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Saturday 10th November
Copeswood 2^nd team 7 points
Shipston 2^nd team 5 points

Shipston 2nds trip to Coventry ended in a narrow loss, in a very entertaining game. Home side Copeswood enlisted the help from neighbours Cov Saracens and made a good combination. Shipston in contrast counted the cost once again loosing players at the last moment, not two weeks running have Shipston had the same side out and it showed.

Phill Newbury and Martin Goodman, skipper on the day both stood out for Shipston. Their tireless efforts kept Shipston on top through out, but one piece of brilliance from the home sides full back won the contest. Picking up late in the game in his own half he evades several tackles to score under the post. The conversion gave them the maximum points and the win.

 A well worked try for Shipston by returning prop Theo was just reward for a quick tap penalty in the first period. Shipston was well in control winning all phases of the game from the start. Credit to the home sides defence who stood firm what ever was thrown at them.

 Simon Fairbrother first experience at tight head certainly helped Goodman destroy his opposite number, taking several balls against the head. One piece of brilliance won the day but credit to both teams who played the game in Great Spirit.

AF

13th October
Stow on the Wold 2nds        3pts
Shipston on Stour 2nds        11pts

 Two evenly matched local sides Stowe and Shipston served up an excellent contest in near perfect conditions.

Through out both teams there was a lot of youth on show coupled with several experienced players up-front.

Stow held the edge in the early stages up front and put pressure on their visitors, but as the game moved on Shipston matched them and won a lot of 50 - 50 ball and let loose their pacey backs.

Credit to both teams who gave their all through out and battled for the bragging rights. The only score in the first period was a fine penalty kick by Shipston’s Ben Lucus at stand off. Further attempts slid wide but Shipston held a slender lead.

Into the second half Stow upped their game and got back into the game with a fortuitous drop goal.

Back came Shipston with another penalty kick by Ben Lucas who was having a fine game at stand off. Shispton were in the lead again and looking the only side who would win it. As time ticked away Shipstons three quarters who all played well sent Ashley Jeans free to show his pace and seal the win.

Credit to all of Shipston's colts who showed what a future they all have ahead of them. A special mention for Adi Ball who had to prop at the last minute and got stronger as the game wore on..

22nd September 2007
Shipston II                      17pts
Upton-on-Severn II         17pts

Shipston 2nd team still search for a win this season but came very close in this excellent match.  The visitors boasted several returning first teamers to add to add to the task faced by the hosts.

Right from the start Upton gathered pace and pressed for an opening. Their lively backs were a constant menace, but up front the story was different with Shipston holding the edge. The visitors soon opened up the rams defence and scored a fortunate try and conversion. Shipston pressed but again a slip up let in Upton for another try.

Back came Shipston and a try and conversion from full back John Stuart eased the nerves. Once again Upton latched onto the ball and scored out wide. Another score from Shipston just before half time was just what was needed and a fine three quarter move saw Deano Howe score a well worked try.

17pts to 12 was a close enough score at mid period to give Shipston hope and the slope. The second half saw total Shipston pressure with the forwards dominating through out. Despite a few injuries to key players Shipston kept going and deserved something from the game. Scrum half Norman Ransom was playing this position for the first time and took it like a duck to water. It was written that Shipston deserved a try and who was on hand, Norman Ransom with a well rewarded try out wide. The conversion would of won it, but that would of been rough on the visitors who had made life hard throughout.

Martin Goodman got Shipston’s man of the match and credit to the referee who contributed to this fine match.  In the end a fair result with everyone congratulating each other on a fine match. Shipston hope to go one step further this week when Copeswood visit, but if it matches this game it will be well worth watching.

AF