U15s triumph in second cup game

Shipston’s 2nd cup match of the season was a home fixture played away at Old Leamingtonians due to pitch availability at Shipston in the morning and Old Leams not being able to make a later kick off. A cold grey morning greeted us in what was expected to be a tough encounter. Our squad being boosted by the return of Adam, Joe and Timmy looked as usual very relaxed in their warm up with Old Leams looking menacing and ready for the game while they warmed up.

O/L’s get the game underway and straight away Shippo force their way back into the O/L’s half and a penalty gives us the chance to gain more territory. O/L’s steal the line out a good kick downfield puts them on the front foot, a little indecisiveness from Shippo gives O/L’s the ball inside the Shippo 22 and some good straight running gives them the 1st try of the game, unsuccessful conversion, 5-0.

This scoreline was to be short lived as from the restart a kind bounce of the ball dropped perfectly into the marauding Alistair’s hand’s who showed a clean pair of heals to fly over the line levelling the score, unsuccessful conversion. 5-5

Both teams playing really physical rugby and not wanting to give an inch, a penalty in range for O/L’s is pulled wide of the post’s and quick thinking see’s Charlie D release Alistair who again moves quickly through the O/L’s line only for another penalty to give up possession. The game is now being played between both team’s 22’s back and forth; Devon pouncing on a loose ball and bashing his way through some tackles and going over for our 2nd try, George H convert’s for a 5-12 scoreline.

O/L’s respond well and drive Shippo back to just in front of their own try line and Shippo starting to concede a few too many penalties and O/L’s looking very dangerous. The ball comes loose and Zak dives onto it and the forwards use this chance to get some possession and territory but this game is tough and O/L’s get a penalty and a good kick to touch just outside our 22 moves the back into our half, a wayward throw at the line and Will F kicks clear with the O/L’s back line knocking on the clearance. George H pouncing on the mistaken feeds Charlie D to go over in the corner for the 3rd try, unsuccessful conversion from out wide. Harrison again flanking and again causing problems for the opposition with his mobility and aggression. Half time comes with Shippo leading 5-17.

The new first aid kit sees its first action with Mr Dews rushing to fix a broken nail on the big man Joe P (not quite a scene from casualty but with the speed Pete showed in attending the injured solider he may have missed his calling in the NHS with his healing hands).

2nd half begins with all 4 subs entering play the O/L’s boy’s return the kick but a great turnover on the floor sees Joe P go on one of his forceful runs only for a great try saving tackle just short of the line. Neither team is giving an inch and O/L’s drive Shippo into their own half and again a few too many penalties by us sees a yellow card for Devon. Another good turnover by the forwards frees the back line to throw the ball down the line only for the last pass to go into touch with the winger not in position to collect the pass, O/L’s working really well and a great running move sees them go over 5m in from touch line followed by a great conversion in of the post has the scores at 12-17.

Shippo regroup and put O/L’s back under pressure with Henry M side stepping into space and powers forward only to be brought down by 2 tacklers, the physical nature of the game has taken its toll and O/L’s now down to 13 men due to injuries. The decision to finish the game early is taken so Shippo walk off with a good victory against a very good team.

Full time Old Leams 12 Shipston 17.

A good all round performance from all today, the whole pack were not found wanting today with each and every member standing firm in what was a very tough encounter, the backs again looked good when moving the ball. I feel it is only right to mention what a good performance the referee gave, at 19 years old he was only just older than the boys. He showed real authority on the pitch and didn’t let some touch line antics affect him. I also must mention so far the funniest moment of the season which for anyone who has seen the you tube clip of the man chasing his dog shouting “FENTON , FENTON , FENTON” will enjoy the new version “JEREMY JEREMY JEREMY JEREMY JEREMY“; and Timmy well done for you know what!!

Naughty step this week for:
Devon – yellow card for excessive enthusiasm
Timmy – for sharp tongued rebuttals
Jo Painter – for nail polish removal DURING the game
Sam and Will – for insufficient hand strengthening exercises prior to the game