Shipston kept up their challenge near the top of the Midlands 3 West table with victory over struggling Bedworth at Mayo Road on Saturday, on a day that was not overly conducive to free flowing, running rugby. The heavens opened and the two sides were forced to slog it out in the slippery, wet conditions, with the scrum playing a major role all afternoon.

The Rams stared the game brightly and scored a try with just 5 minutes on the clock. Robbie Faulkner latched on to an off-load and raced clear after good work from his brother Tobi down the left touchline. The rest of the half was a bit of a struggle for both sides, with plenty of spilt ball and turnovers in the challenging conditions. There would be one more try for the fans to savour in the first period, as Faulkner touched down for his second try of the afternoon with half an hour played. His two successful conversions made the score 14-0 to the Rams at half time.

With a gentle word from the coaching staff at half time, Shipston changed their game plan slightly in the second half and the change paid dividends straight away. Asked to play with more control and to stop trying to make risky passes out of the tackle, Shipston were more direct and a lot more clinical in the second half. The forwards increased the intensity and there was strong running from the likes of harry Barnard and Tarek Laktaf. This improved display resulted in no less than 6 tries for the home side in the second half and a well deserved 48-0 victory. Faulkner added another to his tally to complete his hat trick and he was joined by brother Tobi, Tarek Laktaf, Jack Barnard, Harry Barnard and Tommy Barry in crossing the whitewash.

The victory assured Shipston remain in the battle for promotion and the second half in particular displayed some positive signs for the Rams. The ability to play good rugby in testing conditions should not be underestimated as the winter months draw ever nearer, so it was a pleasing result and display for the hosts. Tarek Laktaf managed to gain his customary 10 minutes in the sin bin, and the fact that the Rams were able to control the game, even whilst down to 14 men, showed the improvement that this side has made in the past 12 months.

There were some very good performances throughout the afternoon that deserve a mention. Harry Barnard made plenty of strong carries all afternoon and Tarek (despite his indiscretion) was very imposing in defence. Tobi Faulkner and Aaron Neal both staked a claim for MOM as well, but this week it can only go to one man really, Robbie Faulkner. His 3 tries and 4 conversions gave him a personal tally of 23 points and his contributions with ball in hand put Shipston on the front foot all game.

Next week the Rams travel to table toppers Droitwich in a what promises to be a mouth watering encounter in the final game before Christmas. There is a bus going to the game (and bringing us back) so if there are any supporters who would like to join us please get in touch with Vanessa Faulkner.