A Warriors tournament at Old Leams

First match vs Silhillians. A tough first fixture against a strong opposition team who scored two quick tries to put Shipston on the back foot. On both occasions their fullback taking on the defensive line before shipping wide to the right winger to touch down. Momentum shifted after a spectacular tackle by Ilyas that drew a chorus of oohs from the touch line, and although the Shipston attack was turned over, the clearance kick was charged down by Adam who pounced on the loose ball to score. Silhillians responded through their right wing again and an infringement resulted in a five meter scrum. Illias again swung things Shipston was with a fantastic turnover at the breakdown. Some strong running and fine distribution from George Hendy feeding Georger Verinder in space, who in turn put Joe Painter in the corner. It wasn't to be however as more strong running from the opposition resulted in a further two tries and a win by 4 tries to 2 for Sils whose kicker made good all four conversions.

Game 2 vs Leamington. Another poor start for Shipston, again shipping two early tries scored by their big, hard running number 22. Again it was Ilyas who got Shipston going scoring after some very impressive running by Charlie Dews who would surely have gone over himself if he'd had support with him. This then followed by another score, George McGinn taking a quick tap and go solo effort. A fantastic touch kick from Adam provided an opportunity from a line out on the opposition 5 meter line, and the ball was shipped with for Ilyas to score. A 3 tries to 2 victory for Shipston.

Game 3 vs Old Leams. Much better start from Shipston, good scrummaging and some powerful running finally being rewarded with a try for George Verinder in the right hand corner. Having established the pattern, another strong scrummage drive put Illias in space and he put George Verinder in the corner once more. Old Leams finally got some momentum and their full back scored in the corner. It was short lived however as a fantastic, barnstorming run from Joe Painter sucked in the defence and was finally dragged down by seven Old Leams when he desperately needed some support from Shipston. However, from the recycled ball George Verinder again touched down unopposed, Joe having drawn all of their defences with him. Shipston completed a 4 tries to 1 victory with the same play, Joe charging on dragging the defenders with him creating acres of space for George Verinder to burst through and dot down.

Final game vs Alcester. A somewhat weary and denuded Alcester side shuffled out for the last game with a couple of Shipston boys making up their numbers. It was always going to be one way traffic now that Shipston had got into their stride. George Verinder managed to bag an early brace, Charlie Dews grabbed one with a bullocking run and good hands across the pitch put Sam in the corner. Further scores from George McGinn and Joe Painter prompted an early finish as Alcester looked to have played a game too many.

So a good result, three wins from four and a fine start to the season