Sat 11 Nov 2023
Stratford RFC 45 - 15 Berkswell & Balsall 11th November
Armistice day at Pearcecroft was a poignant affair, six teams representing seven clubs impeccably observed a minute’s silence to remember those that have lost their lives in wars and conflicts around the world service of our country. Stratford RFC regularly remember ‘the lost XV’ at this time, 15 players of the club that lost their lives on the fields of Flanders in the 1st World War. Claverdon and Stratford Barbarians Colts, Harbury Colts, Shottery RFC and Stratford 1st and 2nd XV’s stood together to remember.
It was a glorious autumn day as Stratford kicked off against a Berkswell and Balsall team that sat at the bottom of the Midlands Regional South 2. The early part of the game was dominated by set pieces, and Stratford came out on top, sharp and fast passing led to a Chris Bolton try, converted by Dan Whitby to make the score 7-0. Tom Howard then managed to pounce on a loose ball and run in from his own 22, extending the lead to 14-0.
A well worked backline move from the B’s made the score 14-7, however the lead was soon restored through a brilliant solo run from fly-half Nathan Geekie who unloaded to the supporting Whitby making the lead 21-7. B’s fought back late in the 1st half and converted a penalty with the half finishing 21-10.
Successive line breaks, and smart, patient play led to Stratford opening the scoring in the second half. Neat blind side play, finished calmy by wing Charlie Powell brought the score to 28-10. A nice pattern of team play emerged from Stratford, which lead to another Howard try to make the score 33-10.
B’s managed to bring one back, reducing the lead to 33-17, after continual territory gains. However, “enthusiastic” post try celebrations, led to a red card for their centre costing them a man for the rest of the match. Man of the Match Jake Lowe then brilliantly sold the defence a dummy from scrum half to push the score to 40-15, as the B’s lost another man.
A ruthless black and white outfit then used the number advantage to go tryline to tryline, resulting in Powell getting his second for the game, and the score finishing 45-15.
Earlier that day Claverdon and Stratford Barbarians Colts drew 15 – 15 with Harbury colts in an extremely exciting game, Harbury converting a try with the last kick of the game to tie the scores up.
A very strong Stratford 2nd XV ran in nine tries, converting seven, to beat Shottery in an entertaining game 26 – 55.
Stratford’s next game is at Hereford on the 18th 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. 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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