Midlands 4 West (South)

Shipston 27pts Old Leamingtonians 15

Midlands 4 West (South)

In a pulsating game Shipston managed to finish their season on a high as they achieved the league double over Old Leams.

Playing up the slope and against the wind the conditions certainly didn’t assist Shipston in the first half. They however came out of the changing rooms firing and for the first 10 minutes they totally dominated the game with the Old Leams lineout and scrum creaking.

Unfortunately the Rams could not get over the line as forward passes and knock ons occurred too regularly. However a penalty from scrum half Matt Corby gave Shipston the lead. Old Leams then began to use the conditions to their advantage as the Rams intensity dropped. Only last ditch defence prevented the visitors from scoring, however the pressure told and a penalty in front of the posts brought the scores level. In particular the defence of flanker Adam Renardson, second row Ash Bonner, winger Phil Hall and centre Chris Stallard were outstanding. The loss of “most improved player of the season” John Francis to injury proved to be a big loss however the returning Tom Wilson did well after coming on.

After the interval Shipston were able to make use of the conditions, Corby and fly half Will Davies were able to pin the visitors back into their own half and exhilarating breaks from flanker James Plumb and hooker Les Digweed continued the assault on the visitors’ line.

Once the first try was scored, two more followed shortly after. Skipper Alex Ray powered off the back of the scrum to feed centre Tom Rance to score in the corner. Further tries from fullback Pete Organ and Corby after great work from the forwards, along with two touchline conversions gave Shipston a 22 – 3 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

The visitors then began to shoe their mettle. A mistake from the kick off gave Old Leams good field position and they were awarded penalty and a yellow card gave the visitors momentum. Using the overlap created the visitors were able to score two quick tries in succession which brought them back within 7 points at 22 – 15. Shipston then regained control of the situation, the introduction of flanker Andy Hunt allowed Shipston to turn the ball over and a series of well worked driving plays gave hard working second row John New to cap off a fine performance with the final try. Other fine performances in the pack came from props Savage and Beeley and replacement Wilson, who all at scrum time gave their opposite numbers a very unpleasant afternoon.

After a disappointing start to the season the spirit was shown to turn the season around and finish with a flourish was outstanding. The leadership of Alex Ray and Coach George Clayton has given the young team the ideal platform to push on next season as the improvement continues.

8th March 2008

Midlands 4 West (South)

Dunlop 24pts Shipston 0

A Shipston team coming off back to back victories travelled to Coventry and failed to produce a performance that they were capable of.

Despite having the best of the conditions in the first half Shipston started slowly. Sloppy defence gave the promotion chasing Dunlop three tries one of which was converted. The huge Dunlop pack used their weight advantage to score two tries and a well executed back move gave them a 17 – 0 lead by the interval. Shipston had chances to score but too frequently the last pass went astray or the wrong decision was taken.

Dunlop scored immediately after half time as the kick off was spilled. However Shipston then began to exert some kind of control over the game. The Rams forwards began to compete for every scrap of ball and possession was regularly retained. The Shipston defence tightened up and Dunlop’s attack began to look limited. However the visitors were unable to get over the home line.

A two week break will give Shipston time to regroup to meet Woodrush at Mayo Road on 29th March as they aim to return to winning ways.

15^th Feb 2008

Shipston 22pts Copsewood 7

League strugglers Copsewood visited Mayo Road and were seen off with the home team never having to move out of second gear.

Injuries and unavailabilities forced wholesale changes to the Shipston backline. However it was these backs who delivered the finer moments of the game. Shipston’s first points came from winger Phil Hall who touched down in the corner. Man of the match Guy Loveridge made a surging break through the centre of the field and was hauled down on the Copsewood ten metre line. Quick rucking and slick handling allowed the ball to reach Hall out wide and in space. The winger then used his pace to out run the covering defence and complete a fine move. The conversion drifted wide.

Shortly after more Shipston pressure was halted on the Copsewood 5 metre line. However disruption to the Copsewood scrum half by Rich Carter and Adam Renardson allowed Carter to collect the loose ball and dive over the line. Again the conversion was unsuccessful.

After half time Shipston’s forward pack seemed complacent. As their work rate dropped the Mayo Road men lost shape and discipline in their performance, allowing the courageous Copsewood to come back into the game. Their effort in the loose allowed the forwards to score after a series of well executed forward drives.

The Rams needed to hit back immediately, with the score at 10 – 7 the game was in the balance. Good line-out work from Ash Bonner led to centre Tom Wales crashing up the centre of the park in trademark style, setting up a good target for his forwards. After moving the ball to the blind side, fly half Will Davies was able to move the ball out wide to centre Tom Rance who crossed the visitors line. The conversion was missed from a difficult angle.

The final flourish began with a typically mazy run covering 40 yards from impressive winger Jon Francis. Yet again Shipston moved the ball wide away from the breakdown. The floundering Copsewood defence were at 6s and 7s and Rance crossed for his second try with returning fullback Carl Hamilton converting.

Shipston will leave the match rueing missed opportunities and insufficient work rate which could have produced a more comprehensive victory. However a potential banana skin was avoided and important league points gained.

Shipston face Kings Norton on 1st March at Mayo Road hoping to avenge a close 18 – 15 defeat earlier in the season. 

9th Feb 2008

Midlands 4 West (South)

Old Coventrians 29pts Shipston 5

Midlands 4 West (South)

Shipston suffered a rare defeat with the score line flattering the home team.

After dominating the opening five minutes, Shipston’s confidence began to increase, against the in form team of the league. In particular centre Tom Rance was able to feed centre Mike Simpson and wingers James Plumb and Phil Hall to cut holes into the home defence.

Old Coventrians then worked their way up the field and silly penalties conceded by the Rams allowed the home team to score two catch and drive tries giving them a 10 – 0 lead. Shipston then began to up their game and good offloads in the tackle allowed ground to be gained. A lineout close to the line was won by number 8 Jon New who fed flanker Adam Renardson who passed to Davies. The following ruck was quickly won and the ball was spread wide allowing Rance to loop round and to score in the corner.

At half time and the score at 10 – 5 Shipston still felt they were in the game. A quick try after the break dented Shipston’s confidence and soon after the class of Old Coventrians began to tell. A further two breakaway tries were scored which flattered the home team.

Shipston entertain league strugglers Copsewood on Saturday as they aim to get back to their winning ways.

Saturday 1st December 2007

Midlands 4 West (South)

Shipston-On-Stour   19

Southam           6

Shipston were keen to notch up another win as they hosted Southam on Saturday. Despite this, the Rams started poorly and the forwards were sluggish around the pitch. This was shown when indiscipline enabled Southam to take a 3 - 0 lead. Shortly after this Dave Graham brought the Rams level to make it 3 - 3. Neither side showed much promise in the opening stages and the Rams scored a further penalty only for Southam to draw level to make the score 6 - 6 at half-time.

In the second half, the Rams played the better rugby and this was rewarded when captain Alex Ray crashed over for a well deserved converted score. After this Southam heads dropped and it was just a case of the Rams making sure there were no mistakes. Strong forward work from the Shipston pack ensured that the Rams were in command. Dave Graham rounded off a faultless display with the boot with two late penalties to make the final score 19 - 6 to the Rams. The Rams have a break from league action next Saturday and return to play Ledbury away on 15th December where they hope to continue their winning ways.

RW

Saturday 24th November 2007

Midlands 4 West (South)

Old Leamingtonians               8

Shipston-On-Stour                10

Shipston travelled to league leaders Old Leamingtonians on a grey Saturday afternoon. Old Leamingtonians had a 100% record on home turf so the Rams realised that they would pose stiff opposition. During the opening stages of the game, there was not much between the two sides but there was some early indications that the Rams were well disciplined and were not afraid to take the game to their opponents.

It was not long before the Rams had Old Leamingtonians under pressure and some excellent forward play produced a try for prop Richard Savage. It just went to highlight the admirable team work being displayed by the Rams. Despite this, the home side managed to bring the scores level at 5 - 5 not long after this. The Rams were not about to let this dampen their spirit. Excellent scrum work from the Shipston front row of Savage, Digweed and Wilson, ably assisted by Beeley, Bonner, Renardson, Goodman and Ray ensured clean ball for the ever menacing Shipston backs. 

Scrum-half Rich Carter controlled the ball at the breakdown well and ensured good ball for fly-half Will Davies to initiate some scintillating Shipston attacks with an impressive array of kicking out of hand, tackle evasion and good offloads. Tom Corby, playing for the first time at inside centre impressed with some bulldozing runs and strong defence work. Tom Rance, playing at outside centre was as composed as ever with excellent defensive work and intelligent link-up play. The wings of George Bird and Will Francis were strong in defence and exciting in attack. Full back Pete Organ was solid all day and provided a reassuring presence at the back.

Just before half time, Shipston gained a penalty deep in their opponents’ territory. An intelligently taken quick tap from Number 8 and captain Alex Ray allowed him to steam roller through the Old Leamingtonians defence to score an all important unconverted try. This made the score 10 - 5 at half time.

The second half saw the Rams tighten up their defence with many important tackles after several attacking phases from their opponents. It was clear from all looking on that it was Shipston who were controlling the game. In the closing stages Old Leamingtonians scored a penalty to make the final score 10 - 8 to the Rams. In the end, the league leaders had no answer to the tenacity and strength of the team spirit shown by Shipston. Shipston return to home turf where they host Southam on Saturday.

Rob Wilson

Saturday 17th November

EDF Senior Vase

Shipston-On-Stour    0

Droitwich                  37

Shipston went out of the EDF Senior Vase against Midlands 3 high fliers Droitwich on Saturday. A close first half saw the Rams dominate much of the play especially in the scrums with a strong performance from the front row of Savage, Beeley and the returning Titchener. Ray also put in a captain’s performance and led by example from number 8.

With half an hour gone there was still no score until an infringement gave Droitwich the opportunity to take the lead which they duly did. After that, the Rams continued to put together some promising phases of play with forwards and backs linking well but this was to no avail. On the stroke of half-time, the Rams’ defence was caught napping and Droitwich went over for a converted try which made the score 10 – 0 at half-time.

The Rams persevered in the second half and some particularly inventive kicking from fly-half Will Davies and some sniping runs from scrum-half Rich Carter ensured the Droitwich defence was kept under pressure. Unfortunately, the Rams were unable to convert this pressure into points and further indiscipline allowed the Droitwich fly-half to slot over two further penalties whilst producing a faultless display with the boot for much of the game.

In the latter stages of the second half, Droitwich scored a further two converted tries to take the game away from the Rams. Although unable to put any points on the board, the Rams will feel that the score line did not justifiably reflect the game. On Saturday, Shipston resume their league campaign against Old Leamingtonians.

RW.

Frustrating cup exit for Rams

Sunday 18th November

Warwickshire Cup

Alcester                                   13

Shipston-On-Stour                12

Shipston hoped to put the disappointment of their EDF Senior Vase exit behind them when they played away at Alcester in the Warwickshire Cup. Conditions for the game were atrocious with driving rain and blustery winds. In the early stages both teams were evenly matched with neither side willing to give up territory. However, Alcester went ahead with a penalty after a Shipston indiscretion. The Rams refused to give in and began to apply pressure on Alcester, especially at the set piece with outstanding lineout work from Ray and Bonner.

Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Alcester managed to extend their lead with an unconverted try. This left the Rams trailing 8 – 0 at the break.  In the second half, the Rams came out all guns blazing in an effort to turn the game around. The Shipston scrum began to exert dominance on their opponents with a strong front row performance from Savage, Digweed and Wilson. The Shipston backs also got in on the act with some strong defensive work from outside centre Rance and some impressive ball carrying from the likes of Tom Wales and the returning Pete Organ. Shipston were, however, unable to convert this pressure into points.

As has happened all too often this season, the Shipston defence was found wanting at precisely the wrong moment and this enabled Alcester to go over for another unconverted try. This left the Rams trailing 13 – 0 with the clock running down. At this moment, the Rams showed admirable resolve , with some telling runs from prop Rob Wilson and captain Alex Ray, to name but a few. After a quickly taken tap penalty, hooker Les Digweed was able to bulldoze his way over for a converted try which signified the Shipston fight back.

In the dying moments of the game, inside centre Tom Wales was able to squeeze in for an unconverted try in the corner. However, this proved too little to late as Shipston were unable to make use of the subsequent restart and so the game ended 13 – 12 to Alcester. Having said that, there are many positives that Shipston can take from this game, namely that they didn’t let their heads drop and showed great team spirit which should stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

RW.

Midlands 4 West (South)

Shipston 3pts Ledbury 29

Shipston competed hard but came away with nothing after a visit from league leaders Ledbury.

Playing up the slope and against the wind in the first half, Shipston were always going to be under pressure. A yellow card further increased the strain on their defence and a converted try and a penalty resulted leaving Ledbury leading 10 – 0 with 20 minutes gone. Shipston’s defence held firm until half time and the Rams had chances to score with the best chance lost, when the ball was adjusted to have been knocked on, when over the Ledbury line.

With the wind calming and with the constant pressure from the Ledbury lineout, Shipston struggled to retain possession for long periods. However a good attack gave Dave Graham the opportunity to knock over the three points bringing Shipston back into the game at 10 - 3.

A series of penalties gave Ledbury the opportunity to drive over for their second try from a five metre lineout, to add further to their lead. A further push over try and a breakaway from a promising Shipston attack finished the scoring.

Shipston are in cup action next Saturday as they meet high flyers from the league above, Droitwich.

WD

Saturday 27th October

Shipston 12pts Evesham 3

With a good crowd watching, Shipston defeated Evesham with a comprehensive performance that deserved a higher winning margin.

Shipston came out firing and put Evesham under a great deal of pressure. The varied attacking play was threatening the Evesham line and only a sloppy penalty given away allowed Evesham to escape their 22. Shipston then went off the boil and allowed Evesham to have plenty of possession. However the home defence remained solid and the visitors never looked like scoring. Midway through the half the Rams composed themselves and worked their way back into Evesham territory.

A break from the back of a scrum from skipper Alex Ray saw him charge half the length of the pitch, the resulting offloads further threatened the Evesham line but the wrong option was taken and the opportunity was lost. Shortly after quick hands found full back Tom Rance, and with a number of Evesham defenders present he was able to cut inside the covering defence and power through two tacklers near the line to score a well deserved try. The conversion was unsuccessful as it rebounded off the post.

Shipston’s concentration momentarily dropped and Evesham earned a penalty in front off the post and this was successful making the score 5 – 3 at the interval.

More powerful running from Rance and good team play allowed Shipston to dominate the second half. Eventually the pressure told with a forward drive forced their way over the Evesham line, with Ray claiming the try. The conversion from the touch line from scrum half Neil Sheppard gave Shipston the luxury of a two score lead. The Rams then slowed the game down and were able to claim their second league win of the season.

Shipston are away on Saturday as they meet Worcester Wanderers

Saturday 6th October 2007

Shipston 19pts Old Coventrians 38

Shipston suffered a painful home defeat against a well drilled Old Coventrians team on Saturday.

The Rams’ day did not start well, with two injuries occurring in the warm up. Thereby further depleting an already weakened squad. Old Coventrians made a good start and a wayward kick and a poor chase, allowed the Coventry team to take the lead with a well worked try using the pace of their backline.

Another try from the Old Coventrians backline gave the visitors a 12 – 0 lead with twenty minutes gone. Shipston’s pack then began to exert their influence on the game with powerful driving mauls started from pinpoint lineout work from Digweed and Bonner began to earn Shipston good field possession. Two penalties from Sheppard brought Shipston onto the scoreboard. A late breakaway try gave Old Coventrians a 19 – 6 lead at the interval.

After the break Shipston scored their first try. A driving maul from a lineout was stopped on the Old Coventrians’ 10 metre line. Second row Ash Bonner spotting a gap on the blind side made a darting break and fed winger Phil Hall to score with style in the corner. Shipston began to feel they were back into the game and a further penalty from Sheppard closed the gap further. However a further penalty and another breakaway try gave the visitors a 29 – 11 lead midway into the second half. Shipston continued to battle and a pinpoint touch kick, gave the Rams pack the opportunity to drive their way to the line and prop Rob Wilson was able to break off and force his way over for the second try. A penalty and a final try from the visitors in the last plays of the game completed the scoring.

Shipston return to Cup action on Saturday as they host Long Buckby in the second round of the Senior Vase at Mayo Road.

Will Davies 8/10/07

Copsewood 0pts Shipston 39

Saturday 29th September 2007

Shipston claimed their first league points of the season as they demolished a powerful Copsewood team.

Shipston started strongly and initially playing a tight game, were able to drag the Copsewood defence out of place, thereby creating overlaps and mismatches out wide. Quick hands from Les Digweed and Rob Wilson gave fly half Will Davies the opportunity to draw the fullback and feed centre Dave Graham for the opening try. Soon after good line out work from the Rams gave number 8 Lewis Griffiths the opportunity to run at the Copsewood back line and he sent them flying as he powered over, with Graham converting. A drive from a line out well orchestrated by scrum half Neil Sheppard gave prop Richard Savage the third try of the game. A further penalty from Graham gave Shipston a 20 – 0 lead at half time.

After the break the continuing pressure from the Shipston pack, in particular flankers Hunt and Renardson along with second row Loveridge prevented Copsewood from getting back into the game. Good running from wingers Plumb and Hall and the boot of fullback Rance, kept the home side trapped in their own half.

Good tactical kicking gave Shipston good field position, and quick thinking from Sheppard allowed a powerful burst from Tom “the ballerina” Wales to give Shipston their first try of the second half and Graham added the additional points. More pressure followed from the Rams and a quick tap penalty was popped to Digweed who forced his way over the line.

After a series of well worked phases, Shipston’s final try arrived, crisp interchanges between backs and forwards allowed the Rams to work their way up the field before a well organised forward drive was stopped just short of the line. The resulting quick ball allowed Davies to set up Ash “Woolly” Bonner score under the posts. Graham again converting.

The confident Rams entertain early league pacesetters Old Coventrians to Mayo Road on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.

Kings Norton 18pts Shipston 15

Shipston’s poor start to the season continued despite a much improved performance. Good work from the pack allowed skipper Davies and prop Richard Savage to score tries in response to an early 15 - 0 lead built by the home team. Powerful running from Lewis Griffiths and well worked line outs between Llewellyn and Bonner gave Shipston more momentum and a penalty from Corby brought the scores level at 15 all with 5 minutes to go. Unfortunately a contentious decision by the referee, gave the Kings Norton fly half the opportunity to slot the winning penalty.

Shipston travel to Copeswood next Saturday as they aim to get their season back on track.

WD

Shipston 0pts Dunlop 27

A Shipston team depleted by injuries and World Cup distractions were defeated by a strong Dunlop side at Mayo Road. A slow start from the Rams, saw the visitors take control and an impressive kicking display from the Dunlop fullback kept Shipston pinned in their own half. Dunlop soon scored a converted try and followed this with a penalty to take a 10 – 0 lead at half time.

After the interval Shipston began to exert more control and began to dominate possession. Series of good phases created a number of try scoring opportunities which were wasted by poor finishing and a lack of patience.

With twenty-five minutes to go and the score still 10 – 0 to the visitors Shipston suffered three serious injuries in the space of a few minutes. A disputed try was awarded to Dunlop and this gave the visitors the momentum to add to their lead.

Shipston aim to get their lead program back on the right tracks next Saturday as they visit league newcomers Kings Norton.

Will Davies