Shipston entertained their 'Fosse Way' neighbours Harbury in a entertaining first game of the season.
On a warm afternoon with the pitch looking in fine condition,Shipston's young side won convincingly against a much heavier and experienced opponents.
After 10 minutes Shipston broke down their left through Oli Morris who off loaded to Tom Corby to score in the corner,Robbie Faulkner converted from the touchline to make it 7-0.
5 minutes later Charlie Speechley used his pace down the middle of the field avoiding tackle after tackle and passed to Oli Morris to score a simple try-Robbie Faulkner easily converted-14-0.
On 20 minutes Harbury were penalized under the post which let Robbie Faulkner kick a simple penalty-17-0.
With half an hour gone Harbury replied with a line out near Shipston's line and using their weight from the resulting maul went over for a converted try-17-7.This remained the score at half time-17-7.
5 minutes into the second half Charlie Speechley once again burst through the middle to off load to Ben Seys,who popped it to Oli Morris to score in the corner 22-7.
Within 2 minutes from the restart fly half Robbie Faulkner went on a run down the middle of the pitch,breaking several tackles,and despite being deliberately blocked after his chip over the fullback,still won the chase for the line,he then easily converted his own try-29-7.
On the hour Shipston conceded a soft try when everyone seemed to freeze allowing Harbury to break down their right and score in the corner-29-12.
Shipston on 65 minutes then ventured into Harbury's 22 and on being awarded a penaltly,rather than take the 3 points spun it out for Shipston's pack to drive over and another simple conversion for Robbie Faulkner to make it 36-12.
With 5 minutes remaining Harbury repeated their first try with a line out and maul to reduce it to 36-17.
But with only 3 minutes remaining Shipston had the last say when again they broke through for Oli Morris to complete his hat-trick and if was fitting that Robbie Faulkner complete the scoring with a conversion from the touchline.
Final score being 43-17 to Shipston.
The game was very well refereed which added to the afternoon and a good start to the season for Shipston with a tough trip to Ledbury next week .
My Man of the Match-Robbie Faulkner
Charlie's Man of the Match-Robbie Faulkner
Best tackle of the Match-Tom Corby
And a special mention for 'Old warhorse' Guy Loveridge who on coming on as replacement nearly doubled the average age of the team-well played Guy!