Sat 14 Oct 2023
Stratford RFC vs Silhillians 14th October
Silhillians 13 – 8 Stratford upon Avon
After a well-deserved rest week following a tricky start to the season, Stratford 1st XV travelled away to Old Silhillians who are flying high second in the league, Stratford were keen for a win to get their season back on track. This week saw the return of Dave Pritchard at 9, Toby Tuszynski back in his more natural position in the back row and exciting prospect Oli Thorneywork making his debut from the bench.
The game started off with Sils going through multiple phases and retaining possession with Stratford’s defence standing strong and handling the pressure well. However, the deadlock was finally broken with Stratford conceding a penalty and the Sil’s kicker did honours and converted, 3-0 to the hosts.
Stratford’s bad luck this season continued with inspirational skipper Tom Stanley going down injured half way through the first half and being replaced by Michael Dawes.
Sils continuing to retain possession and applying pressure saw the Stratford defence unlocked with a convert try taking the score to 10-0. This score sparked the Stratford team into life with some fluent attacking play and strong carries from Stanley’s replacement Michael Dawes and 2nd row Sam James resulting in the hosts conceding a penalty which now skipper Dan Whitby duly converted taking the score to 10-3 at half time.
The second half started with both teams looking to impose and take control of the game. Stratford’s injury woes came to the fore with stalwart Geoff Dyson and pocket rocket Toby having to be replaced resulting in some tactical changes having to be made. Strong defensive efforts from both sides were going to be the story for the rest of the game. An outstanding defensive effort from the team and some great work at the breakdown from flanker Jonny Smith and 2nd row James Walton ensured Old Sil’s didn’t capitalize on their lead.
Both teams were exchanging hammer blows in attack but not able to break through. Stratford eventually found a chink in the armour huge break from a pick and go by debutant Thorneywork, the ball was recycled quickly allowing James to crash over. With a missed conversion Stratford were now in touching distance of taking the lead against second in the lead, 10-8.
Now with Stratford pushing the game harder to chase that elusive win saw the tables turned and now under pressure in their half giving away a penalty to Old Sils, their ever-reliable kicker converted the last minute penalty to take the game further away from the Stratford team, 13 – 8. This being the last points of the game.
A much improved performance from the Stratford team away against a very strong Old Sils will be great preparation for the long awaited local derby against Shipston on the 21st at Pearcecroft.
The second team hosted Claverdon led by newly become father Jim Armitage, a team with a blend of youth and experience blew Claverdon away with some entertaining rugby seeing a final score of 67-10.
Next week they travel to Harbury to continue their strong start to the season.
This weekend also sees the Ladies playing in their final tournament of the year at Five Ways in Birmingham. The tournament will start with a playoff between Camp Hill and Stratford to conclude the winners of the overall competition which I’m sure will be a fantastic game to watch and a positive result for the great season the Ladies have had.
Startford RFC have 3 men’s teams that train at Pearcecroft on Loxley Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30 and there is a very successful ladies touch rugby section. Both teams are always recruiting and would be delighted to welcome new players, so if you are interested, please do get in touch.
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