Sat 21 Oct 2023
Stratford RFC vs Shipston 21st September
Stratford-upon-Avon welcomed local rivals Shipton to Pearcecroft on Saturday for a hotly anticipated derby game. The stakes were high as it was some eighteen years since the two sides had previously met in a league fixture and both teams were keen to secure the local bragging rights.
The Pearcecroft men started strongly, and their consistent field position and cohesive team play in the opening exchanges led to an opening score through Chris Bolton, finishing a great team move down the left flank followed by an impressive Dan Whitby conversion from out wide, to make the score 7-0. Back and forth penalties ensued, Shipston striking first then Stratford’s opportunity calmy slotted by Whitby which made the score 10-3.
Some quick phases and positive carries over the gain-line opened up a gap for stand-in skipper Whitby who showed his pace to score Stratford’s second try of the game under the posts and adding the extras himself, extending Stratford’s lead to 17-3. Shortly after the restart, Shipston made the most of an overlap, showing slick hands in reply and bringing the score to 17-10. Stratford began to show dominance at the scrum but despite this, the half came to a close without any further score.
Early in the second half Stratford capitalised on some Shipston indiscipline, the visiting side being reduced to 14 after pulling down a Stratford lineout drive which had gained some 25m. From the penalty Stratford opted to for the scrum and with a man advantage, centre Bolton scored his second, this time the conversion just going wide to make the score 22-10.
Stratford, however, were reduced to 14 themselves after a string of penalties at the breakdown meant tighthead-for-the-day Gus Wightman was sent to the sin-bin. This brought Shipston back into the contest, the extra space allowed them to release their winger down the left side and make the score 22-17. Shortly after the restart, another Whitby penalty allowed Stratford to restore the lead to 25-17, but not for long as Shipston kicked long and were able to capitalise on an error in the backfield allowing the visitors to close the gap to 25-22.
Bolton completed his hattrick with stylish footwork having gathered a high ball in midfield and danced in under the posts unopposed; Whitby continued his form with the boot to push the lead to 32-22. An electric Charlie Powell try followed shortly after, set up by a neat offload from replacement prop Tom Flemming which took the score to 39-22. Shipston finished with a flurry of phases on the Stratford line and scored with the last play of the game. Final score Stratford 39 - Shipston 29. Stratford 2nd XV also enjoyed a handsome win away at Harbury, marking a successful day for the club.
Stratford 1st XV’s next game is away at Malvern on the 4th of November. Stratford 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. All teams are always recruiting and would be delighted to welcome new players, so if you are interested, please do get in touch via the website or the club’s social media pages.
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