Shipston U14 v Droitwich U14

Shipston U14 just edged an exceptional game of rugby against Droitwich on 15 March.

Droitwich had good early possession and territory but Shipston turned the ball over on 5 minutes and Chris Barker-Harland scored a stunning try, breaking tackles from inside his own half and holding off defenders to score in the corner. The conversion was just missed and Shipston led 5-0.

Droitwich immediately bounced back and started to dominate the game, scoring two quick tries to lead 10-5. Shipston then had some good territory but were unable to capitalize on it and Droitwich broke away to take a well deserved 15-5 lead at half time.

The scrum had been equally balanced but Shipston had complete control of the lineout and regrouped at half time. Immediately following the restart Marcus Creagh broke through from half way to score just to the right of the posts and Shipston were right back in the game.

Shipston then began to dominate territory until an error in the Droitwich 22 gave the ball to their flying right-winger who broke through numerous tackles to score in the corner. Another missed conversion left the score 20-10 to Droitwich.

Straight from the Shipston kick off a blocking penalty was called presenting Shipston with a penalty near the Droitwich 22. Having a dominant lineout it was kicked near the corner and Shipston very nearly scored. From the resulting 5 meter scrum the ball was moved from right to left and Chris Barker-Harland scored his second try of the game. The Shipston players new the game was there for the taking and continued to make use of their dominant lineout on both throws and pushed Droitwich back. The forwards eventually got their reward setting up inside centre Jamie McGinn to go over near the posts, which was converted under pressure from Will Baxter to give Shipston a 22-20 lead. The game was well and truly on now with 5 minutes to go.

Droitwich started to put pressure on but once again Shipston were able to clear their lines, turn over the lineout and move down the field. With a minute to go a lineout was won on the right, the ball was moved to the left though fast hands and Barker-Harland completed his hat trick of tries to wrap up a 27-20 victory.

A hugely impressive fight back from Shipston who were under real pressure at half time. Much praise must go to skipper Ed Turner who towered above all at the lineout. It was a real learning curve game and the combination of lineout dominance and moving the ball to the backs with speed won the game in the end.