Shipston U15s beat Nuneaton in Warwickshire Cup

Shipston U15s welcomed Nuneaton to Mayo Road for their first ever cup competition. Playing in the Warwickshire cup we will also be facing Sutton Coldfield and Sihillians.

The game was off to a flying start and Nuneaton applied pressure from the outset. Shipston's defence remained strong despite wave after wave of Nuneaton attack. The boys coped with Nuneaton's ferocious tackling, the forwards' work rate was phenomenal. However after 20 minutes of Nuneaton pounding the try line they eventually went over for a deserved try. No conversion. 0-5.

Tempers were getting a little frayed on both sides with the dead lock leading to frustration. Ilyas was relentless and gained possession again and again, stalling Nuneaton's attack. Hot foot from his Worcester Warriors experience Joe Painter showed his brilliance from the 5yd line and put Shipston on the front foot.

The forwards worked so hard and eventually got the ball out. It passed through the line and with a moment of brilliance Sam made good ground. The boys had a line out on the 22, followed by a scrum on the 5 yd line. Nuneaton repeatedly collapsed the maul and their infringements allowed the ref to award a penalty try. Swiftly converted. 7-5

Half time

The coaches asked the boys to apply more pressure and they started the second half with that intent getting up to the 22. Some nice work from the centre partnership of Adam and George V. However their work was in vain when some missed tackles allowed Nuneaton's flyer in for two tries that were competently converted. The score was 7-19 with 20 mins to go and all to play for.

Then the magic started. Charlie Dews made a lightening break and passed to Joe Painter who flew in for a lovely try under the posts. Converted by George H. Just three minutes later George McGinn went over brilliantly and then George Hendy put the ball over the posts with the conversion of the season and this is only the first game! From the sideline he got the length, just. It bounced off the cross bar, hit the upright and then unbelievably hit the cross bar again to go over. Fluky but absolutely inspiring. 21-19

Shipston absorbed the pressure from Nuneaton and play moved back and forth. Nuneaton's frustration showed and they got a yellow card for bad language. Nuneaton looked weary and while some of the Shipston team looked a little tired it was clear they wanted the win more. We can be so proud of the whole team, on and off the pitch today.

Snitchable offences of the week
For lack of shirts and ties: Alex, Ilyas, Charlie B.
For clothing disorder and wearing women's clothes: Charlie D
For post triple bouncing of a conversion: George H
For failing to pick up at the ruck and creating a comedy moment: Jonno and Charlie B
For appalling backhand passing: George V and Henry