evans regained the lead for Earlsdon with another try but the Guild scrum half making his senior debut completed his hat-trick regaining the lead for the home side who had Carlos Neal pulling the strings at 10 and he scored a cheeky try and then set up another socre to give the home side a extended 36 - 19 win. The obligitory Cuban Stunt Men tequillas were enjoyed by the teams and supporters and partying went on late into the night.
Saturday 3rd March 2007
Earlsdon 0 - Hereford 33
Earlsdon were unable to make any impression on the visiting league leaders Hereford and were resoundly beaten but fought hard till the end.
Coventry Saracens 1st XV 5 - Earlsdon 2nd XV 28
Tries: Sean Moore (3), Tim Ellershaw
Cons: Tim Ellershaw (4)
Earlsdon fielded a strong second team for the trip to Coventry Saracens 1st XV with a very experienced pack and a pacy backline. The first 25 minutes of the match was a pretty dire affair with both sides struggling to put any phases of play together and also the heavy pitch making running rugby difficult. The visiting pack then scored a push over try from a 5 metre scrum with number eight Sean Moore getting the try. Fullback Tim Ellershaw put his earlier wobbly penalty attempt behind him to land the conversion. Earlsdon then started to up the pace and scored two more tries before half time. The first was from deep in their own half, scrum half Neil McDonald taking a quick tap and linking with Chris Ward who made good yards up the middle. The ball was recycled quickly and Ellershaw scored on the overlap, he then converted his own try for a 14 - 0 lead. The next try followed quickly more good play saw Moore take a crash ball from a ruck to score his second try. Ellershaw was again on target and Earlsdon went in 21 - 0 at half time.
The second half saw the home side score and unconvereted try from a tap penalty but they never threatened a comeback as the visitors were well on top. The lineout was a concern with veteran hooker Mick Roberts having programmed his radar incorrectly this week (he actually made a public apology to his team mates after the match). Man of the match Sean Moore (1st team recall not far away I think) completed his hatrick from close range with Ellershaw converting once more. Earlsdon created many more chances but were guilty of being too greedy and throwing forward passes otherwise the score line would have been much worse for the home team. Mad Dog was most upset with Moore and the referee as he didn't add to his try tally claiming that if Sean hadn't have been playing he would have scored at least a couple.
Earlsdon III 21 - Atherstone II 7
Earlsdon entertained Atherstone in a entertaining game played in good spirits and it was good old fashioned mud bath of a game. Earsldon were bolstered by the return of ex first team stalwart Martin Taylor for his first run out of the season and with the loan of two players from Atherstone. Earlsdon were on the back foot to start with but weathered the storm and were literally bogged down in their 22. Earlsdon's experience in the forwards told and they worked an opening for East Brunt who dotted down and Major a loanee from Atherstone converted for a 7 - 0 lead. Atherstone plopped the ball back into Earlsdon's 22 and were stuck there until they worked an overlap and scored. Some heroic tackling fro m the Earlsdon backs Joe Clifford and Dean Kenney especially snuffing out wave after wave of black shirted attacks. The scores stayed at 7s until half time and some words from skipper John Reeves and vice skipper Dave Laing galvanised the team and Earlsdon knew they had to get the ball in the opposition muddied 22 and then grind them down. The game plan didn't work and Atherstone were on the front foot in the Earlsdon half a loose pass was hacked through by Colt Jason Walker who hacked on again into the Atherstone 22 and then scooped the ball up to run round and dot down behind the posts with Major converting for a 14 - 7 lead. Earlsdon now started to dominate in rucks and mauls with Dolly Webb and Gareth Withers dominant in the tight and James Riley a dangerous loose runner. The scrums whilst not always going with the feed Earlsdon managed to drive them back and Ashley Hogan benefited at scrum half with a poor channel and sloppy pass giving him the opportunity to flop on the ball and score the decisive try again converted by Major for a 21 - 7.
Saturday 24th February
Ledbury 1st XV 20 - Earlsdon 1st XV 13
Try D Evans
Con M Jones
Pen M Jones 2
Earlsdon were hopeful of helping city rivals Old Coventrians relegation battle with a win over Ledbury. The home side went 3 points up early in the game with fly half Marcus Jones slotting an equalising kick. Earlsdon then took the lead with a rolling maul driven 20m with Dave Evans getting the touchdown Jones adding the extras for a 10 - 3 lead. Ledbury then did their own rolling maul with the same result and converted to level the scores. Earlsdon again were pressing and a chip kick from Jones was charged down in the Ledbury 22 the home side recycled and ran 70m for a coverted try and a 17 - 10 lead.
The second half was a tale of 2 kickers Jones getting another penalty for Earlsdon but 2 for the home side. Craig Bone again came on a substitute and Iain Forsyth made his first team debut joining his brother Andrew in a st XV game. Earlsdon also had Bobby Friel try disallowed for being infront of the kicker which would have probably made the scores level and a draw would have been a fair result.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 29 - 12 Dunlop 2nd XV
Tries: Jem (2), Dave Lea, Dave Kendall, Martin Rourke
Cons: Matt Rossi (2)
Earlsdon fielded a mixture of youth and experience in the second team this week with 3 colts in the pack and one in the backs for the visit of city rivals Dunlop. Earlsdon started like a house on fire and despite the muddy conditions were determind to run the ball at every opportunity. They were a try up within ten minutes, a set move saw centre Chris Ward make a break up the middle with fellow centre Jem in support to finish it off. Matt Rossi added the extras. Dunlop then got back into the match and dominated the remainder of the half with their larger and more experienced forwards taking control. Two tries were a result of their dominance and the visitors went in 12 - 7 up at half time. Earlsdon brought Martin Rourke on for the second half which seemed to lift the home pack. They started to win more ball and brought the scores level with super veteran Dave Lea getting the try, Tank missed the conversion. Earlsdon then proceeded to dominate the rest of the match. Further tries from Dave Kendall and 17th of the season from Martin Rourke (not that he's counting) saw Earlsdon move into a 24 - 12 lead. Colt Ryan Little was now starting to find his feet in the lineout and fellow colts Rory Dixon, Lawrence Parker and Rob Jones with Luke Tolley coming on as a late replacement all having good games against experienced opposition. The Earlsdon backs had the last word and another set move saw Chris Ward break through the defence and set up Jem for his second score under the posts. Tank converted and the home side ran out 29 - 12 winners.
Earlsdon III 17 Stoke Old Boys II 7
Tries W Brunt, D Webb
Con A Higgins 2
Pen A Higgins
Earlsdon III had a large squad to select from with Dean Kenney and Jason Walker making an appearance against the team they made their senior debuts earlier in the season. They were also joined by Dan Stephenson who made his first start for a senior team. Earlsdon looked the stronger earlier on and managed an early try from West Brunt converted by Ady Higgins. Stoke Old Boys equalised with a try and conversion and started to get the upper hand with a lot of passes from the home side going to ground in wet and muddy conditions. Higgins added a penalty to give the home side a slender 3 point lead. Earlsdon made several changes at half time and leant the visitors a couple of players to keep the game even numbers. The second half saw Earlsdon dominate more passages of play and the line stopped 2 further Earlsdon tries with Dolly Webb eventually capping a fine all round game from hooker with a try again converted by Higgins for a satisfactory 17 - 7 win for Earlsdon who welcomed back Chairman Yorkie Kinmond for a cameo 20 minute of the game, who spoilt it by spilling the ball forward with his first and only touch - much to the delight of team mates, colts players who he coaches and friends on the Stoke side even Gwyn Aidrie the referee had a smirk on his face as he awarded the scrum.
Earlsdon 10 - Old Coventrians 3
In a tense local derby Earlsdon did the "double" over their city rivals Old Coventrians with an added twist Ex Earlsdon coach Dave Fowler-Simmons now in charge of Old Coventrians.A chilly February day saw the crowd bolstered by 30 or so former players who enjoyed a hot meal and warming pudding before the entertainment. The home side were again missing regular 2nd row partners Dave Evans and Nathan Jackson with 2nd XV skipper Joe Jennings filling in with Vice Chairman Dave Lea who was looking younger with every game he plays so he must be 47 now ! Marcus Jones was also introduced to the back line. Old Coventrians started the best with an early penalty. Earlsdon countered with a try from a charge down (some saying the kicker couldn't find a gap round the sylph like figure of skipper Rob Farrell) and a Tom Kendal conversion which concluded the scoring for the first half.
The second half fizzed as game with banter and incident both on and off the pitch with a Kendal penalty the only score with a flurry of yellow and red cards spoiling the spectacle.
Old Coventrians III 10 - Earlsdon 'B' 31
Tries: Jem (2), Deri Thomas, Gareth Knights, Ady Higgins
Cons: Tank (3)
Earlsdon fielded a mix of 3rd and 2nd team players for their visit to local rivals Old Coventrians. They struggled up front against a strong home pack but the backs made the difference using the limited ball they received to good effect. Earlsdon took the lead with centre Jem scoring after good work from Deri Thomas and Darren Perry. Matt 'Tank' Rossi put over the conversion from wide out. The next try came from a set backs move with full back Ady Higgins scoring in the corner. Tank again slotted over another great conversion. Old Covents then got back into the match with an unconverted pushover try from 5 metres
out to get the score back to 14 - 5. Earlsdon scored before half time, Perry setting up Gareth Knights for the try, Tank missing the conversion this time. For the first 15 minutes of the second half the home side dominated possession and territory, scoring an unconverted try to get the score back to 19 - 10. The home pack started to tire and the Earlsdon forwards started winning some ball and the backs started to attack from deep whenever they could. Further tries followed with a second from Jem and fellow centre Deri Thomas also crashing over from close range. Tank added another conversion to ensure a comfortable 31 - 10 win.
Earlsdon Colts 0 - Belgrave Colts 0
Earlsdon welcomed the Leicestershire foes from January for a rematch and hopefully revenge for the narrow loss. All looked good with Earlsdon mounting wave upon wave of pressure but the visiting defence held out well and Earlsdon played 70 minutes of the game without prop Adam Garner who twisted his knee clearing up some loose ball and with no substitutes were down to 14 men. Neither side could convert pressure into any sort of points and despite the non scoring it was an enthralling game to watch.
Sunday 3rd February 2007
Pershore 27 - Earlsdon 20
With internationals calling a lot of players and the treatment table even more Earlsdon had a youthful looking 1st XV giving a full debut to Liam Munchengladbach with the his wing partner Matt Rossi challenging for the shortest player on the park. At the other end of the scale was Vice Chairman Dave Lea packing down in the second row at a sprightly 45 years of age ! At least thats what he tells us ! Earlsdon also introduced 2 colts Craig Bone as front row cover and Simon Lole in the back row. Bone had the dream debut coming on for the last 10 minutes for stalwart Steff Kenny and scored a try popping off the side of a rolling maul, Lole also shone in the lineout and the tight not looking out of place at all. Bruce Wayne also contributed a try before an enforced abscence for a few weeks and Tom Kendall weighed in with 3 penalties and a conversion, but it just wasn't enough and Pershore grabbed the win.
Earlsdon II 35 - Southam II 21
In the first half Earsldon were lacking some composure but that might have been down to the number of 3rd team players moving up to fill the gaps. In the second half however Earlsdon managed to turn the screw and make the most of a numeric advantage when the Southam no8 Dan Batchelor was binned for foul play. Earlsdon's winning marging could have been more with 6 tries and a conversion and penalty from Marcus Jones who had an off day with the boot. Earlsdon tries came from Neal MacDonald, 2 from James Rothwell and a hat trick from his back row partner Martin Mad Dog Rourke his first a pass off John Reeves from a line out, the second a pop from a tap panalty from MacDonald and the 3rd a power play taking the visiting full back with him over the line.
Earlsdon Colts 10 - South Leicester 12
Earlsdon Colts welcomed South Leicester who had beaten the Coventry side 57 - 0 earlier in the season. The Colts team was bolstered by a number of the U17s Jack Brown and Johnathan Pateman in the front row Chris Zutic and Phil Graham in the back row with Olly Lindon, Robert Fisher, Luke Settle and Pete Sandford in the backs. The visitors started strongest pounding away at the Earlsdon line but the defence held and it was 20 minutes up on the clock when the visiting 10 shimmied and dummied his way through. Earlsdon managed to draw level with a try from George Fisher his first in Earlsdon colours after the half hour mark and just before half time the visitors retook the lead and converted the try for a 12 - 5 half time lead. Earlsdon were missing their regular line out option Simon Lole who was on first team duties, but Dean Kenny was in impressive form in the line out and in the loose was ably supported by Zutic and Graham the latter especially with some powerful drives. Strettle and Luke Tolley were starting to pull the opposition apart and after some mazy runs from Daniel Heath and full back Jason Walker it was Settle's turn to weave a magic run from the opposition 10m line and scored a try to make the game hinge on the 2 point conversion. Despite the heroics from Adam Garner, Dan Stephenson and Ralf Little performing well and holding the younger tight 5 together Earlsdon started to dominate the scrum area and Rory Dixon was always a danger in the centre and snuffing out any attacks the South Leicester boys. Subsititute Sandford had a half chance to perhaps run in a winning try against the visitors who looked to be out on their feet but after some good work to create room and space Tolley's pass was too far behind Sandford for him to take it cleanly and South Leicester won by the narrowest of margins in an exciting and entertaining game.
Saturday 27th Jan
Earlsdon 11 - Stratford 41
In a game of 2 halfs Earlsdon suffered another heavy defeat from their nemesis team Stratford. All seemed to be going well with an early Tom Kendal try from a cheeky chip from Malcolm Jacks giving Earlsdon a 5- 0 lead, Stratford struck back with a converted try but Kendal extended the home lead with a couple of penalties but an unconverted try from the vistors once again gave them the narrowest of leads. Earlsdon by this stage were down to 14 men losing talisman Rob Callaway who got a straight red for a retaliatory punch. Half time galvanised the visitors and they opened up the game scoring regular tries, Earlsdon weren't out of it and were unlucky to have a couple of tries ruled out for obstruction and shielding.
Stratford II 42 Earlsdon 7
With Earlsdon colts were without a game and Earlsdon used this oportunity to let 4 of them have the experience of a senior game. All equipped themselves very well with colts skipper and scrum half Rob Jones being the pick of the bunch, Craig Bone filled in at hooker and Ryan Little was on the back row, with Luke Tolley in the 3s. Tolley was instrumental in the try making a break passing to skipper 2nd row Joe Jennings who fed Martin Rourke a pop pass to score Marcus Jones converting. The journey didn't help Earlsdon and they conceded points early on and suffered the loss of Chris Ward with a suspected dislocated shoulder, Dave Kendal was a demon in defence and were defeated 7 - 42.
Earlsdon III picked up a late fixture against Dunlop II and in an evenly contested game Earlsdon lost out 17 - 0, Dean Kenney from the colts outstanding on the wing.
Saturday 20th Jan
EDF Senior Vase
Earlsdon 19 Syston 33
Earlsdon welcomed Midlands 3 East (North) league leaders Syston to Mitchell Avenue for a 5th round tie. Earlsdon had a number of injury worries but everyone passed fit for the game and the home team got off to the perfect start with a try by Gareth Beynon converted by Tom Kendal. This kicked the visitors into action and they regularly kept the score board ticking over with a try and a penalty to take the lead and a converted try plus a penalty for a 18 7 half time lead, There was more of the same in the opening period of the second half with another 2 tries and a conversion to lead 30 7. Earlsdon finally managed to get their act into gear and tries by Ally McPheators and Dave Evans plus a Kendal conversion gave the home side a glimmer of hope but Syston shut down the game and scored a penalty to have the final say and a 19 33 win.
Rugby St Andrews B 24 - Earlsdon 17
Earlsdon took a mixed side over to Rugby St Andrews and in an entertaining game came close to upsetting the hosts. Mat Rossi, West Brunt and Matt Clarke all scored tries with Skipper Marcus Jones adding a conversion but the home side managed to hang on to their lead and were 24 - 17 winners.
Belgrave Colts 17 - Earlsdon Colts 5
Earlsdon again relied on some of the older colts to make up the numbers again travelling with the bare 15. Daniel Stephenson missing the start of the game with a stiff neck but after watching his team mates struggle for the first 30 minutes decided to give it a go. The home side were made up of U17s, U18s and U19s but gelled well and had some powerful runners in the backrow and outwide. The combination of the 2 proved to be the undoing of Earlsdon with a try out wide after several forward drives had sucked in all the defence and then the forwards did their stuff with a series of drives resulting in another try for a 12 - 0 half time lead. The half time break galvanised Earlsdon and one of the few line out wins released quick ball and Paddy Kavanagh scored a superb try from centre. The game then became a war of attrition between the forwards with each side embarking on pick and drives the home side benefiting with their skipper and no. 8 powering over for the clinching try in a highly entertaining game.
Saturday 13th Jan
Earlsdon 1st XV 20 - 8 Edwardians 1st XV
Tries: Andrew Forsyth, Dave Evans, Gareth Benyon
Cons: Tom Kendall
Pens: Tom Kendall
Earlsdon came out on top against a competitive Edwardians side in a lack lustre encounter spoilt by the continuous sound of the referee's whistle. Earlsdon welcomed back former skipper Gareth Mitchell in the centre for his first game for a while after a broken arm. Earlsdon completely dominated the first quarter of the match and had two penalty chances that were missed in very difficult kicking conditions. Full back Tom Kendall was successful with his third attempt and Earlsdon led 3 - 0. Earlsdon were camped in the Edwardians twenty two but poor discipline and ball retention allowed the home side to clear their lines on numerous occasions. Earlsdon then got the first try of the match, a good driving maul by the forwards saw flanker Andrew 'Brains' Forsyth come up with the score. Kendall missed the conversion and Earlsdon only led 8 - 0 at the break in a half in which Edwardians didn't get into their 22.
Earlsdon made a change at half time, Tom Hamm coming on for Neil McDonald at scrum half. Edwardians with the wind in their favour started to come into the game and got points on the board with a penalty. The home side started to dominate possession but the Earlsdon defence stood firm. Earlsdon made a change at flanker with Rob Callaway coming on for Darren Perry at openside. The visitors should have sealed the match with 20 minutes to go, a good pass from number 8 Craig Mosey put Tom Hamm away on the blind side but the last pass went down with the try line begging. Earlsdon made amends 2 minutes later when they drove over from a line out with Dave 'Sheephead' Evans getting the touchdown. Tom Kendall put over a good conversion against the wind. Once again Earlsdon put themselves under pressure, making a mess of the kick off and handing possession back to the home side. Edwardians used the ball well and scored in the corner, the conversion was missed and Earlsdon led 15 - 8 with 10 minutes left. Earlsdon sealed the match 2 minutes from time, a loose ball was hacked on by Gareth Mitchell, winger James Payne won the race to the ball dribbling it forward, the covering defender managed to miss the ball and centre Gareth Benyon scored the easiest of tries. Tom Kendall missed the conversion with his new falling over technique and Earlsdon finished 20 - 8 winners.
Earlsdon III 30 - Edwardians II 7
Earlsdon came up against a committed Edwardians team but managed to score some sublime tries from all over the park. John Murphy surprised his own team mates with a couple of passes in a back row / scrum half move with backrow partner Martin Mad Dog Rourke benefiting scampering for a 50m try. Marcus Jones at fly half ran a switch move with centre Deri Thomas and Thomas looked worried with 70m to go he opted to offload back to Jones who strolled in for the try. Rourke was on the end of some interplay between back and forwards to add to his earlier try. Malcolm Jacks at his favorite ( but not his team mates) position of scrun half took a quick penalty and was urged by his team mates to run the 22m for a try. Jones the boot came into play for the 4th try with a mix up in defense and Mark Evans was the recipient of a gift try. Jacks was the next man to benefit from a mix up this time from skipper Murphy at 8 who lost control of the ball on a push over try and Jacks flopped on the ball to clinch the win.
Rugby St Andrews Colts 0 - Earlsdon Colts 17
Earlsdon begged and borrowed to get 15 players over to Hillmorton Road and hoped to do a double over the Rugby side. The first 20 minutes looked like it was going to be a 0 - 0 draw with neither side adapting to the wind Earlsdon benefiting from the gale on their backs Pete Sanderson however conjoured a try out of nothing dotting down in the corner and stand in scrum half Luke Tolley unlucky with a wind assisted kick. Earlsdon applied some more pressure and looked dangerous with guest Ben Weaver playing at centre running in a try from some slick handling in the backs. Tolley this time slotting the extra 2. Next it was Simon Lole who was the scorer powering over with defenders hanging on his back. Tolley slicing the conversion wide.
Just before half time Dean Kenney incurred the wrath of the referee and was binned for disputing a decision. Earlsdon were then camped in their 22 a man down and defending as if their lives depended on it. Several 5m scrums were won against the head and picking and driving into the howling wind was the only option. Earlsdon battled their way back up the pitch and were unlucky to loose Ryan Little for dissent and the 14 men battled away edging their way up the park metre by metre. Eventually giving away a penalty and having to start the process over and over again. Earlsdon did manage to get the ball out to the back line and Lole managed to scamper over the line but in his eagerness mixed the try line for the 5 metre line and ran dead with the ball !
Saturday 6th Jan
Earlsdon 1st XV 10 - 7 Leamington 1st XV
Tries: Rob Callaway, Malcolm Jack
Earlsdon just came out on top in a tight encounter played in wet and muddy conditions at Mitchell Avenue. Earlsdon were without injured skipper Rob Farrell. The first half was well contested between the two packs with the visitors looking to move the ball wider than the home team. Conditions made handling difficult but Leamington managed to score via the backs with Earlsdon rushing up in defence leaving an overlap which they exploited. The fullback somehow managed the conversion from the muddy touchline. The visitors then had a man sent to the sin bin and Earlsdon used the extra man advantage to score through flanker Rob Callaway after a good driving maul by the forwards. The conversion was missed and the half time score was 7 - 5 to Leamington.
Earlsdon dominated the second half but clear cut chances were few and far between as conditions deteriorated with the pitch cutting up badly. The decisive score came from Malcolm Jack who was on as a substitute for Bobby Friel. Again good driving play by the forwards saw the ball then moved to the backs on the blind side, Jack taking a pass from fly half Chris Scott, side stepping the full back to score. Full back Tom Kendall missed the conversion and the home side led 10 - 7. Earlsdon should have scored a couple more tries through the forwards but it wasn't to be.
Earlsdon II made the short trip to Moorfields and welcomed back Gareth Mitchell for a run out at unaccustomed scrum half role. Marcus Jones benefited from the link up with at ry, conversion and penalty for a 10 point half time lead and then Martin Rourke moved from the strange world of centre to back row and scored a further try added to by Jones for a satisfactory 17 - 0 win.
Leamington were also the hosts for Earlsdon Colts looking to fulfil their New Years resolutions. Earlsdon were fortunate enough to have 5 of the U17s side to bolster numbers and they leant 2 players to the home side and had a substitute themselves. In the rain, wind and mud however it was looking good in the first quarter of the game with Earlsdon missing 3 gilt edged chances due to bad handling and wrong options. These were to cost Earlsdon dear with Leamington getting a try wide out on the left and a penalty to establish an 8 - 0 halftime lead. However the second half showed a rejuvenated side with the forwards particularly dominant scoring an excellent catch and drive from a line out with Andy Jones the man deemed in control of the ball as it went over the line. Next it was the turn of U17s fly half Rhys Roberts to prosper from a missed pass in the home in goal area an he pounced to splash the ball down. With the game finally balanced at 10 - 8 to Earlsdon Ian Silvera another of the U17s on show popped up from the right wing and dotted down under the posts to give Earlsdon a 15 - 8 lead. There were some hairy moments at the end of the game with Leamington having a couple of scrums on the edge of the Earlsdon 22 but Earlsdon managed to hold out and record their second win of the season.
Saturday 30th Dec
Earlsdon Colts 0 - Barkers Butts Colts 22
On a wet and windy day Earlsdon pressurised the visitors line but failed to convert pressure into points and with a couple of late tries with home legs weary the vistors came away with a 4 try win.
Saturday 23rd Dec
Old Sils 20 - Earlsdon 13
Earlsdon played league rivals Old Silhillians in the Warwickshire cup with Kenilworth in the next round as the reward Earlsdon went 5 - 0 down to an early try but pulled themselves back infront via 2 Penalties from Marcus Jones and then a Mickey Moore try and Jones conversion saw the visitors extend their lead to 13 - 8. However the game took its toll and Earlsdon ended the game with 14 men Joe Kennedy dislocating his shoulder and Old Sils managed a further 12 points to nick the game.
Earlsdon B 17 - Old Coventrians 17
An Earsldon side made up of 2nds 3rds and Colts were given a stern test from a composite Old Coventrians side, Earlsdon weathered early first half pressure and Dean Kenney who was loaned to OCs was promient in defence snuffing out fellow colt Rory Dixon on the wing however Gareth Mitchell back from injury was instrumental in the first try with a searing break and chip ahead for Liam MunckinGladback who pressurised the defense so much so for Colts Skipper Rob Jones touching down and Mitchell added an excellent conversion. In the second half OCs managed 2 well worked pacey tries and were 10 - 7 up when Mitchell leveled the scores with a Penalty. Old Coventrians were spurred into action and an interception try from half way with a conversion regained the lead 17 -10 to the visitors. Earlsdon had the last word with an excellently worked try form Iain Forsyth with Michell converting and the referre blowing for time and a festive sharing of the result 17 - 17.
Saturday 16th Dec 2006
Earlsdon 20 - 21 Nuneaton Old Edwardians
Tries: Chris Scott, Steve Meszar, Rob Callaway
Cons: Chris Scott
Drop: Chris Scott
Earlsdon were bitterly disappointed to get no points out of a game they could quite easily have won away at Nuneaton Old Edwardians. The Christmas period kicked in and they were forced into 3 changes in the pack and injuries meant another 2 in the backs. This didn't affect the performance as everybody gave their all in a tough encounter. It was Earlsdon who took the lead, a loose kick from the home fly half saw full back Mickey Moore counter attack, good support play from centre Malcolm Jack saw him give the scoring pass to fly half Chris Scott. Scott added the extras from in front of the posts. Some slack defending on the blind side saw the home full back score a soft try to level the scores. The visitors then went 10 - 7 up with a neat drop goal from Scott. Just before half time Earlsdon drove over from a lineout, prop Steve Meszar getting the score and Earlsdon went in 15 - 7 up at half time.
The second half saw Earlsdon concede some needless penalties which allowed Eds back into the game at 15 - 13. Earlsdon then went further ahead, another driving lineout saw flanker Rob Callaway score - he was only on for a minute as a blood replacement for Dave Lea. The conversion was missed and the visitors led 20 - 13 with ten minutes to go. The referee was being very harsh on Earlsdon and another penalty saw Eds get to within 4 points at 20 - 16. The deciding try came after the home side refused a kick at goal, kicked to the corner and then drove over for an unconverted try to lead 21 - 20. Earlsdon tried in vain to get back into the match and were gutted to lose by a point in an evenly contested game.
Earlsdon II 15 - Nuneaton Old Edwardians 40
Earlsdon were depleted through injuries and unavailability with only 6 of last weeks squad were available. Nuneaton Old Edwardians were worthy winners with some slick handling in their backs. James Riley and Marcus Jones scored Earlsdon's points scored the home tries and Jones added a conversion and a penalty.
Earlsdon Colts 5 - Bromsgrove Colts 41
Bromsgrove had run out 100 point winners earlier in the season and the writing seemed to be on the wall with the visitors scoring out wide with the first move of the game. Earlsdon however bucked their ideas up and were prominent in the loose counter rucking to good effect, controlling the line out with Dean Kenney and Ryan Little being good sources of quality possesion and Joe Simmons returning at hooker won several against the head. The surplus of ball however didn't stop the vistors scoring and they had amassed 22 points by half time. But a cross field kick to Andy Walker gave Earlsdon the consolation try. The second half was again dominated by Earlsdon but the scoring was by the visitors with some slick handling and angles of running twisting the defence into some strange shapes running in a further 3 tries.
Saturday 9th December 2006
Earlsdon 35 - 14 Coalville
Tries: Nathan Jackson, Rob Callaway(3), Mickey Moore, Jason Dean
Cons: Tom Kendall
Pens: Tom Kendall
Earlsdon powered into the next round of the EDF Senior Vase with an emphatic win over Coalville at Mitchell Avenue. For the second week running it was a brilliant display by the forwards who dominated possession for long periods not allowing the dangerous backs of the visitors any ball. Earlsdon started the match well but kept spilling the ball with Coalville trying to counter attack from everywhere. It was from a turnover that the visitors took the lead against the run of play, the winger scoring from deep. Earlsdon didn't let their heads go down and continued to dominate possession and came right back into the match with an unconverted try. Coalville gave away a penalty and Earlsdon opted for the corner, clean ball was secured at the lineout (hooker Ali McPheators remembered to switch his radar on this week!!) and the pack drove over the line with Nathan Jackson getting the score. Full back Tom Kendall missed the difficult conversion. Earlsdon took the lead shortly afterwards, again good play by the forwards saw flanker Rob Callaway score, but somehow the referee said held up but went back for a penalty for offside which Kendall kicked and they led 8 - 7. Callaway was not to be denied 5 minutes later when he burst away from another superb driving maul to score. Kendall missed the conversion and the home side led 13 - 8 at half time.
The second half saw more domination from the home pack, keeping the ball (KTB - Crayton's new buzz word) for long periods. They extended their lead with another Callaway effort from the back of a driving maul, Kendall getting the conversion to go 20 - 7 ahead. The pick and dive game was also going well with the Coalville defence tiring all the time and their backs being frustrated without the ball. Callaway completed his hat-trick, another clean take at 4 by the impressive Jackson saw another rolling maul set up, this time the maul split completely and the flanker had an easy run in. The conversion was missed and the lead was 25 - 7. The home side then made a change Callaway making way for Kev Hogan. The backs got the next score, good play between Mickey Moore and centre Gareth Benyon saw Moore get the score, Eddie Keen missed the extras in Kendall's absence. Ageless prop Steph Kenney then made way for Freddie 'the lucky cup mascot' Aitken who was asked to play a bit longer than his usual 3 minutes this week. The forwards had one more try up their sleeve and prop Jason Dean forced his way over for a well deserved try after a hard working performance. The conversion was missed and the home side led 35 - 7 with 5 minutes left. The visitors got a consolation try in the final minute but it mattered not as the home side were convincing winners.
Broadstreet III 37 Earlsdon II 19
Earlsdon gave a senior debut to colt Rory Dixon who ended up on the backrow and didn't look out of place. Earlsdon felt they were up against the whole of Broadstreet with their squad a collection of 2nds, 3rds and Colts. Earlsdon however were the surprise leaders at half time with Mark Evans and Martin Rourke 2 getting first half tries and 2 conversions from Marcus Jones giving the visitors a 19 - 12 lead. The home side however brought in some fresh legs and they used them to great effect and took the lead. Earlsdon held out well and came back into the game only to fall away in the last 10 to make the final score 37 - 19. Malcolm Jacks and Dave Lea were the outstanding players with Rourke, Dixon and student James Rothwell prominent on the backrow.
Earlsdon III 36 Stoke Old Boys II 5
Stoke had selection problems and came over with half a dozen players luckily there were a number of Earlsdon Colts looking for a game and they were lent to the visitors. Earlsdon started the brightest with tries a plenty for West Brunt 2, Iain Forsyth 2, Andy Boardman 1, and Nick Taylor with Taylor adding 3 conversions. Jason Walker guesting for Stoke Boys scored a consolation try for the opposition.
Saturday 2nd December 2005
Earlsdon 1st XV 24 - 19 Silhillians
Tries: James Payne, Neil McDonald
Pens: Tom Kendall(3)
Cons: Tom Kendall
Drops: Chris Scott
Earlsdon produced a superb performance against Silhillians to take the two league points in an entertaining match between 2 evenly matched sides. To a man it was the forwards who laid the platform (even Freddie for his 3 minutes), controlling possession for long periods with the pick and drive particularly effective. It didn't start that well as Sils scored first catching Earlsdon's defence napping on the blind side from a lineout 10 metres out. The home side then got right back into the match with 2 penalties from Tom Kendall although most observers pointing out that the referee should have awarded a penalty try when Sils came in at the side of a maul with flanker Kev Hogan about to score. They then gifted the visitors possession with an interception from which they scored after a couple of phases to go 12 - 6 up. Earlsdon narrowed the gap just before half time through Kendall's trusty left boot to go in 12 - 9 down.
The second half saw Earlsdon take control with the forwards keeping the ball time and again. The home side took the lead following numerous phases of play, the forwards looked as if they were going to score but the maul went down just before the line, the ball came back and good hands from Chris Scott and Tom Hamm saw winger James Payne squeeze in in the corner. Kendall missed the conversion and Earlsdon led 14 - 12. The decisive score came from a scrum taken against the head by hooker Ali McPheators, skipper Rob Farrell fed scrum half Neil McDonald who beat the defence to score. Kendall was on target this time and Earlsdon held a 21 - 12 lead. Sil's then threw everything at the home side and were rewarded with a converted try to get back to 21 - 19 with 10 minutes to go. It wasn't to be though as the home side controlled most of the ball for the rest of the game and a sweet drop goal from fly half Chris Scott ensured a well deserved win
Earlsdon IIs went to Solihull to play their rivals Old Silhillians who were out for cup revenge. In a tight game Earlsdon despite having a depleted side with Veteran back-row Mick Roberts starting a game at prop ex Colts fly half Rory McPheators also had a baptism of fire in the backrow. Earlsdon had the narrowest of leads 13 - 12 at half time via a Martin Rourke try and conversion from Marcus Jones who also added a couple of penalties. Liam McGladtobetackling also had a great afternoon with some rediscovered form. Suspicions however were raised in the Earlsdon camp that Malcolm Jacks had been bought by the opposition gifting them an interception try within the opposition 22 and this thought was compounded as Jacks floundered and his normally stoic takling was woefully missing as Sils ran in a try to take the lead and eventually with an exchange of penalties the game.
Earlsdon 5 - Old Sils 29
Colin I want to play centre Morton scored the home sides only try and a well drilled Old Sils side were worthy winners.
Earlsdon Colts 0 Leamington Colts 10
In a game where both sides looked like they were thinking ahead to what Santa was bringing them Leamington shaded the game with 2 breakaway tries. Earlsdon's game bore similarities to Englands performance playing with the elements in the first half they were camped in the visitors 22 and failed to trouble the defence. Similarly in the second half against the wind which had dropped considerably they failed to convert pressure into points. On a welcome note Earlsdon welcomed back Jack Watts who despite not playing for a season or so slotted in well in the backs and Luke Tolley finally got his desire to play in the backrow.
Saturday 25th November 2005
Old Laurentians 32 - Earlsdon 6
Earlsdon 1st XV can count themselves unfortunate to come away from league leaders Old Laurentians with a 32 - 6 loss as the scoreline did not reflect their performance or the story of he match. The first half was good but could have been so much better for them if they had taken the 2 gilt edged chances they created. These were missed and all they had to show for their first half performance was a slender 6-0 lead courtesy of Tom Kendall's boot, where they had totally dominated territory and possession. A key blow was the loss of centre Gareth Benyon with a hamstring strain as his direct running had caused the home side problems all half. Earlsdon started the second half well with the forwards using the ball well, but unfortunately an interception on the Old Laurents line saw the home side score to take a 7 - 6 lead. Two further penalties followed to give them a 13 - 6 lead with ten minutes left. Earlsdon's luck deserted them as they were reduced to 14 then 13 and eventually 12 men due to injuries with the home side making the extra numbers count out wide. The Old L's right winger hadn't touched the ball all game and ended up with a hat-trick in the last ten minutes. Earlsdon can be well pleased with the effort but need to be more clinical when chances are created.
Earlsdon II 7 - Old Laurentians 17
A combined Earlsdon II and III made up of who weren't away on John Coulson's 50th,
England's game at Twickenham and illnesses. Luke Tolley was fashionably late for the Colts away game at Willenhall so missed his lift and made his senior debut on the wing for then 2nd XV at home to Old Laurentians. Tolley equippped himself well but didn't manage a dream debutant try. Martin Rourke kept his personal scoreboard rolling after a cross field kick from prop Mark Perch popped up into loitering on the wing number 8 Rourke. Perch's excuse was he can't pass that side so a kick was the better option.
Willenhall Colts 31 - Earlsdon Colts 3 National Colts Plate.
Earlsdon had a spot of readjusting to do with a couple of injuries and unavailabilities. But despite the formidable size of the opposition forwards Earlsdon managed to take a lead through the boot of scrum half Ollie Fisher. The home forwards won through though and despite heroic defense from Earlsdon the points accumulated and the home side comfortably ran out 31 - 3 winners.
Sunday 19th November 2006
Tewkesbury Women 12 - Earlsdon Women 36
Earlsdon Women had a long journey down to Tewkesbury for a West Midlands III league game and captain Tracy Lole had an outstanding day scoring 4 tries in an impressive 36 - 12 win. Nicola Elvidge, Kerry Woodbine added extra tries and Elvidge added a conversion and Bekki Riley 2 conversions in a satisfying win.
Saturday 18th November
Berkswell and Balsall 29 - Earlsdon 30
Earlsdon played local rivals Berkswell and Balsall in the 3rd round of the EDF Senior Vase and as one spectator put it "you could never watch Earlsdon if you had a weak heart" Earlsdon were 20 - 10 up by half time with tries from Robin Callaway, Mickey Moore, Garth Beynon with a penalty and conversion from Tom Kendal. Kendal added a further penalty after the break and then the B's clawed their way back into the game and forced extra time with a 23 - 23 scoreline. In extra time Berkswell extended their advantage with a further 2 penalties and it looked like Earlsdon were out. In the final minutes of the game skipper Rob Farrell scored a try to bring the visitors to within one point, the conversion was wide out on the touchline and coach Crayton Phillips suggested that Kendal take it quick as he'd probably miss and then see if Earlsdon could gain the restart to score again. The reverse psychology worked and Kendal scored Earlsdon were in the lead 30 - 29 and the final whistle blew.
Earlsdon 2ndXV 8 - 7 Atherstone 1st XV
Atherstone 1st XV turned up for a 2.15pm kick off at 2.20pm without a recognised front row so the game was played with passive scrums throughout. The home side only had 13 players left and drafted in colt Alex Hill in the centre and Lewis at full back from Coventry Tech. Earlsdon scored within 5 minutes of the start, good ball retention seeing it moved wide with Martin 'Mad Dog' Rourke goal hanging on the wing to score. Marcus Jones missed the conversion. Earlsdon dominated possession but gifted the visitors a try when a backs move went wrong the ball was picked up a ran back under the home side's posts for a 7 - 5 lead. The second half saw Earlsdon completely dominate possession without being able to cross the line as Atherstone defended well. They left it late but a penalty from Jones sealed the 8 - 7 win in a pretty dire encounter.
Earlsdon III had a trip to Atherstone with a full side and had an enjoyable day with tries a plenty for the forwards with Iain Finlayson leading the way with a hat-trick, James Riley added 2, Dave Withers and Gareth Knights added singles with Ian Forsyth getting 3 conversions in a satisfying 41 - 10 win.
Earlsdon Colts had a re-arranged game with Barkers Butts U18s and it was a strange game with Earlsdon enjoying long spells of possesion but a couple of slips of concentration in each half gifted the visitors converted tries and a 28 - 0 scoreline didn't reflect the game nor the amount of pressure that the home side had exerted.
Sunday 12th November 2006
Earlsdon travelled to near neighbours Kenilworth to play in the 2nd XV Cup. Kenilworth were superior in ball handling and moving the ball into space. Earlsdon were 15 - 0 down in the first 10 minutes and thank goodness that the Kenilworth kicker had an off day and it kept the score down. Earlsdon did manage to threaten the home line a couple of times and Liam Mcgladain was impressive in defence with some great tackles but it was to no avail with Kenilworth keeping the scoreboard ticking over and posting a final score of 54-0.
Saturday 11th November 2006
Earlsdon 13 - Nuneaton Old Edwardians 18
Earlsdon 1st XV were at home against Nuneaton Old Edwardians and welcomed back Craig Mosey who scored the only try equalising an early score from the visitors a conversion and 2 penalties from Tom Kendal added to the home scores but the visitors had amassed 18 points to Earlsdon 13 and the home side slumped to their 3rd league defeat of the season.
Earlsdon 3rds 20 - NOE 0
Earlsdon III were the only home side to win ( Earlsdon 1st and Colts both wearing the change kit and NOE III in their black kit meaning all the Red and White kitted teams winning) Mark Evans, Neil Bullman and Ian Finlayson scored the tries with Evans converting one and Ady Higgins added a Penalty for a satisfactory score. Earlsdon IIIs based their defence on a solid midfield with Colin Morton and skipper John Murphy doing the honours at centre !
Earlsdon Colts 10 - Harbury 12
Harbury were welcome visitors and they started the game well with a try and conversion inside 10 minutes playing against the elements Earlsdon were always going to be camped in their 22 and Rhy Roberts had a fine game at fly half until late tackle brought on an attack of cramps. In the second half Ian Silvera grabbed a try back for the homeside but a charge down in goal led to another Harbury try and despite a Ryan Little late try from a quick tapped penalty. However the conversion from the visitors was the difference in the game.
Saturday 4th November 2006
Earlsdon returned to Stourbridge Lions with a near full strength side for the replay of the EDF Senior Vase game abandoned last week. Earlsdon however were under the cosh and despite a try from Macolm Jacks found themselves 15 - 5 from 2 tries a penalty and a conversion down with 10 minutes to play however Micky Moore managed 2 tries and Tom Kendal 2 penalties to win the game 19 - 15. The highlight of the game was Jason Too Tall Lewis needing to 'fix' Neil Wards bloodied nose with a feminine product borrowed from a visiting spectator.
Earlsdon II were at home to a Leamington side containing a few of their first team that were with out a game. Earlsdon welcomed 2nd team manager Craig Forsyth into the second row with his ex 1st team partner Paul Keene, their experience however counted for nothing and despite a try from Forsyth and one from Tony Rose with a Marcus Jones conversion Earlsdon lost out 24 - 12.
Earlsdon II went to Leamington to face formidable opposition and lost out 48 - 12 West Brunt and Harvey scoring tries Ady Higgins adding the extras.
Earlsdon Colts had a re-arranged game against Rugby St Andrews and leant the opposition 3 players to make it 14 a side. Rory Mcpheators and James Whittingham scored first half tries with Rhys Roberts, Craig Bone, James Rothwell 2, Rob Jones and Luke Tolley all added tries in the seco nd half Roberts converting 2 for a 44 - 0 win and their opening win of the season.
Saturday 28th Oct
Earlsdon travelled to Stourbridge Lions for an EDF Senior Vase cup match with a depleted side, with some late changes to the selected side. Holidays and illness forcing some enforced changes to the team. Mickey Moore latched onto a rolling maul and snatched the ball from the hardworking forwards to score Earlsdons try in the first half the home side having a penalty and a try. The game however was abandoned with the referee rupturing his achillies tendon and a replay is scheduled for this coming weekend 4th Nov.
Earlsdon IIs suffered with the glut of cry offs in the 1st XV and with no front 5 players left the game reluctantly was cried off on Saturday AM.
Earlsdon 3rds benefited from a couple of 2nd teamers who wanted to play plus 2 volunteers who bolstered the visiting Southam side Bobby Friel (who scored a try for the visitors) and Neil McDonald doing the honours. West Brunt caught the eye with a hat trick of tries Baz Lawrence added 2 as well. John Reeves opened his account for the season as did Stuart Dent, and Alan Freshman. Marus Jones added 4 conversions and Jason Comasky 2 conversions.
Earlsdon Colts 7 - Broadstreet Colts 17
Broadstreet Colts benefited from some good fortune and good finishing to put one over their city rivals Earlsdon. Earlsdon were 17 - 0 down with 3 minutes to go having conceded a breakaway try to extend the visitors lead when from a 5m scrum with debutant James Rothwell scoring a try and James Whittingham converting.
Sunday 22nd Oct
Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup Earlsdon 17 - Old Silhillians 12
Earlsdon 2nds played Sunday in a Warwickshire 2nd XV cup match at home against Old Silhilians with a try 2 conversions and a penalty from Marcus Jones putting them well on the way with Darren Perry scoring the other try. Earlsdon were 14 7 in the lead when Sils scored an intercept try but Jones sealed the game with a Penalty for a 17 12 final score.
Earlsdon women went down 39 - 0 against Bridgnorth.
Saturday 21st Oct
Earlsdon 24 - Edwardians 22
1st XV played at home v Edwardians and had another front row combination with James Lloyd-Taberer filling in at loose head. Earlsdon were 24 22 winners. With tries from Rob Farrell, Nathan Jackson, A Clarke and a Penalty try with 2 conversions from an off form Tom Kendall. The highlight of the games was the appearance of club stalwart Charles Freddie Aitken who was providing front row cover on the bench and coach Crayton Phillips decided to shore up the scrums by getting Fred on for the last 5 minutes. Aitken lasted 2 minutes before being yellow carded and the 14 men held on. Aitken had the last laugh though as hed had a 100 quid bet with Dave birch during the summer that he would feature in a 1st XV game and get on the pitch to play. Earlsdon shading it 24 22.
Earlsdon 3rds enjoyed a day out at Edwardian III winning 64 0 with tries from Martin Rourke 2, Dave Kendal 2, John Murphy, Gareth Knights, Dolly Webb, West Brunt, Deri Thomas and Harvey with Ady Higgins kicking 7 conversions.
Earlsdon colts were away to Rugby Lions and opened the scoring with a James Whittingham penalty. Earlsdon lost the services of Patrick Connolly with a dislocated shoulder and this disrupted the team and Lions ran in several tries in a 50 3 win. Earlsdon also gave Colts debuts to U17s Jack Brown and Ollie and the whole side performed admirably in the wet conditions.
Saturday 14th October 2006
Stratford 37 - Earlsdon 0
Earlsdon firsts were disrupted by an injury to prop Lee Davies who had broken his arm in a work accident on Thursday, with Earlsdons prop reserve list looking at veteran props or converted second rows it was a converted second row veteran ex skipper Paul Keene who was elected to fill the shoes. Keene filled in admirably for the watching Davies but could do nothing to stem the flow of tries as the home side continued their dominance of Earlsdon 1st XV visits to Pearcecroft. A late sending off of Craig Mosey for retaliation was the icing on the cake for a dismal day for Earlsdon and Stratford deserved their 37 - 0 win.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 13 - 12 Stratford-upon-Avon 2nd XV
Tries: Bobby Friel (2)
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon 2nd XV just came out on top against Stratford 2nds in an entertaining encounter at Mitchell Avenue thanks to two tries from winger Bobby Fun time Friel (MoM poor effort to down the MoM drink though). This week saw quite a few enforced changes with Steve Sharpe and Craig Forsyth being pressed into prop duty as a result of our front row epidemic. Mick Roberts returned at hooker, John Reeves at second row and James Riley and Will Flint came in as the flankers. In the backs Malcolm Jack, Bobby Friel and Marcus Jones came into the side.
Stratford only had fourteen players but were very competitive despite being a man down, with their backs always looking to counter attack. The first half an hour produced no points but both sides had chances to take the lead. A combination of good scrambling defence, awful handling and kicking away the ball with two men overlaps was the main reason for this on both sides with the packs quite evenly matched. Earlsdon scored the first try of the match ten minutes before half time following a passage of play where both sides had and then lost possession. Stratford tried to run the ball from their twenty two but good defence knocked the ball free with the loose ball being fed to Bobby Friel who rounded the last man to score. Fly half Marcus Jones missed the conversion and Earlsdon went in 5 - 0 up at half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, Earlsdon were winning plenty of possession but the backs were having an off day with plenty of passes being knocked on. Stratford then took the lead, Earlsdon were pressing the visitors line but turned the ball over and the Stratford backs counter attacked from deep to score under the posts. The conversion was successful and they led 7 - 5. The lead only lasted 5 minutes, more good play saw Stratford kill the ball on the floor with Jones adding the plenty to lead 8 - 7. Earlsdon then scored again ten minutes from time, a good catch at four in the lineout by John Reeves saw the pack drive Stratford back the length of the twenty two, with Friel joining the forwards to pinch the try from under their noses. Jones missed the conversion and they led 13 - 7. Earlsdon looked to have sealed the win, but with the referee going to blow up at the next stoppage Stratford kept the ball alive, Earlsdon tried to get it dead with a long kick from Jones but it didn't go out and Stratford scored to get the score back to 13 - 12 with the conversion to come. Luckily for the home side the kick sailed wide and they won the match.
Team: Matt Rossi, Bobby Friel, Ian Forsyth, Malcolm Jack, Liam McGladrigan, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Dave Lea, James Riley, Will Flint, John Reeves, Joe Jennings (c), Craig Forsyth, Mick Roberts, Steve Sharpe
Balsall and Berkswell 2nds 12 - Earlsdon 3rds 0
Earlsdon III had a late change of fixture travelling down the road to neighbours Balsall and Berkswell II. Earlsdon had a good mix of youth and experience but they were in the wrong positions and despite going 12 - 0 in the first half Earlsdon were unlucky not to convert pressure into points in the second half and the B's enjoyed the spoils of victory
Earlsdon Colts 0 - Nuneaton Colts 44
Earlsdon Colts were drawn at home against Nuneaton in the first round of the National Colts cup and despite a couple of injuries still managed to field 15 players plus a sub. the
visitors came over with a large squad and used their subs to good effect. The home side held out for a good 15 minutes before Nuneaton's pressure finally gave them the opening try. Earlsdon had a couple of chances of long range penalties from full-back James Whittingham but both were wide of the mark. Another couple of oportunist tries gave the visitors a 17 - 0 half time lead. The second half was a stop start affair with neither side taking overall control but use of fresh legs by the 'Nuns' gave them the opportunity to run in more tries and run out comfortabel 44 - 0 winners.
Saturday 07th October 2006.
Earlsdon 23 - Pershore 22
Earlsdon looked forward to their annual tussle with Pershore their games in the past full of passion and bite. But Earlsdon's Tom Kendall enjoyed it more than most scoring all 23 points in an entertaining game at Mitchell Avenue. Kendall opened the scoring with well worked try adding the extras as well. Pershore then came back into the match and scored 2 tries one converted to take a 12 - 7 lead Kendall pulled back a penalty for a half time 12 - 10 lead to the visitors. Kendall then scored another converted try to regain the lead for Earlsdon next followed a game of ping pong with the lead changing hands four times before the final whistle. Pershore scored a converted try to take a 19 - 17 lead before Kendal slotted a penalty for a 20 - 19 lead. The visitors responded with a penalty of their own to retake the lead 22 - 20. Kendall had the final say with a 3rd penalty and match winner 23 - 22 to Earlsdon leaving players and spectators exhausted.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 10 - 12 Southam 2nd XV
Tries: Chris Ward
Cons: Matt Rossi
Pens: Matt Rossi
Earlsdon 2nd XV travelled over to Southam full of confidence after their thumping win against Old Covents the week before but were brought back down to earth as missed chances proved costly as they went down by two points in a tough encounter. Second team skipper Joe Jennings, flanker Darren Perry and John Murphy made a return to the side in the pack with Matt Rossi the only change in the backs this week. They also lost veteran prop Steph Kenney who was half way to Southam when he got the call from the 1st XV after a last minute cry off.
Earlsdon started the match well and dominated the first ten minutes of the match and should have been a try to the good but were again guilty of poor finishing with a certain try going begging. Flanker Darren Perry was unlucky not to be awarded a try with the referee adjudging him held up over the line. Southam were very adept at spoiling the ball at the ruck and with the referee not penalising them the ball the Earlsdon backs were receiving was slow. Perry and Deri Thomas came close but Southam's defence held out and at half time Earlsdon went in only 3 - 0 up courtesy of a Matt Rossi penalty.
Earlsdon started the second half brightly dominating possession but again both backs and forwards were making errors at crucial times. They did score the first try of the match, fly half Neil McDonald making a half break and feeding centre Chris Ward who showed good pace to score. Matt Rossi added the extra points and they led 10 - 0. The home side then started to get back into the match (following several substitutions) and scored an unconverted try to get back to 10 - 5. Earlsdon were guilty of not controlling possession and Southam continued to pressurise their line. They then scored the crucial try, Earlsdon giving away a number of penalties and the Southam open side crashed over for a converted try to take the lead at 12 - 10. Earlsdon did have a chance to win but a long-range penalty up the hill and into the wind fell short.
Team: Ian Forsyth, Matt Rossi, Chris Ward, Deri Thomas, Liam McGladrigan, Neil McDonald, Roger Littlewood, John Murphy, Darren Perry, Dave Laing, Dave Lea, Joe Jennings (c), Steve Meszar, Baz Lawrence, Paul Keene. Subs: Dave Kendall
Earlsdon 3rds 40 - Warwickians 0
Earlsdon 3rds had second team manager running the rule over them with Dave McGovern putting his shorts on for his season bow at prop. Earlsdon dominated the game with Martin Mad Dog Rourke enjoying his back row duties. Trts were a plenty with the forwards taking the lions share. Marcus Jones, West Brunt, James Riley, Martin Rourke, Mark Perch and Steve Sharp sharing the try scoring with Jones kicking 5 conversions.
Earlsdon Colts 12 - Oadby Wigstonians 34
Earlsdon had the bare minimum 15 players for the visit of Oadby Wigs with 2 out injured. The had a dream start with Luke Tolley feeding a timed ball to Patrick Connelly who scampered over for the opening try after 10 minutes converted by James Whittingham. A scrum again the head however let the visitors back in the game with a flop from their No.8. Rory McPheators added to Earlsdon's try count and extended their lead to 12 - 5 but the visitors again responded with a try and then just before half time added a penalty to have a 12 - 13 lead. With the wind behind them the visitors introduced some substitues into the game and it appeared to be inspired with 3 converted tries extending their lead and in the words of their coach were flattered by the scoreline.
Saturday 30th September 2006
Old Coventrians 7 Earlsdon 34
Earlsdon made the short trip to City rivals Old Coventrians with a similar side to last week
Earlsdon opened up a 17 - 0 half time lead through tries from skipper Rob Farrell and Micky Moore with 2 conversions and penalty from Ton Kendal in the second half it was similar to the first with Farrell and Moore adding to their first half tries and fly half Chris Scott scoring one and should have had a second fumbling the ball over the try line Kendal added a conversion
Earlsdon 2nd XV 72 - 3 Old Coventrians 2nd XV
Tries: Neil McDonald (3), Ian Forsyth (2), Liam McGladrigan (2), Bobby Friel (2), Deri Thomas, Dave Laing, Baz Lawrence
Cons: Ian Forsyth (6)
Earlsdon 2nd XV produced another fine display of running rugby to beat city rivals Old Coventrians 72 - 3 at Mitchell Avenue. The usual enforced changes saw Deri Thomas and Bobby Friel join the backs and Dave Lea, Dwayne Webb, Dave Laing and Steve Meszar the pack. The changes didn't affect the balance of the team and skipper Paul Keenes stirring motivational team talk about PMT (Positive Mental Tubes if you were wondering) was a classic even for him.
Earlsdon got off to a flying if not lucky start with flanker Dave Laing collecting a poor clearance kick to score the first try - what made this even more jammy was that Laingy had drawn himself in the sweep. Chris Ward missed the conversion from wide out. The next score followed a neat backs move with centre Chris Ward getting the score. Fly half Neil McDonald missed the conversion this time. Old Coventrians then got back into the match with a penalty after a spell of pressure in the home side's 22. Earlsdon then took complete control of the match, McDonald scoring the next try after a good run and offload from centre Deri Thomas. Ian Forsyth took over the kicking duties and was also unsuccessful and Earlsdon led 15 - 3. They then scored straight from the kick off, hooker and man of the match Baz Lawrence making a good run, feeding McDonald in support who gave an inside pass to Deri Thomas who ran a full 50 (yes 50) metres to score. Forsyth added the extras this time. Wing Liam McGladrigan then scored an unconverted try following good play by the forwards and a sweet miss pass from scrum half Roger Littlewood. Earlsdon were in complete control and further converted scores from McDonald and McGladrigan and a converted effort from Forsyth saw them lead 41 - 3 at half time.
The second half followed much the same pattern with the home side dominating possession up front supplying the backs with quality ball to attack from everywhere. Wing Bobby Friel managed to get some ball and scored two tries from deep, McDonald completed his hat trick and Forsyth grabbed his second. Baz Lawrence who had a great game against his former club also got a well-deserved try. They did create more chances and should have scored more tries but for poor handling and decision-making.
Team: Ian Forsyth, Bobby Friel, Chris Ward, Deri Thomas, Liam McGladrigan, Neil McDonald, Roger Littlewood, Dave Lea, Dwayne Webb, Dave Laing, Mick Roberts, Craig Forsyth, Steve Meszar, Baz Lawrence, Paul Keene (c).
Old Laurentians III 34 - Earlsdon 5
Earlsdon were a few numbers down and had 13 for a game over at Old Larents but lost Pete Sandford as he fell asleep in the car park at Earlsdon and woke up to find the 3rds had gone without him. Skipper John Murphy scored Earlsdons try back to his old barnstorming non passing best was a comment from one of his 3rd XV team mates.
Earlsdon Colts 7 - Market Bosworth Colts 57
Earlsdon again were short of players with a dislocated finger and holidays depriving them of a full team. Market Bosworth were kind enough to lend Earlsdon a player to make it 14 on 15 and despite being a man down the home side were on the front foot for the first 20 minutes. However the last ditch tackling and chasing the extra man sapped the energies of the home players and Market Bosworth managed to score 4 converted tries by the half time whistle. The second half was more of the same Earlsdon disrupting the visitors scrummage and line out and living off scraps themselves. The visitors made several substitutions and the fresh legs were too much for the wilting homeside with a James Gill try and James Whittingham conversion ( from wide out on the 5m line) giving the home side scarce reward for some adventurous play. Pete Sandford (Snr) failing to make the 3rd team game after a Rip Van Winkle episode in the car park at least managed to watch Pete Jnr have a great game on the wing with some heroic tackling.
Saturday 23rd September 2006
Earlsdon 34 - Ledbury 7
In a much changed Earlsdon team mainly due to niggly injuries veteran Sean Moore stepped up to share 2nd row duties with 2nd XV skipper Joe Jennings. Lee Davies also returned to allow Steff Kenny bench duties. In the backs Ben Whitter was brought in as scrum half and 2nd XV Vice Skipper Ed Keen was on the wing. Earlsdon started well and had built up a 20 - 0 lead by half time with 2 Penalties from Tom Kendal and tries from Whitter and Keen both converted by Kendal. The second half was a dull affair with passive scrums giving the vistors a steady supply of ball and they managed a converted try. Earlsdon sealed the win with a Gary Back try plus a penalty try with another 2 conversions from Kendal.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 37 - 14 Dunlop 2nd XV
Tries: Ian Forsyth, Roger Littlewood, Liam McGladrigan, James Martin, James Lloyd-Taberer, Chris Ward
Cons: Matt Rossi (2) Pen: Matt Rossi
Earlsdon fielded a much changed team from last week due to 1st team cry offs but still managed to field a strong side that defeated Dunlop 2nd's 37 - 14 at Burnaby road. Steve Meszar who was down to start at prop was pressed into refereeing duty with no referee being allocated for the fixture. This meant 2nd team manager Craig Forsyth putting his boots on for the first time in a while and Paul Keene moving to prop again. James 'J' Martin played his first game for the club at prop and James 'Tabbs' Lloyd-Taberer also made his debut at hooker. Unbelievably Darren Perry armed with a note from his Mum and a scrumcap played at open side.
Earlsdon started the game well and scored from the kick off, the ball fielded well by the forwards who released the backs, Perry was in support to give centre Chris Ward the scoring pass. Matt Rossi missed the difficult conversion. Earlsdon then conceded a string of penalties which gave Dunlop good field position from which they scored a converted try to go 7 - 5 up. Earlsdon regained the lead after Rossi slotted over a penalty from in front of the posts. Earlsdon then scored again, a set move in the backs carved open the home defence and after the ball was recycled a couple of times, scrum half Roger Littlewood scored. Rossi added the extras this time. Another followed shortly afterwards, more good hands in the backs saw winger Liam McGladrigan score an easy try which Rossi converted for a 22 - 7 lead. Earlsdon then switched off and managed to concede a try after a 5-metre scrum on the Dunlop line went wrong. Just before half time Tabbs got a debut try, a series of pick and drives following a lineout saw him force his way over, Rossi hit the post with his conversion attempt for a 27 - 14 half time lead.
The second half saw Earlsdon dominate territory and possession but fail to add the finishing touches to some of the excellent build up play. They did score two second half tries but it should have been more. The first followed a break up the middle by centre Malcolm Jack, he had plenty of support but managed to miss it all, the ball came loose and Ian Forsyth picked up to score a simple try. Matt Rossi somehow (I think it was due to excessive flip flop use) managed to miss the conversion from in front of the posts. Just before full time the forwards scored from a lineout close to the line, James 'J' Martin also getting a debut try. Rossi again missed the conversion and the visitors ran out 37 - 14 winners.
Team: Matt Rossi, Ian Forsyth, Chris Ward, Malcolm Jack, Liam McGladrigan, Neil McDonald, Roger Littlewood, John Murphy, Darren Perry, Baz Lawrence, Mick Roberts, Craig Forsyth, James Martin, James Lloyd-Taberer, Paul Keene (c).
Earlsdon III 33 - Broadstreet IV 15
Earlsdon III team were left skipper less with John Murphy promoted to the 2nd XV with 1st team manager Nigel Ball helping to organise a team and play a cameo 10 minutes at the end. Andy Walker scored 2 tries, as did 1st teamer Gareth Beynon who turned up too late for a first team slot and Ian Skeene also scored a try and 2 conversions in his first run out of the season hooker Nick Taylor also added 2 conversions.
South Leicester Colts 57 - Earlsdon Colts 0
Earlsdon welcomed back Liam Johns and Rob Jones into their 3/4 line but with a couple of unavailabilities could only muster 14 players. Dean Kenney ( first team super veteran prop's son) played for the first time in the forwards and equipped himself well winning line out ball and making a couple of outstanding tackles. The South Leicester backs were always a man over and made use of their numeric superiority running up a 27 point lead before half time and running in more tries in the second half. The highlight for Earlsdon being an attempt at a drop goal that Jones missed the posts with and wrecked a greenhouse - with an audible giggle coming from all players and spectators.
Saturday 16th September 2006
Hereford 1st XV 20 - Earlsdon 1st 11
Try G Beynon
Pen C Scott 2
Earlsdon travelled down to Hereford with a couple of changes to the side that played last week Ally McPheators replacing Ian Thompson at hooker and James Payne making his full debut on the wing front row extraoridinaire Steff Kenny passing comment that he played when James' dad Andy made his debut in the 1st XV summing up how old Steff is !!!! Earlsdon were unlucky not to come away with some points with Gareth Beynon scoring a try and Chris Scott kicking 2 Penalties to keep Earlsdon in touch and some slipshod handling a couple of try scoring opportunities were wasted. Flanker Robin Titleist had an outstanding game back to his form of old but could do nothing, with the game poised at 13 - 11 to the hosts, as Hereford ran in a converted try to extend the lead and kill the game off.
Earlsdon 2nd XV 21 - 44 Coventry Technical 1st XV
Tries: Ian Forsyth, Dave Laing, Liam McGladrigan
Cons: Eddie Keen (3)
Earlsdon 2nd XV entertained Coventry Tech 1st XV at Mitchell Avenue in a game that they could have won, but in the end they made far too many mistakes and were punished by the visitors. The usual late cry offs meant that the team contained 3 scrumhalves in the backs with the pack looking a little long in the tooth.
The home side started well and had the visitors under all sorts of pressure and should have scored, slick hands seeing wing Ian Forsyth away on the overlap but he couldn't gather the ball and the chance went begging. The visitors then got back into the game and scored the first try as the home pack lost the ball against the head. Two more unconverted scores followed within 10 minutes as the home defence struggled and Tech went 15 - 0 up. The home side then started to get back into the match, more good hands in the backs saw Forsyth take his chance this time on the overlap, skipper Ed Keen getting the extras. They scored again from deep, a good break from Ed Keen set up the attack which saw interplay between backs and forwards with Dave Laing scoring under the posts, Keen again adding the extras to bring the score back to 15 - 14. The home side should have gone ahead with another certain score being wasted following a good set move in the backs.
The second half started badly for the home side with Tech getting a soft converted score to go 22 - 14 up. Earlsdon got straight back into the match, second row Dave Lea supplying a good pass to winger Liam McGladrigan who took a great line to score. Keen stroked over the conversion as the home side got to with a point at 21 - 22 down. The home side then made a change Jon Walker coming on for Andy Boardman in the centres. Andy was soon back in action 10 minutes later with Dave Laing hobbling off and Jon Walker moving to flanker. Earlsdon did have more pressure and chances but again made far too many mistakes and in the end Tech ran in four more tries (a mention to John Walker who managed to charge down 2 of the conversions - must be a record) to complete a 44 - 21 win, which didn't fully reflect the story of the match.
Team: Roger, Ian Forsyth, Andy Boardman, Eddie Keen (c), Liam McGladrigan, Neil McDonald, Ben Whitter, John Murphy, Dave Laing, Dolly Webb, Dave Lea, Sean Moore, Steve Meszar, Mick Roberts, Paul Keene. Subs: John Walker
Earlsdon III 21 A.E.I. Rugby 8
Earlsdon III put out a very young and in parts very old side. This was reflected in the amount of territory that Earlsdon managed but were unable to put away a multitude of chances. Nick Taylor from hooker had a great day with the boot matching 2nd teamer Keen's 100% record with 3 out of 3 from a brace of tries from Ian Fuller back in action after a frew years off ( isn't he glad he listed to Yorkie who convinced him it would be a good idea playing again !! ) and Rory McPheators adding a 3rd to kill the game off.
Bromsgrove Colts 65 - Earlsdon 0
Earlsdon suffered from unavailability borrowing 2 from the opposition but were unable to stem the relentless tide. They stuck with it to the end with some last ditch tackling but were unable to get a consolation score despite some heroic efforts
Sept 10th Sunday
Earlsdon Ladies had a trial game against league opposition Newcastle and gave debuts to a number of girls some from Coventry Bears RL team and other novices. In a game sympathetically refereed by Steve Meszar both sides enjoyed a good work out in the blistering sun. Bekki Riley scored Earlsdons only try of the afternoon. Mezza always one never to pass opportunity picked out debutants Charlotte Ross and Laura-Jayne Brushett as a couple of girls who must have surnames of Offside the girls hierarchy got to hear of this and the 2 girls have been renamed Off and Side the 2 blonde twins !
Sept 9th 2006
Earlsdon were away at Bedworth for the opening game of the League season with a good record of never losing a League game against their Warwickshire foes. Earlsdon welcomed back 2 stalwarts Ian Thompson and Steff Kenny into the from row with Ally McPheators gone to see Robbie Williams in concert (what is happening with hookers !! hehe). Good fortune was on Earlsdons side with Gareth Beynon in his own words was the lucky man getting a gift hat trick in the first 20 minutes Tom Kendall adding 3 conversions to give Earlsdon some early hope and an 21 - 12 half time lead. The hosts then pulled back a try only for Tom Hamm to extend the lead to 26 - 17 with a penalty from Bedworth to take the score to 26 - 20 and Earlsdon survived some sweaty moments camped on their line but were relieved to hear the final whistle.
Earlsdon 2nds were unlucky not to get a win over Bedworth 2nd at Mitchell Avenue. But with a trauma unfolding on the Cov Tech pitch both teams decided to abandon the match as a mark of respect and call it a 0 -0 draw.
Earlsdon Colts on the main pitch were unaware of events unfolding and welcomed Hinckley as visitors, the guests looking so big 2nd XV manager mistook them for Bedworth 2nds. Some skills work in the week with current Coventry prop Carl Rimmer meant that the home team kept the visitors at bay for 25 minutes and were unlucky not to have converted pressure into points. Then just as halftime was approaching a couple fo lapses in concentration allowed a Hinckley to score twice and Earlsdon managed a Liam Johns penalty to give a 3 - 10 half time scoreline. The second half was nearly a mirror image of the first with Earlsdon harrying Hinckley but again as the heat sapped the energy of both sides Earlsdon conceded another 3 tries and the home side despite the defeat were upbeat with their performance.
The 2006 - 07 season got off to a damp and dismal start for the first time in my memory. Paul Rourke and John Waite doing a sterling job on making sure that the pig was roasted in time for tea despite the blustery rainy conditions. Earlsdon played Old Leamingtonians in a friendly fixture and managed to get revenge for a 1 point home reversal last year. The home side ran out 24 - 0 winners with Gary Back, Tom Hamm, Joe Kennedy, and Gareth Beynon amongst the try scorers with full back Tom Kendal getting 2 conversions. Earlsdon gave first team debuts to ex colt Rich Broer in the second row and South African Dolly Webb at hooker.
Old Leams II were the hosts for Joe Jenning's IInd team.
The first game of the season is usually a disjointed affair, although not perfect, this game was much better than that! The initial stages of the game saw the ref fall and swallow his whistle: every time he turned to talk to Earlsdon it went off! However the game settled and despite conceding the first try to O Ls Earlsdon began to take control. The intense summer training paid dividends. The backs were sharp and strong in contact whilst the youthful pack demonstrated great fitness and work ethic.
The first try was not long in the offing a deft chip from Eddie Keene, after several phases, put Andrew Brains Forsyth in for his try. Good play from Ben Whitter at scrum half saw Bobby Funtyme in for a try down the wing. The second half continued in much the same as the first. OLs were given chances through Earsldons own mistakes or infringements, often making the most of them, but rarely creating their own opportunities. Matt Tank Rossi scored Earsdons third try with some deft footwork and strength. The fourth try was the refs favourite (honest!) good support running and inter-passing saw skipper Joe Jennings cross the try line. Yes John Murphy did pass the ball to him. Earsldons fitness clearly took hold in the later stages of the game with James Payne scoring the final try: this being just deserts for a good performance at full back.
Keen's good day with the boot saw him accumulate three conversions and a penalty. All in all a very pleasing start. Special mention to: The young back row of Dave Lea Murphy and Dave Laing who gave the opposition much to think about. The new tight head Paul Keane for stepping into the breach. To Malc Jacks and Whitter for excellent displays.
Earlsdon also had a Colts team playing at home against Camp Hill and had a mixed afternoon. After 20 minutes both sides had managed to work out the swirling wind and Earlsdon capitalised with hooker Lawrence Parker opening the scoring, winger Josh Meszar ran in from 30m after some good interpassing between backs and forwards. Simon Lole from number 8 added a third and wing cum scrum half Liam Johns added a 4th with skipper and stand off James Whittingham added 3 conversions to complete the scoring for Earlsdon in a 1st half where they dominated the 2nd period. One laspse gave Camp Hill the opportunity to get a score against play for a 26 - 7 half time score to the home side. Earlsdon turned round with the wind slighly in their faces and they were on the recieving end of a 3 try blitz from Camp Hill which brought the scores to 26 all. Earlsdon then composed themselves and were camped on the visitors line but couldn't force a score and the game ended all square.
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