Shipston U15 v Barkers Butts U15

Shipston U15’s produced an outstanding team performance to win 36-10 against a very strong Barkers Butts side in the Warwickshire Cup.

An outstanding start to the game saw Shipston score two early tries through right wing Christopher Barker-Harland and with the conversion added for one Shipston led 12-0.

Barker-Harland was on fire and quickly added two more sensational tries to stretch the lead to 22-0, both set up by outstanding play from the backs including Henry Hopkins (No 10) and Marcus Creagh (No 13).

Barkers were always in the game and it was only outstanding defence from the Shipston team that kept them from scoring. However they scored a well-deserved try just before half time to make the score 22-5.

The second half was a closer game with Barkers having lots of possession but the Shipston defensive wall held firm and two more tries were scored from Creagh and Ed Turner with the conversions being added by Henry Hopkins.

Barkers scored a further consolidation try and the final score was 36-10.

Shipston’s win was built on a very good defensive performance with outstanding rucking by the forwards who also controlled the set pieces. This gave the backs the opportunity to provide some great running rugby.

It was also great to see Jamie McGinn back after a long absence and he made a strong contribution in his first game of the season.