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2005-06 Match Reports
Saturday 13th May 2006
Earlsdons 51st 7s Tournament went ahead with 16 teams from 14 clubs on an overcast muggy day. With 2 teams making their first appearance in the Tournament Club Heat, Coventrys Premier Lapdancing club and Treacle Towners from Nuneaton old Edwardians.
The first round results were as follows Coventrians 17 Trinity Guild 0, Coventry University 19 Junior Ball Bags ( Old Coventrians B) 24, Senior Ball Bags ( Old Coventrians A) 0 Old Wheatleyans 45, Dunlop 5 Heat 21, Copeswood Chunkies 5 Broadstreet 41, Treacle Towners ( Nuneaton Old Edwardians) 35 Earlsdon 14, Berskwell & Balsall 12 Warwick University B 14, Warwick University A 29 Coventry Technical 5.
The 1/4 finals of the Cup competion looked as follows Coventrians 5 Junior Ball Bags 29, Old Wheatleyans 19 Heat 5, Brodstreet 24 Treacle Towners 7, Warwick University B 0 Warwick University A 41
In the Plate the results looked like this Trinity Guild 15 Coventry University 17, Senior Ball Bags 17 Dunlop 21, Copeswood Chunkies 5 Earlsdon 43, Berkswell and Balsall 24 Coventry Technical 0
The Semi finals were close affairs in the cup Junior Ball Bags 5 Old Wheatleyans 15, Broadstreet 24 Warwick University A 26.
In the plate they couldnt have been different Coventry University 56 Dunlop 5, Earlsdon 17 Berkswell and Balsall 12.
In the Finals Earlsdon made heavy work of defeating Coventry University 31 21 for the Plate. And Old Wheatleyans had a convincing win 29 0 over the other City students from Warwick University A.
Sat 22nd April Ledbury 29 Earlsdon 24
From our roving reporter Mickey Moore.
Ledbury scored 2 tries against the run of play. We finally got a grip and Faz got one back out wide, Marcus conv, 14-7 at half time I think! Then they scored a penalty after half time 17-7! Faz scored his second after sustained pressure 17-12! Then they scored a try from a debated knockon that wasnt given, 24-12, a fight erupted (roughly 10men involved) whilst it was going on out backs carried on playing and scored under the posts (Malcs easiest try of the season..no opposition) 24-19
Garth came on for Rent Boy (Brains moving into the centres from the wing and Garth going on the wing) From the kick off we set up a quick maul and faz passed me the ball on our ten metre line and with out blowing my own trumpet I ran through the middle of the park and stepped the winger on the outside to make it 24-24.
With 40 seconds to go we conceeded a line out set and drive. 29-24, with us having to score without the ball going out we kicked off, won the ball. It got spun wide and Brains decided to kick the ball through to their full back when we had a try scoring opportunity. Their full back missed touch with the kick and we ran it back, won a penalty which garth took quickly, broke through only to be halted within the 22 by their last defender. They got a dubious penalty for holding on (definitely wasnt) and that ended the game!
Fairly big crowd watching, boiling day! Not much else to report other than constant interruptions by Craytons Mobile going off, twice during the pre match talk and once during the half time talk! Very comical at the time as it was a horse themed tune and the image of Crayton on a horse! Ha!
Wed 12th April
Earlsdon welcomed old rivals Coventrians to Mitchell Avenue for a 1/4 final of the Mid week cup. The home side was its usual mix of youth and experience with skipper Nigel Ball making a rare appearance at 9. Earlsdon started well and a steady stream of tries follwed avoiding any repeat of the near defeat in the Warwickshire 2nd XV cup, lessons were learnt and Coventrians weren't to be taken lightly. Noticable tries were one from Ball who's game was summed up by Steve Semtex Sharpe in his Northern Irish brogue " Bally's crammed a season of rugby into 40 minutes" and it was true with a full repetoire of passes and kicks on show the only thing missing was the wobbly drop goal ! The crowd was also bolstered by U17s fresh from tour to Wales and they gave their coaches Joe Jennings and Gareth Beynon some assistance in the way that the game should be played. How Jennings never scored we still can't work out but for the record the other tries came from Darrent Dermot Perry (who go booed by the watching 1st team contingent like some panto baddy) 2 tries, Beynon 2 tries and singles from Derri Thomas, Martin Rourke, Gareth Mitchell, Steve Sharpe, Matt Rossi and Anthony Kopporo with 6 conversions by Rossi. A great performance in a fast and open game with vice skipper Neil Bullman shading the man of the match from front row stalwarts Mick Roberts and Steff Kenny.
Saturday 7th April 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 7 - 33 Solihull 1st XV
Tries: Andrew Forsyth
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon more than matched Champions Solihull up front but were cut to pieces behind the scrum as they gave a good exhibition of finishing at Mitchell Avenue.
The home side made a poor start and Solihull were 7 - 0 up in 5 minutes as they scored from deep following a lucky bounce from a cross-field kick. They looked to have scored again when the winger gathered his chip but good covering from full back Mickey Moore saw him knock on in the act of scoring. The home side was under constant pressure and only some last ditch tackling held the visitors out. The pressure did tell though and Solihull scored another converted try for a 14 - 0 lead. The home side did try and play some rugby but errors saw them turn ball over at the crucial moment. Earlsdon were then reduced to 14 men for ten minutes, somehow the referee deemed Sean Moore was off his feet when he ripped the ball of a tackled player who was on his own (completely ridiculous decision). The home side battled hard for the remainder of the first half but Solihull scored another try just before half time for a 21 - 0 lead.
Two more tries in the second half saw Solihull clear at 33 - 0 and the game was over. Earlsdon then started to play some rugby and had a go at Solihull who started to kill the ball at the ruck and lost a player to the sin bin. Replacement centre Andrew Forsyth then went over for a converted try to bring the score back to 33 - 7. The visitors were the reduced to 13 men with another in the sin bin following a high tackle. Earlsdon created some more chances but failed to take then and the scored remained at 33 - 7 to Solihull.
Team: Mickey Moore, Neil Ward, Adam Clarke, Malcolm Jack, Joe Kennedy, Marcus Jones(c), Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Kev Hogan, Gary Back, Nathan Jackson, Sean Moore, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Andrew Forsyth, Steph Kenney, Tom Kendall
Saturday 1st April 2006
Earlsdon A Team XV 27 - 20 Newbold 2nd XV
Tries: Mickey Moore (2), Darren Perry, Kev Hogan, Malcolm Jack
Cons: Marcus Jones
A virtual full strength Earlsdon first XV had a useful run out against a very handy Newbold 2nd XV at Mitchell Avenue in what was a very entertaining match with both sides throwing the ball around. Joe Jennings and Rich Broer came into the side at second row with Nathan Jackson moving to number eight for injured skipper Rob Farrell and Darren Perry starting at open side in place of Gary Back.
Earlsdon showed their intent from the start by getting the ball wide and created numerous scoring chances but some dire passing and handling saw them go begging. The first try came from a chip through from centre Andrew Forsyth, the bounce of the ball wrong footing the fullback with fellow centre Malcolm Jack getting the score. Fly half Marcus Jones was wide with the extra points. Newbold got back into the match following some sloppy defence by the home side with their centre cutting back on the angle through the forwards to score a soft try. The pack were operating well with the driving maul being used to good effect. Earlsdon's next try was a bit fortunate, they had kicked away possession but for some reason the Newbold winger took a quick lineout to himself, unfortunately his team mates weren't expecting it, he got tackled and flanker Kev Hogan completed the easiest of tries. Jones was successful with the conversion this time. The home side continued to kick good possession away and went into the half time break
12 - 5 in front.
A couple of changes were made at half time, Adam Clarke on for Andrew Forsythe at centre and both wingers making way for Neil Ward and Bobby Friel. Earlsdon dominated the early part of the second half but again wasted some easy try scoring opportunities and should have been out of sight. The visitors had other ideas and scored an unconverted try from long range to bring the score back to 12 - 10. Earlsdon went further into the lead from a driving lineout, Darren Perry emerging from the bottom of the pile to claim the try. Rich Broer then had to leave the field with a knock to the head, Forsyth coming back on at number eight. Newbold then tied up the scores at 17 - 17, creating an easy try for the winger that went converted. They then exploited some weak home defence to gain territory from which Earlsdon infringed and they converted a penalty to lead 20 - 17. Earlsdon then piled on the pressure, the forwards wining enough possession for the backs to launch their attacks. They re-took the lead with full back Mickey Moore scoring in the corner to take the score to 22 - 20 with the conversion missed. Earlsdon scored with the last move of the match, again good driving play by the forwards enabled the backs to receive the ball with the visitors defence flat footed, Moore came into the line at pace and scored his second try. The conversion was missed and the home side finished 27 - 20 winners.
Team: Mickey Moore, Tom Kendall, Andrew Forsyth, Malcolm Jack, Joe Kennedy, Marcus Jones(c), Neil McDonald, Nathan Jackson, Kev Hogan, Darren Perry, Rich Broer, Joe Jennings, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Neil Ward, Bobby Friel, Adam Clarke
Old Leams Vets 10 - Earlsdon III 52
Earlsdon took a squad of 19 to Old Leams to play their vets Earlsdon had their own vets a plenty welcoming back Gareth Mitchell and Gareth Beynon from long term injury. Earlsdon started with 14 players due to a miss count by skipper / manager Dave Lea. With a swirling wind Earlsdon elected to play with the ball in hand and were soon rewarded by a try from Mitchell converted by Matt Rossi. Earlsdon then embarked on some scintalating rugby despite the howling wind and driving rain with tries from Matt Clarke, Martin Rourke, Charlie Kelly, Beynon, Liam MunchenGladbach all orchesterated by scrum half Roger Littlewoods. added to with 3 conversions from Rossi. Wholesale changes were made at half time with Gareth Knights and Phil Busby replacing Kelly and Rourke on the back row and Lea coming on for Steve Sharp in the 2nd row. The second half became a little disjoined but Earlsdon were wasting golden opportunities to score more tries eventually Beynon added to his earlier score and then the try of the day came from a break by the backs and a 3 man overlap was on the edge of the home 22 when the ball was fed along the line stalwart super veteran prop Steff Kenny was the first receiver running straight at the last man defender he side stepped ( some say it was a stumble) round the man and had a clear run in to the posts. As he got over the line he dove ( Steff says he tripped) over to score the try of the match and with a couple of conversions that concluded the scoring for Earlsdon, Old Leams cam back into the match later on and scored a couple of unconverted tries but it was Earlsdon who had the victors spoils in a most entertaining game.
Saturday 25th March 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 24 - 12 Bedworth 1st XV
Tries: Marcus Jones, Andrew Forsyth (3)
Cons: Marcus Jones (2)
Earlsdon came back from Bedworth with the 2 league points from a typically hard fought encounter to make it ten wins and ten losses in the league this season.
The front row crisis seemed to have eased slightly with both Lee Davies and Jason Dean -coming back from injury just in time for an easy ride against the strong Bedworth front row!!
The visitors played with the slope but against quite a strong wind in the first half and were determined to stretch the home side wide in an attempt to tire their forwards out. It wasn't long before they scored the first try, turnover ball saw Dave Evans move the ball to fly half Marcus Jones who appeared to have taken the wrong option by chipping the ball forward. The Bedworth full back made a right meal of fielding the ball and Jones followed up his kick to score (Malcolm Jack collecting the £10 from the sweep). Tom Kendall started the kicking duties this week but couldn't convert the try. Earlsdon created several try scoring opportunities but wasted them through poor handling or bad decision-making. Malcolm Jack was having a great game at centre but they couldn't get support to him quickly enough following a couple of line breaking runs. Kendall came up short in the strong wind with a penalty attempt after Bedworth had infringed at a ruck. Towards the end of the first half Bedworth started to come back into the game with the visitors slowing the game down. The Earlsdon defence was good and kept them out on a couple of occasions. The home side levelled the scores just on the stroke of half time, the scrum half getting the try on the blind side. The conversion was missed and the score was 5 - 5 at the break.
Earlsdon picked up the pace at the start of the second half. They were forced into a change in the back row with Darren Perry coming on for Gary Back at open side. The visitors were still creating chances with both centres again making line breaks, Andrew Forsyth emulating his centre partner with an incisive break from just outside his own 22, but again the support was slow getting to him. It was Forsyth who profited from another Bedworth mistake, following a penalty Earlsdon kicked into open spaces rather than for touch, the home full back fumbled the ball under pressure from winger Joe Kennedy. Darren Perry was in support and he amazed his teammates and the crowd by feeding Forsyth who scored in the corner. Marcus Jones took over the kicking duties and slotted a superb kick over from the touchline. The home side then threw everything at Earlsdon, the visitors defence held off numerous attacks with flanker Kev Hogan putting in some crucial tackles, but Bedworth scored when their fly half dummied his way over for a converted try to tie the scores at 12 - 12. From the kick off Earlsdon elected to keep the ball away from the home forwards (Ok Crayton it was your idea). The winger dropped the ball under pressure and Forsyth grabbed his second try in the corner. Jones missed the kick this time and Earlsdon led 17 - 12 with ten minutes left. Earlsdon then made a change at front row, Steph Kenney coming on for Jason Dean who had had a good game but was now feeling the pace. Earlsdon scored once more too seal the win, another booming kick from Jones bounced favourably into full back Mickey Moores hands who fed Forsyth in support to complete his hat trick. Jones added the extras for a well deserved 24 - 12 win.
Team: Mickey Moore, Tom Kendall, Andrew Forsyth, Malcolm Jack, Joe Kennedy, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Kev Hogan, Gary Back, Dave Evans, Nathan Jackson, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Steph Kenney, Darren Perry, Eddie Keen
Earlsdon 2nds had a much changed side to last weeks memorial side but still maintained a youthful look in the backs not as young as the visiting Bedworth side who appeared to be made up of 80% of their colts. The youthfull Bedworth side threw the ball about but failed to penetrate the solid Earlsdon defence and only had a penalty to show for their efforts. Earlsdon rallied and brought the scores level with a Matt Rossi penalty with the backrow of skipper Neil Bullman , Martin Rourke and Charlie Kelly interlinking well their combined ages outdoing the jurassic front row's combined 131 years for a combined age of 134 years. Bedworth extended their lead just before half time with another penalty and Earlsdon listened to Bullmans words of wisdom at half time which resulted in a try from fly half Chris Ward after a line out drive. Some resolute tackling from both sides nulified any attacks and it was a final penalty from Matt Rossi that closed the door on the game and Earlsdon ran out 11 - 6 winners in a contest of age and experience against youth and pace.
Earlsdon III fielded yet another team with a balance of Youth and Experience. While the wise old heads of Loopy Lee, John Murphy and Dave Laing added some weight to the pack, Earlsdon were again lacking any regular front row - so passive scrums again. This was no bad thing, as Bedworth fielded their usual 3rd team of 15 assorted veteran forwards.
Bedworth won the toss and elected to play down hill but into the bitterly cold wind in the first half. Within minutes they were into their usual game plan of driving mauls and determined rucking, with the ball never making it outside their fly-half. Earlsdon's light weight and make-shift pack took some time getting organised and struggled to keep them at bay. As Bedworth applied the pressure, Earlsdon were pinged for repeated offences in the rucks and found themselves defending in the bottom corner of pitch. Another offence and a "questioning" comment to the ref ( from a Bedworth player ? ) got Earlsdon marched back 10 yards to inside their 22. Four or five rolling mauls later Bedworth scored in the corner to lead 5-0. The cross-wind and up-hill conversion fell well short.
This sparked Earlsdon into life. With added vigour, tempered with the knowledge that the Ref was going to ping everything, Earlsdon started to compete. Hitting mauls with determination and stopping the Bedworth drives. The Ref even started to ping Bedworth for a change. Making little progress with the pack Bedworth started to kick for position, but Connell and rest of the Earlsdon back 3 mopped everything up with ease. Now with some ball, the Earlsdon backs were able to make some incisive runs and gained good ground. By half time Earlsdon looked much the better side, but still hadn't troubled the scorers.
With the wind dropping and the slope in their favour, Earlsdon started the second half well. Some powerful mauling from the pack and good running from the backs started to wind up the opposition. Laingy found that a repeated No.8 pickup and blindside run from the base of the passive scrum, with support from Tom Rawlings, gained good ground every time. Tom's nifty footwork proved to be very effective and Bedworth were only able to stop him with a well aimed right hook to his nose and a bit of shoe on his legs. With Tom temporarily side-lined to recover, Earlsdon's 14 men soaked up the pressure and stopped maul after maul. Bedworth applied the pressure but made very little ground.
Midway through the second half, with Tom back on and running with added determination, Earlsdon made a good break deep into Bedworth territory. An other blindside run from Laingy and Tom, and an off load to Lee Arbuthnott and then to Connell broke the Bedworth line to score in the bottom corner. Lee came close but missed with the difficult conversion, leaving the score 5-5.
From then on, with the game evenly matched, tempers started to rise. Earlsdon's youthful exuberance didn't go down too well with the older Bedworth pack. With Bedworth camped on the Earlsdon line, but frustrated by some resolute defence, shouts and sneers soon turned to handbag swinging and then to punches. This time the Ref did react and the Bedworth Lock got a flash of red and was sent to the sidelines. With Earlsdon a man up and playing much better rugby the game descended into farce. With more punches and more cynical infringements the Ref had finally had enough and blew full-time a good 10 minutes early.
Final Score 5-5.
Saturday 18th March 2006
Earlsdon 2nd XV 22 - 5 Trinity Guild 1st/2nd XV
Tries: Matt Rossi, Chris Ward, Rich Broer, Mark Evans
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon entertained Trinity Guild in the Annual Lee 'Mad Pup' Rourke's Memorial match on a bitterly cold day at Mitchell Avenue. All the players were well adorned in multicoloured wigs for 'Wig Day'.
Earlsdon fielded a very youthful side apart from the 120+ years front row of Steph Kenney, Mick Roberts and our illustrious chairman Yorkie Kinmond. The home side played all the rugby in the first quarter of the match with the visitors pack struggling to live up to the pace the home side were playing at. The first try was a well worked move from the backs, centre Malcolm Jack dummying his way through and offloading to fellow centre Chris Ward who scored under the posts. Fly half Marcus Jones added the extra two points for a deserved 7 - 0 lead. It wasn't long before they scored again this time good work by the forwards saw scrum half Matt Rossi score from close range. Jones missed the conversion this time. The Guild then started to come back into the match through their forwards who were getting some success keeping the ball tight. They were rewarded with an unconverted try in the corner to bring the score back to 12 - 5. Earlsdon struggled to regain the pace of the first quarter (probably due to the fact that the beer had kicked in fro the night before!!) and couldn't manage any more points before half time.
Earlsdon made a change at half time with Roger coming on for Tank at scrum half. Earlsdon picked up the pace of the game and created several chances but were guilty of cutting back inside on a number of occasions with men over - winger Mark Evans looking increasingly cold and frustrated. The pack was playing well with Rich Broer and Martin 'Mad Dog' Rourke outstanding for the home side. It was Broer who got the third try using his 6' 11" frame to score from close range, the conversion was missed and the score moved to 17 - 5. Guild did look to have scored in the corner but Evans made a great try saving tackle to save the day. Earlsdon then made a change with Eddie Keen replacing Malcolm Jack at centre for the last 20 minutes. The home side dominated the last quarter of the match and should have scored more tries than the one from winger Mark Evans but it wasn't to be. Mickey Moore got a ten-minute run out at the end and was guilty of dropping the ball when a try was on. It was a shame as Earlsdon has not seen a move like it before with all three front rowers showing deft handling skills to make 30 yards, the ball was recycled and spun wide but Moore put the pass down with a three man overlap outside him and the final score was a well deserved 22 - 5 win.
Team: Rory McPheators, Mark Evans, Chris Ward, Malcolm Jack, Anthony Koppora, Marcus Jones, Matt Rossi, Martin Rourke (c), Kev Hogan, Darren Perry, Rich Broer, Neil Bullman, Steph Kenney, Mick Roberts, Yorkie Kinmond Subs: Eddie Keen, Roger, Mickey Moore, Andy Walker, Liam McGladrigan
Saturday 11th March 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 29 - 24 Keresley 1st XV
Tries: Tom Kendall, Rob Farrell, Rob Callaway (2), Gary Back
Cons: Marcus Jones, Tom Kendall
Earlsdon played some good rugby in the win over local rivals and improving side Keresley, but did their best to lose the game as they switched off after taking a 17-point lead with a quarter of the match left.
Earlsdon's front row worries continued with Jason Dean now out of action after losing a fight with a curbstone whilst out on the town. This meant that the only two fit front row in the club were 'super veteran' Steph Kenney and 'unwilling party' Colin Morton starting the match and coach Crayton Phillips being employed as a last resort front row replacement.
Keresley started the match at a fast pace putting the visitors under pressure and gave Earlsdon a wake up call that although they are bottom of the league they were going to give it a go. Earlsdon started to make mistakes under pressure and found themselves a converted try down as the Keresley fly half exposed their midfield defence. This woke the visitors up and they were back on level terms almost immediately as skipper Rob Farrell (Sheep-head won the sweep stake this week) scored wide out after good work by the tight forwards. Fly half Marcus Jones added the extras with a great kick from wide out on the right. Earlsdon's second try wasn't long in coming, a good drive from a lineout got them close to the line, Farrell was held up just short after taking a short pop from the maul, the ball was recycled and flanker Rob Callaway scored from the ruck. Jones was wide with the conversion this time and they led 12 - 7. They then made a change, second row Craig Mosey being forced from the field with a bad back to be replaced by Kev Hogan. The third try came from a simple catch and drive at the lineout, Gary Back scoring although Farrell did his best to pinch it off him. The try was unconverted and the score went out to 17 - 7. Keresley came back into the match capitalising on sloppy Earlsdon handling to score an unconverted try to get the score back to 17 - 12. Just before half time Earlsdon's backs finally strung some decent passes together and scored a great try through winger Tom Kendall after fullback Mickey Moore had joined the line at pace. Jones missed the difficult conversion and the half time score was 22 - 12.
Earlsdon then made another change at half time Neil Ward replacing Eddie Keen at centre. The second half started off with errors being made by both sides and it became niggly. Keresley were then reduced to 14 men for ten minutes as their prop was shown a yellow card (it should have been a red) as he landed a flurry of punches on flanker Rob Callaway. The visitors used the man advantage to good effect and it was Callaway who got his second score from close range, Tom Kendall added the extras this time and they looked comfortable at 29 - 12 ahead. Earlsdon then sat back and to their credit Keresley played some good rugby to score two further tries to get the score back to 29 - 24 with 10 minutes left. The visitors then had a great chance to kill the game off, a great break from Neil Ward saw him create a two on one, but he chose to go on his own and was hauled down just short and the chance went begging. Earlsdon were then forced into bringing coach Crayton Phillips on for the last 7 minutes as Colin Morton limped off. To be fair the game suited him when he came on as there were about 5 scrums and a couple of lineouts so the amount of running he had to do was limited. Earlsdon controlled the ball well in the dying minutes and closed the game out but were disappointed with the last quarter of the match after playing some decent rugby in patches during the game. The question is who will we have to play in the front row in 2 weeks time.
Team: Mickey Moore, Tom Kendall, Andrew Forsyth, Eddie Keen, Bobby Friel, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Rob Callaway, Gary Back, Dave Evans, Craig Mosey, Steph Kenney, Ali McPheators, Colin Morton Subs: Neil Ward, Crayton Phillips, Kev Hogan
Earlsdon III played host to a depleted Keresley III team and lent them 6 players to get a 15 a side game going. Some may question the loaning of some of the "better" players Charlie Kelly, Rory McPheators and Darren Perry. This however made for a tighter game than the earlier encounter between these 2 sides a month a go. The loanees proved to be a thorn in the side of Earlsdon with Perry a livewire in the loose and Kelly and McPheators always danegrous with the ball in hand the latter 2 scoring tries to give the vistors a 10 - 0 lead. Earlsdon' steam was like a reunion with John Murphy and Craig Jackson back from injury , Jackson being replaced by fellow returnee Gareth Mitchell, Mitchell however going to fly half and not front row !!. Mitchell proved to be that catalyst for the second half revival counter attacking with clever use of the boot and a rangy miss pass. Another factor may have also been Iain Forsyth moving into openside and it was Forsyth who got the first try back for the home side converted by Mitchell, tries soon followed from Liam Munchingladtobeback McGladrigan and Wil Flint with Mitchell adding the extra's Keresly added a third try with a second for Charlie Kelly and Earlsdon survived a few helterskelter moments when with the final whistled about to go Joe Jennings burst out of a maul and dashed 30 metres to give Mark Evans a simple drop conversion for a 28 - 15 result in an allround enjoyable game.
Saturday 4th March 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 13 - 12 Old Coventrians 1st XV
Tries: Mickey Moore
Pens: Marcus Jones (2)
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon came out on top in this dour local derby against Old Coventrians at Mitchell Avenue where once again the 'Merry Whistle Blower' spoilt the game for both sides.
Earlsdon's front row injury crisis shows no sign of going away and with Leigh Davies being unavailable this week, club stalwart Steph Kenney moved up to the first team (you can imagine my delight when I got him in the sweepstake). They also welcomed back Tom Kendall to the first team after a months injury lay off.
The home side dominated the first half an hour of the match, the backs looking dangerous on numerous occasions and the forwards having the better of it up front, although the visitors did have the upper hand in the scrummage. The first real chance of the match came to full back Mickey Moore who took a great pass from second row Dave Evans to burst through but he couldn't find his support and the Old Coventrians defence snuffed out the opportunity. Earlsdon did take the lead after the visitors killed the ball at the ruck and fly half Marcus Jones slotted home the kick to go 3 - 0 ahead. The visitors then took the lead against the run of play, a superb drive of 25 metres by the home forwards was spoilt as the ball was moved to the backs who managed to drop the ball with the Old Coventrians centre wining the kick and chase to score under the posts. The conversion was successful and the home side found themselves 7 - 3. Just before half time Old Coventrians were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes after their flanker prevented a quick tap penalty being taken.
Earlsdon started the second half playing a quicker game; trying to tire the bigger Old Coventrians forwards out. The home side took the lead 5 minutes into the second half, a speculative kick from full back Mickey Moore bounced between two defenders and straight into his hands for him to score under the posts. Jones added the easy conversion for a 10 - 7 lead. Earlsdon then had another period of possession but couldn't convert pressure into points as Old Coventrians defended well. The match started to get niggly and both sides were reduced to 14 men as Craig Mosey and the Old Covents. scrum half were sin binned for what can only be described as 'hand-bags'. The referee seemed to loose control of the match at this point and ruined the match by blowing up as soon as the ball went to the floor which negated quick second phase ball for both sides. The visitors then caught the home side napping with and unconverted try on the blind side for a 12 - 10 lead. The home side then made a couple of changes, flanker Rob Callaway coming on for the hard working Gary Back and Bobby Friel replacing Tom Kendall on the wing. Fly half Marcus Jones was just wide with a long-range penalty after the visitors had been penalised at a ruck. Again Earlsdon pressed to win the match, centre Eddie Keen being held up over the line after he cut back through the forwards. Marcus Jones then kicked the decisive penalty that took Earlsdon 13 - 12 ahead after another contentious decision by the referee. The home side held on for the two points after a forgettable match.
Team: Mickey Moore, Tom Kendall, Andrew Forsyth, Eddie Keen, Malcolm Jack, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Craig Mosey, Gary Back, Dave Evans, Nathan Jackson, Steph Kenney, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Rob Callaway, Colin Morton, Bobby Friel
Saturday 25th February 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 0 - Spartans 35
Earlsdon fielded a mixed side but were hit by the non arrival of a couple of players and a greater number of the regular 1st XV forwards. This gave Rich Broer a 1st XV debut along with Charlie Kelly. the game was playing is a freezing wind and an early interception try cleared the sidelines of all but the most hardened / stupid supporters. Earlsdon had started with 14 men and managed to rope in Swaffield from the side lines to enter the fray and bring Earlsdons numbers up to 15 but hooker Baz Lawrence had twisted his ankle and was off to hospital to get checked out and Earlsdon stayed at 14 players. Neither side excerted any control on the game and Andy Brains Forsyth wasted a golden opportunity to level the scores. Swaffield followed Lawrence to hospital with concussion and Earlsdon were down to 13. The writing was on the wall and the game went from bad to worse with the vistors eventually working the superior numbers with forward mauls and overlaps they added some more tries and conversions and I think I was the only home supporter left at full time which deserved some comment Yorkie reporting from Earlsdon cold, fed up and dissapointed at the lack of availability of players at a key stage of the season.
Spartans II or was it (IV) ??- 31 vs. 51 - Earlsdon III
a debut report from Tim "Dave Moorcroft" Ellershaw
An icy North wind and the prospect of the Calcutta Cup on TV in the bar meant that only 13 men travelled to Spartans.
Once again, the lack of regular front row players was going to mean passive scrums and the need for a "volunteer" to make up the numbers. After some careful consideration of the prevailing wind, air temperature and position of the sun, Mark "Blev" Evans decided that it was not a day for standing out on the wing, and cheerfully took the number 3 shirt. Connol Bergin's tall but light frame made him an ideal line-out jumper so he was drafted in to make his front-5 debut.
With Nick Taylor, Loopy Lea and Dave Laing taking their regular places in the pack, Blev, Ian Forsyth and Connol, fitted in around them to give a fast but light unit.
The Earlsdon back line was a more familiar one. With Matt "Tank" Rossi returning to scrum-half and Ellershaw at fullback adding a little age and experience to counter-balance the other more youthful three-quarters.
Spartans IV were on a good run of form and their full side looked like it would provide a strong physical test as well as out numbering the visitors.
Earlsdon kicked off with the strong cross-wind slightly in their favour and were soon taking advantage. Quick ball won by the pack was spun wide, with the wind taking the ball past both centres and bouncing neatly into Ellershaw's hands. Wrong footed by the unexpected double-miss-move the Spartans backs couldn't catch Ellershaw who scored in the corner. Tank's conversion back into the blustery wind fell short - not a good day for kickers.
From then on Earlsdon dominated. The passive scrums meant a good supply of ball against the heavier pack and while Earlsdon were often driven back in the mauls, the experience of Laing and Lea enabled them to come away with the ball. Inexperience in the Spartans side allowed Earlsdon to run the ball comfortably through their defences to score. Some outstanding individual running from Alex, Rory and Liam gave numerous chances. At the end of a fast moving but scrappy first half Earlsdon lead by 5 tries to 0, with Spartans hardly challenging the Earlsdon Line.
With the wind behind them and Earlsdon starting to let down their guard, Spartans played themselves back into the game. A quick line-out just inside the Earlsdon half allowed Spartans to run the ball wide, and before Earlsdon had chance to re-group they crossed the line. Earlsdon continued to play good 15-man rugby with strong quick running and good support allowing them to get through the Spartan's defence to score 4 more tries. Only some poor passing as the try line approached stopped it being more. Spartans continued to challenge, and by using the wind to kick for position and their bigger forwards to drive the rucks and mauls, they were able to pull back another 4 tries.
Despite the continued Spartan pressure and their 2 player advantage, the Earlsdon lead was never in danger. Final score 51-31.
Scorers.
Tries : Rory (3) , Blev, Tank, Forsyth, Bergin, Ellershaw, Liam.
Conversions : Tank (3)
Saturday 18th February 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 5 - 27 Pershore 1st XV
Tries: Mickey Moore
Earlsdon made the long journey to Pershore to lose out to a decent side that dominated the second half of the match with some enterprising rugby.
Earlsdon started the match brightly and dominated possession and territory for the first quarter of the match but for the second week in a row were thwarted by an inept performance by the referee who had what could only be described as a 'shocker'. Earlsdon were camped in the Pershore 22 and kicked to the corner following an infringement by the home side, the ball was secured at the lineout and a well organised drive by the pack saw Rob Farrell score a perfectly good try. Unfortunately the referee who was in a terrible position said he couldn't see it (he was the only bloke within 20 miles who couldnt!!!) and that it was ball held up. Following the 5-metre scrum Earlsdon were penalised for holding the ball in the tackle, which allowed the home side to clear their lines and get decent field position. They then knocked the ball on at the lineout, which was allowed to go, and they ended up scoring and unconverted try. Both sides were trying to play attacking rugby but were finding it very difficult to with the referee being too fussy. It got worse for Earlsdon, centre Ed Keen was sin binned for stamping after the home backs killed the ball; this was after the referee had only given a penalty for the same offence against Pershore. Earlsdon held out while down to 14 men and scored just after Keen returned to the field, centre Andrew Forsyth giving fullback Mickey Moore the scoring pass. Fly half Marcus Jones just missed the conversion and the score was 5 - 5 at half time.
Pershore dominated the second half as Earlsdon struggled for possession and territory. The home side scored two good unconverted tries to lead 15 - 5. The referee was still allowing the home side to kill the ball at the ruck and sin binned flanker Darren Perry for stamping although it looked like perfectly good rucking to me. Pershore were offloading in the tackle to create the extra man and scored a good try right on full time for a 20 - 5 lead. From the kick off the referee added the 'coup de gras', the Pershore scrum half clearly knocking the ball on, this was again ignored and Pershore used the ball well to score under the posts for a flattering 27 - 5 win.
Team: Mickey Moore, Bobby Friel, Andrew Forsyth, Eddie Keen, Anthony Koppora, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Craig Mosey, Darren Perry, Dave Evans, Nathan Jackson, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Malcolm Jack, Baz Lawrence, Will Flint
Kenilworth II 31 Earlsdon II 3
Earlsdon Scorer penalty Matt Rossi
It was a somewhat makeshift Earlsdon 2nd team that travelled to Kenilworth, with several changes forced due to 1st team cry offs. The game commenced however with some frantic play from both sides as Earlsdon started to command both possession and territory with some well disciplined rolling mauls. There were, however, ominous signs as the Kenilworth backs began to snipe, and it was only due to some last ditch defence, notably from man of the match Rich Broer, that the score was kept nil nil in the first 20 minutes of play. Eventually some miscommunication within the Earlsdon backs allowed their centres 2 tries in quick succession. This seemed to galvanize the Earlsdon forwards as the last 10 minutes of the half were spent pressurising the Kenilworth line. However the home teams defence held good, and Earlsdon came away with just 3 points from a penalty on the stroke of half time
Kenilworth started the half with just 14 men as a result of the sin binning of the penalty perpetrator, however Earlsdon were unable to capitalise on the extra man and a further try was scored in the next few minutes. Whilst the pack remained competitive, they were slowly tiring allowing Kenilworth to start turning ball over in the tackle and it was such mistakes that resulted in the final two tries for the home team.
Comedy moment of the match was instigated by Connell Bergin who used his pace to slice through the Kenilworth defence. He was on his way to the line when he spotted the cantering form of veteran Dave Laing, who was also being shadowed by the largest member of the Kenilworth pack. In a rush of blood Connell passed and Laingy received ball, man and a good amount of top soil in rapid succession, much to the amusement of the pursuing Colin Morton who was so busy laughing he was unable to recover the ball.
Tank 3 points (pen)
Earlsdon IIIs played host to old neighbours Coventrians II in a hard fought encounter Earlsdon shaded the game by the narrowest of margins by a piece of good luck and individual skills. Coventrians came out all guns blazing with an experienced pack and some powerful runners in the 3s. Earlsdon matched them with experience in Paul Keene making a welcome appearance at 2nd row and John Reeves being volunteered into playing hooker. Coventrians opened the scoring with a quickly taken line out giving them the opening score. Earlsdon enjoyed some pressure in the vistors 22 but failed to get over the line. A penalty 30m out seemed a good opportunity to get Earlsdon scoreboard moving but Tim Ellershaw hooked the kick and it went 2m wide of the post a mix up in the visitors in goal area led to the ball bobbling loose and Iain Forsyth following up dove on the ball to draw Earlsdon level and then Ellershaw added the extras for a slender 7 - 5 lead. Earlsdon'd defence then held out with Alex Froggy and Neil Smith noticable in defence and attack but it was Forsyth who added the the second try with a weaving run, chip over the full back and a flop on the ball to extend the lead to 12 - 5 right on the stroke of half time. Reeves moved out of hooking role and Chairman Yorkie Kinmond moved to hooking duties withy Keene swapping to prop this stabalised the scrum but not possesion. Coventrians kept chipping away at the lead and ended up 1 point behind with a couple of penalties. Earlsdon defence held strong and skipper Mark Evans threated to seal the game for Earlsdon in the last couple of minutes with a trademark canter down the wing but was stopped short of the line and that was the last serious action of the game with Earlsdon winning by the narrowest of margins in one of the hardest fought games in a while.
Saturday 11th February 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 12 - 17 Silhillians 1st XV
Tries: Rob Farrell, Marcus Jones
Cons: Marcus Jones
Earlsdon lost out to Silhillians in a closely fought match at Mitchell Avenue that was full of incident and controversy. With the clubs growing injury list mounting the side contained no fewer that 6 players who played for the second XV the week before. Winger Bobby Friel made his first team debut for the club.
The home side made a great start and attacked Silhillians from the start especially around the ruck and maul where they felt they had an advantage. The visitors were penalised for killing the ball at the ruck but fly half Marcus Jones pulled his kick to the left of the posts. Silhillians then started to get a bit of ball and scored the first try of the match as Earlsdon failed to number up in defence on the blindside, the try was unconverted and they led 5 - 0. The home side were winning the lions share of possession but they were getting frustrated as Silhillians were continually killing the ball on the floor. Earlsdon came close to scoring before half time, quick ball from a ruck saw Marcus Jones make a break but he was unable to find his support and the chance went.
Earlsdon made 2 changes at half time, Darren Perry being replaced by Rob Callaway and Will Flint making way for Nathan Jackson at second row. Silhillians then scored their second try stretching the home defence one way and then moving the ball back across the field to score. The try was converted and they led 12 - 0. The visitors were still killing the ball on the floor with the referee not penalising them the home side started to ruck them out, but he didn't like that either and sent Callaway to the sin bin. Then the pivotal moment of the match, Silhillians worked a move around the front off the lineout, the player was tackled into touch in the act of scoring, the visitors touch judge raised his flag but the referee over ruled it and awarded the try. This caused much furore from the home side and their coaching staff (I've never seen Crayton run so fast). The try stood and the conversion missed for a 17 - 0 lead. This stoked the home side up further who then dominated the rest of the match. They scored from a lineout 15 metres out, Dave Evans securing good ball at two and the pack (still a man short or is it minus a short man?) drove over with skipper Rob Farrell getting the score to keep up his prolific record this season. Marcus Jones kicked the conversion from wide out to bring the score back to 17 - 7. The visitors were rattled and the home side were dominating the match, they scored again 5 minutes from time. A good backs move saw full back Mickey Moore cut through the defence to be tackled just short of the line, the ball was moved quickly to the blindside with Callaway putting Marcus Jones in the corner for the try. Jones couldn't convert his own try and the score was 17 - 12 with 5 minutes left. Unfortunately Earlsdon couldn't get any sustained possession to attack a Sils side that were on the rack and the score didnt change with the visitors claiming the win.
Team: Mickey Moore, Bobby Friel, Andrew Forsyth, Eddie Keen, Anthony Koppora, Marcus Jones, Neil McDonald, Rob Farrell (c), Craig Mosey, Darren Perry, Dave Evans, Will Flint, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Steph Kenney Subs: Rob Callaway, Colin Morton, Nathan Jackson
Earlsdon II 28 - Stratford II 5
Earlsdon 2nds welcomed a youthfull Stratford 2nds to Mitchell Avenue and in a high tempo game Earlsdon's experience won through. Fly Half Chris Ward opened the scoring for the home side and fullback Matt Rossi added the extras for an early lead. Stratford's backs always looked dangerous but some resolute tackling from Derri Thomas and Kevin Hogan repelled wave after wave of attacks. Earlsdon added to their 7 - 0 lead just after half time when Thomas burst over with Rossi adding another conversion. Stratford came back into the game with some excellent picking and driving by their forwards and the ever dangerous backs scored a well worked try to bring them into the game at 14 - 5. Earlsdon had to make a change with Andy Walker twisting his knee and Jack Howl moving to the wing with his place in the forwards taken by 6ft 11 Rich Broer ( who wins hands down on intimidation factor). Thomas added a second try with a well worked backs move Rossi adding 2 points. The home forwards then showed their prowess at rolling mauls and tired the vistors out taking the benefits from a push over try even more suprising since club Vice Chairman Dave Lea had volunteered for propping duties Jason Batt injuring his knee in open play which was a shame considering the loose head prop had covered full-back and winger in an expansive game Charlie Kelly coming on as backrow replacemnt and was a mor ethan adequate replacement for Lea. Neil Bullman at 8 the scorer of the try with Rossi adding the extras to round of a satisfactory afternoon for Earlsdon's 2nd XV.
Earlsdon 71 - Kerseley 5
Earlsdon arrived at Kerseley with 12 men to be greeted by an equally
numerically challenged and somewhat reluctant home side.The promise of a
loaned player tempted them from the bar and game started 11 versus 10.
The space afforded by the lack of numbers meant that tries came quickly and
repeatedly, and the Earlsdon side soon had a sizeable lead. The Earlsdon
backs inspired by the welcome return of Neil Smith seemed able to score at
will and the game turned around at half time with Earlsdon a good 50 points
ahead. With one of the Kerseley players forced from the field, the decision
was made that 2 players from Earlsdon should assist the home team which
evened the sides up to 10 apiece and slowed the scoring rate a little. It
also allowed Mick Roberts to set up Kerseleys only score through a well
worked interpassing manoeuvre down the touchline.
the game ended 71-5 in Earlsdons favour with notable performances from Neil
Smith and newly acquired student Adam who scored a hat trick of tries.
Tries from:- Adam McGloclan x 3, Neil Smith, West Owen , Joe Clifford , Iain Forsyth, Nick
Taylor, Connell Bergin, Alex Hill and John Reeves.
Conversions, Iain Forsyth 8
Saturday 4th February 2006
Earlsdon 2nd XV 45 - 0 Leamington 3rd XV
Tries: Martin Rourke (3), Marcus Jones (2), Bobby Friel, Liam McGladrigan
Cons: Marcus Jones (5)
Earlsdon's second string proved far too strong for Leamington 3rd XV as they put in another impressive performance for the second week in a row. The home side were forced to reshuffle the majority of the pack from the previous week bringing in Will Flint and Charlie Kelly to the back row, Joe Jennings in at second row, Baz Lawrence at hooker and our illustrious Chairman at prop. It didn't take the home side long to register the first try, flanker Martin 'Mad Dog' Rourke (still smarting at not scoring a try the previous week and all the stick he took from Bully and Hogan) taking a short ball from skipper Marcus Jones to score under the posts, with Jones converting. It wasn't long before he scored his second, Earlsdon pinched Leamington lineout ball which was spun to the backs, centre Deri Thomas making inroads into the visitors 22, then offloading to Rourke to score. Jones missed the conversion this time and they led 12 - 0. Earlsdon's back three were intent on all out attack with fullback Bobby Friel and winger Anthony Koppora attacking from their own 22 on several occasions. Rourke completed his monopoly on the scoring by completing his hat trick just before half time, Thomas again the provider. Jones converted from in front and they led 19 - 0 at the break.
The second half followed much of the same pattern, Earlsdon's forwards started to come into the game in the loose with Joe Jennings and Baz Lawrence making several good runs. The home backs were making ground with every attack and it was skipper Marcus Jones who touched down next from a quick tap penalty. He converted his own try and the home side led 26 - 0. The visitors started to get their driving maul working and looked like they were going to score following a close range lineout, but the home defence drove them back and turned the ball over. Fullback Bobby Friel scored a well-deserved try breaking tackles at will to score under the posts, which Jones converted. Earlsdon then made a change with 6ft 10 Rich Broer coming on for Steve Sharpe at second row. Joe Jennings then made a 40 metre burst up the middle and put a deft chip over the fullback, the ball was recycled with winger Liam McGladrigan getting a try, Jones missed the conversion from wide out and Earlsdon led 38 - 0. The last try of the match came after Rich Broer was denied a perfectly good score by the referee, from the resulting 5 metre scrum Marcus Jones dummied his way over for a good score which he converted to complete a 45 - 0 win.
Team: Bobby Friel, Liam McGladrigan, Ben Cadigan, Deri Thomas, Anthony Koppora, Marcus Jones(c), Neil McDonald, Will Flint, Martin Rourke, Charlie Kelly, Steve Sharpe, Joe Jennings, Jason Kinmond, Baz Lawrence, Steph Kenney Subs: Richard Broer
Earlsdon III 17 - Coventry Saracens II 5
A youthful Earlsdon III team secured a well won victory over visiting Coventry Saracens with tries from Rory McPheators 2 and a try and a conversion from Ian Forsyth.
Saturday 28th January 2006
Stratford 45 Earlsdon - 10
Earlsdon battled bravely against Stratford and enjoyed plentiful possession and territorial advantage but the pace of the Stratford backs proved the difference between the sides. Earlsdon can take some comfort in tries from Tom Kendal and No. 8 and Captain Rob Farrell, his eighth league try of the season, making him Earlsdon's leading try scorer in the league this season. The scoreline perhaps flattered Stratford a little but Earlsdon will look to improve before the visit of promotion hopefuls Silhillians on 11th february.
Earlsdon II 51 Dunlop II 0
Earlsdon scorers Tries Bobby Friel, Chris Ward, Kevin Hogan, Neil Bullman, Alex Goudrais, Neil McDonald, Liam McGladrigan, Andrew Forsyth, Marcus Jones
Conversions Marcus Jones (3)
A dominant forward pack saw Earlsdon run away with the game scoring 6 tries in the final quarter as a brave Dunlop XV tired.
There may have been 9 try scorers but the real heroes of Earlsdons performance were the tight five of Jason Batt, Mick Roberts, Stef Kenney, Steve Sharpe and Martin Murphy, who slowly wore down a much larger visiting pack to dominate possession.
Earlsdon kicked-off into a bitter North-easterly wind and were soon on the attack but Dunlop defended stoutly and the opening exchanges saw some good running rugby with Earlsdons Matt Rossi looking particularly impressive at full-back. However, 20 minutes were played before Bobby Friel opened the scoring; coming in off his wing and beating several players before touching down beneath the posts. Marcus Jones added the simple conversion.
Minutes later hooker Mick Roberts nicked the ball against the head in a scrum deep in Dunlop territory and Neil McDonald at scrum half made a good break and almost made it to the line before unloading to Chris Ward who scored under the posts. Jones kicked the conversion for what was to be the final score of the half and a 14-0 lead.
Dunlop played good rugby and came close to scoring on a number of occasions but Earlsdon held them out, with the pace of Bobby Friel coming to Earlsdons rescue on several occasions. Earlsdons lineout was functioning well as Kevin Hogan, Mick Roberts and Martin Murphy were able to pinch Dunlop ball to deny their visitors possession at crucial points of the match.
Earlsdon replaced Chris Ward with Andrew Forsyth, and Bobby Friel with Alex Goudrais at half-time and both were to make telling contributions in a high scoring second half.
Early in the second half Earlsdon had the throw in to a series of 5m lineouts and, having squandered 2 opportunities, finally scored when Kevin Hogan broke from a maul to score. The conversion was missed but Earlsdon led 19-0.
This score seemed to deflate Dunlop and Earlsdon ran in several tries. Neil Bullman charged over after the Earlsdon pack had driven Dunlop off their own ball. Marcus Jones added the conversion for a 26-0 lead.
Martin Rourke then produced a moment of magic after making a good break he spun away from a tackler then dummied another defender and released Alex Goudrais who scored in the corner. The crowd looked on in stunned disbelief at the realisation that yes the Mad Dog can pass.
After another driven scrummage Neil McDonald picked up from the base spotted a gap in Dunlops defence and dived over for a well deserved try.
Dunlop later looked to have Earlsdon under pressure as the hosts turned over possession with their full-back up in the line but when Dunlop kicked long Andrew Forsyth beat several attacking players to the ball and set up a counter attack, passing to Liam McGladrigan who ran in from 30 metres showing good pace to escape the covering defence.
Earlsdon again took the ball against the head at a scrummage and Andrew Forsyth took full advantage breaking through a tackle to score a fine individual try. At 46-0 Earlsdon looked like they could score at will and when Neil Bullman broke free on the wing with back row comrade Martin Rourke in support a try looked inevitable but for Bullmans pass; had he been passing to someone six inches taller with the ability to catch a speeding bullet, the pass might have gone to hand but as it was Rourke did well to get his head out of the way.
After the ball had been retrieved from the next field play continued and Earlsdon again put Dunlop under pressure as Marcus Jones went over from close range following another impressive scrum to give a 51-0 final score line.
Earlsdon III team took another large and youthful squad down to Stratford the game started slowly with the home side dominating early exchanges but Earlsdon came closer to scoring with a kick and chase by Connell Bergin the dead ball line wining the race for the try. Earlsdon however did manage to score with a smart forwards try from Charlie Kelly converted by Tim Ellershaw for a 7 - 0 lead , the home side were unlucky not to equalise when the referee wrongly gave a foot in touch with the visiting defense stretched. Stratford got their just rewards with and uncoverted try. Earlsdon started mixing up the game and Wes Brunt returing to Earlsdon colours after 8 years break ghosted over for well worked try Ellershaw missing the easiest of conversions. Earlsdon had the best of the mauls and Prop Freddie Aitken managed a try ripping the ball off Graham Rimmer and falling over the line this time converted by Ellershaw for a 18 - 5 half time lead.
Ben Cadigan had made his debut at scrum half and was warming to the game and his sniping round the edges combined well with Baz Lawrence who off loaded to Ellershaw who added a try to the visitors scoreline. It was Lawrences turn next to score another well worked try with the conversion from Ellershaw. Lastly it was the turn of Jack Howl to score a maiden try capping a fine display the extras added by Ellershaw. Stratford had the final say with a try and a conversion to give the final result 38 - 12 to the visitors who also gave debuts to Alex Lee and Chris Baker .
Saturday 21st January 2006
Earlsdon 1st XV 7 - 24 Hereford 1st XV
Tries: Rob Farrell
Cons: Tom Kendall
Earlsdon fought hard but were finally beaten by a well-organised and fast Hereford side at Mitchell Avenue. Hereford started the match well and nearly scored following a quick break up the wing, but a superb try saving tackle by winger Anthony Koppora saved the day. Hereford were awarded a penalty after Earlsdon killed the ball following the tackle, which they converted to go 3 - 0 up within 10 minutes. The Earlsdon pack was on top at the set piece, especially in the scrummage with the young front row going well. Hereford were living off scraps of possession but looked dangerous in the backs every time they got their hands on the ball. The home side then created some pressure and were rewarded with a try by skipper Rob Farrell who drove over from a 5-metre scrum. Tom Kendall knocked over the conversion and the home side led 7 - 3. The rest of the half's possession was dominated by the home side but scoring chances were rare from both sides.
Hereford came out of the blocks in the second half and hit Earlsdon with a three try burst in ten minutes, their quick backs causing the damage to expose a lack of organisation in the home defence. Earlsdon made a couple of changes, flanker Rob Callaway coming on for Gary Back and prop Sean Hennessey coming on for the injured Lee Davies. Each try was converted and the score line looked a little harsh at 24 - 7. Earlsdon did have some periods of pressure but the Hereford defence held firm as the home side tries to score through the forwards. The home side then made the last change Matt Rossi coming on at scrum half. Earlsdon then were forced to 14 men as centre Eddie Keen came off with a dislocated finger. The last fifteen minutes of the match descended into farce with the referee blowing up for a scrum every time the ball went to the floor (at one point we counted 15 scrums on the trot). You couldn't fault the Earlsdon effort but on this showing the Hereford side will push the leaders close for promotion.
Team: Tom Kendall, Neil Ward, Malcolm Jack, Eddie Keen, Anthony Koppora, Chris Scott, Ben Whiter, Rob Farrell (c), Gary Back, Darren Perry, Sean Moore, Craig Mosey, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Matt Rossi, Rob Callaway, Sean Hennessey
Saturday 14th January 2005
Earlsdon 1st XV 28 - 27 Old Leamingtonians 1st XV
Tries: Rob Farrell (3), Chris Scott
Cons: Tom Kendall (4)
For the second week running Earlsdon left it late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a game they tried desperately to lose. It was revenge over Old Leamingtonians who snatched victory from Earlsdon in the reverse fixture just before Christmas.
The home side started strongly putting Earlsdon under pressure, with powerful organised drives at the lineout, which they struggled to deal with. Earlsdon found it difficult to get out of their half and were continually penalised by the referee which enabled Old Leams to set up attacking lineouts. The Earlsdon defence was strong but the pressure eventually told and the home side scored a try from a rolling maul, it went unconverted and they led 5 - 0. Earlsdon then started to get their hands on the ball and create pressure on the home side's line. They should have scored when they created an overlap on the left but the last pass went behind fullback Tom Kendall who was forced to cut inside. The ball was recycled and they looked certain to score when the Old Leams fly half intercepted the last pass to go the length of the pitch to score. The try went unconverted and Old Leams led 10 - 0. Old Leams then went 13 - 0 ahead following a snap drop goal by their centre after Earlsdon missed touch when clearing their lines. Earlsdon were still looking dangerous and were rewarded when they ran a penalty in the Old Leams 22, skipper Rob Farrell getting the score. Fullback Tom Kendall converted the try and the score was 13 - 7 to Old Leams at half time.
Earlsdon started the second half well creating pressure on the Old Leams especially at the scrum with prop Jason Dean on his first team debut having a great game. Unfortunately they were giving away too many penalties, which allowed Old Leams to clear their lines and again set up driving mauls from the lineout. Old Leams again scored from one of the lineouts which was converted and they led 20 - 7 with half an hour to go. Earlsdon then made two changes Craig Mosey coming into the back row and Neil McDonald at scrum half. The visitors then upped the pace creating pressure on Old Leams. They then got back into the match, the advantage in the scrum told with the Earlsdon eight pushing the home pack over the line with Farrell getting his second try, Kendall converted to cut the deficit to 20 - 14. Old Leams then scored another try following a mistake at the back by Kendall, the ball taking a wicked bounced to fall into the winger's hands. The try was converted and they led 27 - 14 with 8 minutes left. Earlsdon then made another change with Shaun Hennessey replacing Jason Dean at prop. Earlsdon then scored again to get back into it, Farrell completing his hat trick following a series of rucks. Kendall completed the difficult conversion to get Earlsdon to within a converted try at 21 - 27 down. They threw everything at the home side who were out on their feet and fly half Chris Scott stole the match with a trade mark dummy to score under the posts, Kendall converted and the match was won 28 - 27.
Team: Tom Kendall, Neil Ward, Malcolm Jack, Adam Clarke, Eddie Keen, Chris Scott, Ben Whiter, Rob Farrell (c), Rob Callaway, Darren Perry, Sean Moore, Dave Evans, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Jason Dean Subs: Neil McDonald, Shaun Hennessey, Craig Mosey
Earlsdon II 5 Rugby St Andrews I 12
Try - Chris Ward
Earlsdon had only a Chris Ward try to show for a game of high endeavour. Marcus Jones seemed to have scored a try to give Earlsdon the chance to equalise late on but the referee changed his decision. A scrappy and disappointing game saw 2 Earlsdon players yellow carded late on.
Rugby St Andrews II 7 Earlsdon III 17
In a cold and drizzly afternoon in Rugby Earlsdon and St Andrews did little to warm the poor souls who endured a lifeless first half. Earlsdon borrowed a Prop and he appeared to have opened the scoring with a well taken try from a driving maul off what was to be a rare clean line out take but the referee was unsighted and couldn't allow it. Worse was to follwo with some weak tackling and a try and conversion opened the scoring for the home side and Earlsdon looked as dismal as the weather. Acting skipper Dave Laing introduced himself to the fray along with some tinkering with the back line moving Liam McGladtobeback McGladrigan in at centre and a new back 3. Again the forwards did the work with Laing taking great ball at 4 in the line and Earlsdons borrowed prop burrowed over for a deserved try. Next it was the turn of Connell Bergin to score the try of the game with Earlsdon moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other McGladrigan releasing the ball at the right time to allow an easy run in for Bergin this try was converted by hooker Nick Taylor for a 12 - 7 lead to the visitors and then it was the turn of the other prop Steve Meszar to get himself on the score sheet again from a rolling maul to tie the game up at 17 -7.
Sunday 8th Jan 2006
Warwickshire Cup Semi Finals
Broadstreet 72 ( might have been more) Earlsdon 10
On a bleak and dank Sunday afternoon there was little cheer to be had from the Earlsdon 2nd XV in their second Cup Semi in as many years however it was not to be the dream final as it was last year and Broadstreet had a team full of experience that Earlsdon despite the efforts of Veterans Dave Lea, Steff Kenny, Mick Roberts, Sean Moore and Neil Bullman - Marcus I'm sure you must be over 35 but I'll say nowt ! There wasn't much to say about the game it was as the scoreline suggested one way traffic Dave Birch made a great break and not wanting to risk him hamstrings scoring a try offloaded to Anthony Koporo to open Earlsdon consolation scoring with Lea scoring with about 10 minutes to go - bring a chorus of cheers and then boo's from the frozen Earlsdon Supporters. Skipper Nigel Ball made it onto the pitch but even with all of his experience he couldn't make up the 34 point difference !
Saturday 7th Jan 2006
Nuneaton Old Edwardians 7 - Earlsdon 8
Earlsdon managed to gain revenge on Old Ed's who had sneaked a win at Mitchell Avenue in December. It was Earlsdons turn to pinch the points with a last kick of the game from Chris Scott taking over the kicking duties from Tom Kendal ( who I am told will be taking his Christmas present boots back to Santa) and a Skippers try from Faz after good work from Mickey Moore and Darren Perry. It was a cold snowy afternoon that I spent inside with a LemSip and a copy of the Radio Times so appologies to any mistakes made in the reports. I know Colin Morton once again made a come back for the 1st XV at Prop and we really need to find some Props, Pies and Beer available for the right candidates.
Nuneaton Old Edwardians III 12 - Earlsdon III 10
Earlsdon travelled to Nuneaton with a squad of 22, a combination of youth and experience led by Dave Laing Jnr. Both sides didn't possess full front rows so the game was played with uncontested scrums from the outset. The Eds had a very experienced side and adapted to the small pitch well and scored the opening try in the corner which went unconverted for a 5 - 0 lead. Earlsdon then got back into the match with fly half Josh Meszar having a good game, it was his half back partner Matt Clarke who got the first try to tie up the scores. Just before the break Eds scored a converted try to go in 12 - 5 up at half time. Earlsdon made several changes at half time and came back into the match, defending well but finding it difficult to score against a strong Eds defence and the slope. Earlsdon did score, Meszar Jnr chipping through and scoring following a 5 metre scrum. Unfortunately he couldn't convert his try and the Eds held on for a 12 - 10 win.
Saturday 17th December 2005
Earlsdon 1st XV 22 - 23 Old Leamingtonians 1st XV
Tries: Tom Kendall (2), Marcus Jones, Gary Back
Cons: Tom Kendall
For the second time this season Earlsdon lost the match with the last play of the game and were gutted, as it was a match they should have won.
The home side made a dreadful start and were a converted try down within 5 minutes. Having conceded a 5-metre scrum they did well to wheel the visitors pack and get the put in, only for the subsequent clearing kick to be charged down. Worse was to follow 5 minutes later, a kick through from the opposition bounced kindly for them and the winger scored in the corner. The fly half kicked the very difficult conversion and the visitors led 14 - 0. Earlsdon then started to get back into the match and gain some decent possession, although errors at crucial stages allowed the visitors to clear there lines, the fly half using the wind advantage to good effect. Earlsdon then scored a superb try to get back into the match, a great break from scrum half Ben Whiter from inside his own half saw him feed centre Malcolm Jack who gave the scoring pass to full back Tom Kendall. Kendall couldnt convert his own try and the score was 14 - 5. Old Leams pressurised the home side for the rest of the half but only had a penalty to show for it and went in at half time 17 - 5 ahead.
The second half saw Earlsdon raise their game and start to play some decent rugby. Fullback Tom Kendall scored his second try of the match right in the corner following a fumble by the visiting fullback. He then knocked over a great conversion from the touchline to bring the score back to 17 - 12. Earlsdon then started to use the elements and pin the visitors back in their own half. The home side then drew level; good pressure and ball retention saw then work the overlap for fly half Marcus Jones to score the try. Kendall couldnt convert and the scores were level at 17 - 17. The visitors kicked a drop goal with ten minutes to go, but the lead never looked like it was going to be enough at 20 - 17. Earlsdon then scored a superb try, backs and forwards combining well, with flanker Gary Back getting what looked to be the winning score for a 22 - 20 lead. It looked even more like a home win when the restart didnt go the ten metres, but somehow Earlsdon lost the scrum against the head and the visitors worked good field position and the home side were penalised for not rolling away from the ball. The fly half who had kicked well all day held his nerve to win the match 23 - 22.
Team: Tom Kendall, Mickey Moore, Malcolm Jack, Chris Scott, Eddie Keen, Marcus Jones, Ben Whiter, Dave Evans, Rob Callaway(c), Gary Back, Sean Moore, Nathan Jackson, Lee Davies, Ali McPheators, Craig Jackson Subs: Matt Rossi, Steph Kenney, Kev Hogan
Old Leams II 17 - Earlsdon II 10
Earlsdon made the short trip to Old Leams with an experienced side but despite a Iain Finlayson try and conversion and penalty from stand in fly half Mark Evans Old Leams claimed the victory with 17 points.
Earlsdon III 5 - Old Leams III 12
Dave Birch played a true captains role by volunteering for hooking duties but despite his best efforts the visitors comprehensively dominated the scurms and line outs. In a dour 1st half Old Leams scored first with a blind side break on the 20 minte mark. Earlsdon managed an equalising try with Alex Froggy using pace and power to level the scores. Then just before half time Old Leams scored another try and conversion to complete the scoring for the game and the second half petered out into pantomime handling and not much Christmas cheer for the home team.
Saturday 11th December 2005
1st XV lost 6 - 35 away to Solihull , Earlsdon had a much changed side with Neil Bullman making his first appearance of the season due to unavailability , the side was skippered by Sean Moore drafted in from the bench into the starting line up as was Steff Kenny at 46 the oldest member of the team by far. Earlsdon were always in the game but only had 2 Tom Kendall penalties to show for their pressure Solhull scoring a couple of late tries to give the scoreline a less than flattering look.
Earlsdon II 15 - Coventry Welsh II 16
Earlsdon II were at home to a youthful Coventry Welsh side and despite tries from Charles Freddie Aitken, Keving Hogan and Liam McGladagain the away side scraped a win.
Broadstreet III 29 - Earlsdon III 12
Earlsdon arrived late at Broadstreet and went into the game with a mixture of youth and experience. Some slack defending in the first half put the hosts 29 - 0 ahead and Earlsdon looked to be heading for a heavy defeat. However despite the loss of Dave McGovern suffering from a combination of exhaustion and hypothermia at full back Earlsdon eased themselves back into the game with tries from Ian Forsyth and a maiden effort from Conner Bergen with Ady Higgins over from Brisbane converting one for a 29 - 12 final score.
Sunday 4th November
Earlsdon 13 - Coventrians 7 Quarter Finals Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup
On a chilly afternoon Earlsdon and Coventrians renewed old rivalries and there was little christmas spirit from either side. Earlsdon were the scrooges however with Neil Bullman scoring the home sides only try and skipper Marcus Jones added a conversion and 2 penalties to secure a narrow 13 - 7 win for a place in the semi-finals for Earlsdon.
Saturday 3rd December 2005
Earlsdon 1st XV 20 - 17 Ledbury 1st XV
Tries: Rob Farrell, Neil Ward, Ben Whiter
Pens: Tom Kendall
Cons: Tom Kendall
A much-improved second half performance earned Earlsdon a league win against bottom of the table side Ledbury in a match that was full of errors.
The home side were struggling with injuries in the front row and had to call on the services of prop Craig Jackson who had just returned from injury. Earlsdon started strongly and were 7 - 0 after fifteen minutes with the home pack on top at the set piece especially at the scrum. After a period of pressure the home side scored from a 5-metre scrum with skipper Rob Farrell getting the try, which was converted by full back Tom Kendall. It all started to go wrong then with the home side continually kicking possession away which provided Ledburys backs with ball their forwards couldnt deliver. They then scored a good try through the backs to bring the score to 7 - 7. The home side were making far too many mistakes and were giving away needless penalties that relieved the pressure on the visitors forwards. Ledbury then took the lead, a speculative up and under was spilled by the home side with the ball hacked through for the try to be scored under the posts. The try was converted and Ledbury went 14 - 7 ahead. They kicked a further penalty just before half time to turn around 17 - 7 up.
The half time team talk seemed to do the trick and Earlsdon resorted to basics with the forwards taking the ball on up front. It wasnt long before they registered their second try of the match, a good catch and drive at the lineout set up good ball for the backs. A slick-passing move by the backs saw the ball moved quickly to the wing with Neil Ward scoring in the corner. Kendall was wide with the extras this time and the score was 12 - 17. Ward had to leave the field as he broke his finger while scoring the try. The home side were totally on top despite some dubious refereeing decisions. Earlsdon then drew level, Craig Jackson came close to scoring but was tackled just short of the line but the home side recycled the ball and skipper Rob Farrell set up scrum half Ben Whiter for his first try for the club. With ten minutes to go Kendall kicked a penalty after Ledbury had held the ball on the floor for a 20 - 17 lead. Earlsdon had a couple of scares late on but held on for an important win.
Earlsdon III 46 - Warwickians II 0
Earlsdon III team had a mixture of youth and experience and managed to get 24 players available. Skipper Dave Birch moved up from centre to second row managing to score a try before having to leave the field for a breather and let one of the young lads come on and get an extended game. There were several outstanding tries but the incisive running of Ian Forsyth at fly haf and Rory McPheators at full back always posed problems to the vistitors with a try each for the youngsters Forsyth adding 3 conversions. Joe Clifford on the wing scored a maiden try with good following up and latched onto a Forsyth pop pass to score a poachers try. Alex Froggy Sean Henessey Steve Shepherd and Colin Morton added the other points for a 46 - 0 win.
Sat 26th November
Earlsdon II 22 - Nuneaton III 12
Earlsdon had a close call against a useful Nuneaton side. Earlsdon opened the scoring with a Anthony Kopporo try early in the first quarter stand in skipper Marcus Jones converting , next was a try from Sean Moore to give the home side a comfortable 12 0 lead. Nuneaton played themselves back into the game using their strong rolling maul and driving forward play to bring the game back to 12 7 at half time. Most of the play seemed to rotate up and down the touchlines with Earlsdon conceding a number of penalties for a variety of technical offences , the referee being Players Representative Tony Venables 2 weeks into his Referees course ! With the weather getting colder and colder Nuneaton were determined to keep their forwards warm and their backs cold persisting with driving play and their efforts were rewarded with a try from a line out peel to level the scores at 12 12. Earlsdon managed to put the visitors under sustained pressure and made a break through with a Jones penalty to give a slight lead. Then in the final 5 minutes scrum half Matt Rossi managed to latch onto a loose ball, fly hacked through and won the touch down to extend the lead with Jones adding 2 points for the final score of an entertaining game to play in but lacking in excitement for the spectator.
Earlsdon III 0 Manor Park II 40
Earlsdon III team were blown away by an experienced Manor Park team.
Lichfield Women II 63 - Earlsdon Women 0
Earlsdon travelled to Lichfield on Sunday. Lichfield having come down from the league above this season, Earlsdon knew it would be a difficult game.
The final score of Lichfield 63 Earlsdon 0 was not a true reflection of the resolve showed by Earlsdon as they battled against a very well drilled and organised opposition.
Beth Gibson frustrated the Lichfield forwards tying them up in mauls and the Earsldon pack supported well and prevented a roll. Earlsdons scrum also held its own and gave the backs every opportunity presented, but they were thwarted by the quick and organised back line of Lichfield. Newcomer to Earlsdon Lelani won herself player of the match for her relentless tackling and attacking runs. An encouraging game with a disappointing score line.
New players always welcome, training Tuesday and Thursday 7:15pm, at Mitchell Avenue, Canley, Coventry
Saturday 19th November
Earlsdon 3rds travelled over from sunny Canley to misty Old Leamintonians to find the 1st team game had been called off. Not ones to be put off by the pea souper of a fog and visibility down to 10 yards the 3rds decided to have a game. Earlsdon were led by John Murphy and there was a youthful look to the backs. Unfortunatly Old Leams had a bit too much nous and they ran in a number of tries and like the weather I haven't the foggiest of what the score was just that Murphy scored his first try of the seson and don't we know about it ! 45 - 7 seems a fair score with Matt Rossi getting the conversion ( we think).
Sunday 13th November
Earlsdon welcomed Copeswood to a sunny autumnal afternoon at Mitchell Avenue for a Warwickshire cup match which the vistors started at great pace and opened the scoring. Earlsdon had drafted in the experienced pairing of ex 1st team skipper Paul Keene and Sean Moore who had returned that moring from another stint of rescue work in Texas. Moore's wife Sam ( daughter of Coventry RFC stalwart "foot up" O Hara was tasked with putting together Moore's rugby kit managing most of the kit but packed swiming trunks instead of rugby shorts. Moore arrived in the changing rooms with 7 minutes to go resolved the short faux pas and made it a perfect day with a try as did Keene. Anthony Kopporo weighed in with a hat trick and Andy Walker on the other wing baged abrace with further tries from back row partners Neil Bullman and Martin Rourke. Stand skipper Marcus Jones added a try and 6 conversions to give a one sided 62 - 13 to the home side.
Saturday 12th November 2005
Earlsdon 1st XV 16 18 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 1st XV
Tries: Lee Davies
Pens: Tom Kendall (3)
Cons: Tom Kendall
A lacklustre second half performance cost Earlsdon a league win against a dogged Nuneaton Old Edwardians who won the match with the last move of the match.
The home side were struggling with injuries and were forced to reshuffle the back line again with Eddie Keen moving to fly half. Earlsdon started strongly and were 6 0 after fifteen minutes with two penalties from the boot of fullback Tom Kendall. The visitors then got some possession and had a period of sustained pressure on the Earlsdon line, but good defence held them out but then the home side
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