Opening Season Glory For Shipston

Shipston entertained Worcester RFC on Saturday in the opening round of the Regional 2 Midlands West campaign and got their season off to an emphatic start, running out comprehensive winners! The Rams got off to a blistering start, opening up a 24-0 lead within the first 15 minutes of the game, playing at a tempo that Worcester just could not live with in the early stages. An opening try from Ben Harris on 3 minutes was followed by scores from Harry Clark, Rob James and Dan Taylor to secure a bonus point in record time.

The remainder of the half proved to be a bit scrappy, as the hosts began to give away silly penalties at the tackle area and allowed the visitors to gain some momentum. Despite the ill discipline, the Rams defence remained resolute and held firm until a cross-field kick was pounced on by the Worcester winger to open their account (24-5).

Despite a couple of opportunities in the remainder of the half, Shipston couldn't get over the line and the score remained 24-5 at the break.

Playing up the slope in the second half, the Rams again started brightly and launched a promising attack straight from kick off. Ben Harris, who had an excellent game at outside centre, doubled his tally for the afternoon before Worcester scored their second of the afternoon - following on from more poor discipline from the home side and even a yellow card for Taylor (31-10).

From here on in though the game was all Shipston's. The forwards were dominant up front, shoving Worcester back at every scrum and having great success at the lineout. They added 3 more tries through George Waywell, debutant Oliver Windebank (in his first league start since graduating from the Colts) and Toby Wheeler - pushing the final score to 52-10!

It was an excellent start for the Rams and one that they will look to build upon moving forward throughout the season. Some fantastic performances throughout, but the joint MOTM this week were Sam James, who had an excellent game at scrum half and Toby Wheeler, who was imperious in the back row.

It's Cheltenham Tigers RFC at home up next for Shipston on September 10th.