2008/9 Match Reports

If you tell us we'll print it

April 25th 2009

Earlsdon 3rdXV 62 - 3 Coventrians 2ndXV

The final game of the season saw Earlsdon 3rdXV travel across the city to play old neighbours Coventrians 2ndXV. It turned into 'fathers and sons day' with no less than four sets turning out which must be some sort of a club record - Mick and Rhys Roberts, Luke and Mark Tolley, Paul and Adam Keene and Craig Forsyth with sons Ian and Callum.

Earlsdon had a good mix of youth and experience and were determined to end the season on a high. However it was the youthful home team who started the better and took the lead with a penalty after Earlsdon had been offside in midfield. Earlsdon then upped the pace and broke the Coventrians line several times but the last pass not going to hand preventing the score. When the first try came it was well worth it, good play by the forwards allowing quick hands by the backs to put veteran winger Tim Ellershaw in the corner. Marcus Jones missed the conversion. It was not long after that they scored again and it was a fine individual effort by full back Rhys Roberts, gathering his chip to score - unconverted. He had to go off as he landed on his shoulder to be replaced by Lewis Taylor. Dad Mick was not to be outdone, good work by number 8 Chris 'Ziggy' Zutic saw him match his lad's try. Again Jones was wide with the conversion. Earlsdon were then reduced to 14 men, Craig Forsyth in the bin for 'unecessary roughness' (say no more). The match also went to passive scrums as the Coventrians hooker hurt his neck. Earlsdon scored again before half time, Ziggy getting the score under the posts which Jones converted this time, 22 - 3 half time score.

Earlsdon made a couple of changes at half time, Callum Forsyth on at scrum half and Luke Tolley in the centre. Earlsdon scored again within 5 minutes, good work from Ziggy put Marcus 'The Greggs Express' Jones in for a score which he converted. Coventrians heads were down and Earlsdon dominated the rest of the game with further scores from Mark Tolley, Luke Tolley, Lee Arbuthnott(2) and a first ever try for winger Chris Horne and 4 more Jones conversions saw a final score of 62 - 3.

A cracking win and a good end to what has been a highly successful and enjoyable season for the 3rdXV which has been well organised and lead by Steff Kenney - lets hope he stand for skipper again next year.

April 18th 2009

Earlsdon 16 - Old Laurentians 22

Earlsdon welcomed 3rd placed Old Laurentians and hoped to do the double over a side who needed a win and hope for results to go their way to win the League. With coach Crayton Phillips standing down and Rob Callaway retiring from first team rugby it was all to play for. And it couldn't have been scripted any better with Callaway getting the opening score from the back of a rolling maul the home side to the delight of watching Vps and former players had started well and were 5 - 0 in the lead. OLs had different ideas however and their pace on the wings came into play and they levelled the cores and the conversion gave them the slenderest of leads. Chris Scott regained the lead for Earlsdon with a trademark penalty OLs responded them selves with another penalty on the stroke of half time. In the second half Earlsdon were applying pressure in the but a misplaced kick from Scott gave the OLs defending winger the chance to show his pace and he ran in from his own 22 James Payne making a valiant effort to tap tackle him on the line. Earlsdon again pressed and Scott slotted a further penalty to keep Earlsdon in touch but the prospect of a thrilling finale was quashed by a try out wide from the visting winger and the 22 - 11 scoreline was given a bit more hope with a try from Chris Zutic the youngest Earlsdon player out wide and with 2 minutes left on the clock Earlsdon couldn't regain posession and 22 - 16 loss.

Old Laurentians II 40 - Earlsdon II 12

Earlsdon travelled up the A45 to Old Laurent's for the last league game of the season. It was a changed team, with Martin Murphy stepping in to play No. 8 and Lewis Taylor made his second team debut on the wing. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, perfect conditions for rugby. Earlsdon started well, controlling the game and putting together some good phases of play. Old Laurent's were living off Earlsdon's mistakes as they took advantage of an overlap out wide to run in for the first try of the match, and converted. Earlsdon were playing well, but silly mistakes cost them the first half. Old Laurent's were using their pace to full advantage as they ran the ball round the Earlsdon defence another 3 times in the first half as they raked up a 28-0 half time lead. Earlsdon woke up after half time, and started to get back into the game. The forwards were winning plenty of ball in the line outs, and putting together series of rucks and mauls. Earlsdon's backs enjoyed plenty of running rugby, but the OL's defence was very strong. Eventually, after lots of pressure on the OL's try line, Earlsdon scored their first try of the game. After a series of rucks, Phil Bentham picked up the ball and danced his way over the try line. Rossi converted. Before no time, Earlsdon found themselves back in the OL's 22. Again pilling the pressure on, a rolling maul found its way to Sam Tolley who went over out wide for his first senior try. The conversion was missed. But it was too little too late for Earlsdon as OL's managed to score another couple of tries before the final whistle, to win 40-12.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 45 - 10 Dunlop 2ndXV

No Match report this week but a good win with the following scorers:

Tries: Sam Thompson (3), Lee Arbuthnott(2), Joe Jennings, Mark Tolley

Conversions: Ady Higgins (5)

April 11th 2009

Dunlop 20 Earlsdon 13 Warwickshire Cup 1/4 Final

Earlsdon were the second West Midlands III victims of a competent display by lower ranked Dunlop; who did to the Earlsdon team exactly what Earlsdon used to delight in doing a few years ago. Dunlop defended as if their lives depended on it and even when they were down to 13 men with a red and a yellow. But as is the case in such occasions the remaining players upped their game and managed a try and penalty against the numeric superiority of Earlsdon. Chris Scott kicked 2 Pens and a conversion in a disappointing Easter Saturday and summed up the end of the season performances so far losing against bottom side Silhillians and missing out on a Warwickshire Cup run.

Coventry Saracens I 16 - Earlsdon II 31

Earlsdon second team travelled to Coventry Saracens in a friendly match in preparation for the Warwickshire cup in a couple of weeks. Earlsdon opened the scoring within the first couple of minutes. A scrum in the Saracens 22, saw the backs get their hands on the ball, and some really bad defending saw Lee Arbuthnott score in the corner. Rossi slotted the conversion from out wide. Earlsdon took their foot off the gas and they allowed the home team to come back into the game. An overlap out wide saw Coventry Saracens race through to score, and missed the conversion. The first half saw the Earsldon backs running plenty of ball, but found themselves running out of room on the small pitch. 5 minutes left in the first half saw Ash Hogan being sent to the sin bin for mouthing off at the referee. Earlsdon made hard work of the first half, but still managed to lead. The second half got worse for Earlsdon, as they conceded another try from a scrum and an overlap out wide saw the winger score. Conversion was successful, and Earlsdon found themselves 12-7 behind. This was a wake up call for Earlsdon and they began to play some exciting rugby. Rossi managed to find a big open space in the Saracens defence as he grubbered to the ball through into an open space, and it bounced nicely into Paul "Fastkid's" hands as he raced to score. The conversion was missed. 12-12 and Earlsdon had stepped up a gear. In no time they found themselves back in the Saracens 22. Earlsdon dominated the breakdown and they won ruck after ruck. Eventually Craig Bone picked up the ball and shrugged off a couple of tackles to dive over the line to put Earlsdon back in the lead. Rossi added to extras. From the re-start Earlsdon found themselves back in the Saracens 22. Ash Hogan picked up the ball from a ruck and he raced clear to score under the posts. Rossi converted. Saracens did have a couple of good breaks and looked dangerous, but the Earlsdon defence held strong. Right at the end Joe Jennings boshed off a couple of defenders as he managed to score Ealrsdons final try of the game. The conversion was missed and the final whistle blew. 31-12 to Earlsdon.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 30 - 15 Shipston on Stour 3rd XV

Earlsdon just about managed to get three sides out over Easter and the 3rdXV entertained Shipston 3rdXV on a day ideal for running rugby. The home side fielded a good mix of youth and experience with 4 of the young 17 year old colts taking the field, Sam Tolley and Andy Clark in the pack and Chris Hannah and Lewis Taylor on the wings. There were also 2 father and son partnerships with Nick Taylor and son Lewis and Mark Tolley with son Sam. Rich Gee also made his first apperance for the red and whites for his first game in 3 years.

Earlsdon started the stronger and were 3 - 0 up in no time with fly half Marcus Jones converting a penalty. The home pack were up for it and had the upper hand in the tackle area. The first try of the match came from a lineout 10 metres out, Sam Tolley securing clean ball at 4, the forwards drove it on and then it was released to the backs with Neil Ward taking a great line to score under the posts. Jones converted for a 10 - 0 lead. The home team again pressurised the visitors line but Shipston were dangerous on the counter attack and they converted a penalty to get the score back to 10 - 3. More good play by the home side saw another penalty by Jones for a 13 - 3 lead. 10 minutes before half time Paul 'arfa' Hayward replaced young Andy Clark at second row. Earlsdon camped in the Shipston half for the rest of the first half but couldn't converted pressure into points so the score remained 13 - 3.

Haggis was on kitchen duty so Andy Clark came back on for him at half time so he could finish the cottage pie (top drawer knosh it was too!!). Shipston made a few changes at half time and got right back into the match with a good try worked through their backs - score 13 - 10. Jones converted another penalty to nudge the lead out to 16 - 10 after the visitors were offside at a scrum. Shipston were now playing with confidence and looked like taking the lead but young Sam Tolley put in a try saving tackle. They also had a couple more chances but the home side managed to keep them out. The decisive score came after a quick tap penalty by veteran number eight John Murphy saw prop Mark Tolley drive over the line to get the try. Jones added the conversion from the touchline for a 23 - 10 lead. Shipston didn't give up and they got another unconverted try to cut the lead back to 23 - 15. The Earlsdon side then controlled the ball and closed the game out with a try on the final whistle. A scrum 5 metres out saw simple hands from Murphy and scrum half Neil McDonald put Lewis Taylor in for a well deserved try in the corner. Jones completed a 100% kicking display by putting the kick over from the other touchline this time. The score finished 30 - 15 in a hard fought contest with two sides looking to play a bit of rugby.

April 4th 2009

Silhillians 25 - Earlsdon 7

Earlsdon lost out to a more committed Sils side who are fighting to get off the bottom of the table as earlier in the season Earlsdon failed against lower ranked opposition, a number of late unavailabilities didn't help the team stability but one bright spark was the hooking of Ross Aubrey making his first team debut. Sils got off to a dream start as is often the case with games between these 2 sides and had 7 points on the board before some people had come out of the bar ! This was quickly followed by a penalty and after 10 minutes the visitors were 10 - 0 down and had been camped in their own half. Earlsdon did manage to work the ball upfield from a series of rucks but with some excellent counter rucking from the home side turnover ball was always an option and with a strong diagonal wind Earlsdon lost metres of territory with a range of kicks testing the resolve of the visiting back 3. Ian Forsyth was forced off with a twisted ankle and Luke Settle was also replaced. Earlsdon had a glimmer of hope after crossing by the home side on half way the visitors took a quick tap but them selves were caught for the same offence, Sils went quickly and fed their speedy winger who scored his second try at ease round the gasping defence the extras were added and a 17 - 0 lead just after the first quarter gave the game a feel of being dead and burried. Then a penalty 5m in from touch gave the Sils a 20 - 0 lead at half time.

After the interval Sils were a man down with a sin binning as Earlsdon hammered away at the home line and eventually after 10 pieces of possesion Todd Freemantle dotted down in the corner and Chris Scott added the extras. Earlsdon kept plugging away and were camped in the home 22 but final passes went astray, ball was turned over and 5 minutes after skipper Lee Davies went off to allow Paddy Ryan the last 20 scrum half Rob Fisher went off with a bloodies nose which brough Scott into 9 and Rhys Roberts tpo 10 from the wing ( or was it Full Back ?) and Davies returned to play blind side as a blood sub. With so many changes going on the inevitale happened and Sils broke through a missed tackle in midfield they were unable to convert it and the final whistle gave them the win 25 - 7.

Earlsdon 31 - Silhillians 24

Earlsdon welcomed Old Sihillians to Mitchell Avenue on a warm sunny April afternoon. The pitch was perfect for running rugby and thats exactly what both teams did. Earlsdon welcomed Lee Arbuthnott back into the second team at fly half and Christian Grierson at No. 8 was making his second team debut. The away team didn't turn up with a hooker so the game had to go ahead with uncontested scrums. The game started with Old Sils being camped in the Earlsdon 22 but unable to score as the home teams defence held strong. Earlsdon managed to get the ball back to the other half of the pitch with a line out in the corner. The ball came to Gary Back who was eagerly waiting for the ball to come his way, and it did, and he dived over for the opening try of the game. Conversion was missed. Old Sils were soon back in the game as they kicked the ball over the defence, had a lucky bounce of the ball and it fell to their winger who set up their full back to score. The conversion was also missed. Soon after, Rossi managed to chip the ball through and a lucky bounce fell to Sean Moore, who popped the ball back to Rossi, who raced away to score under the posts. Rossi converted. Earlsdon led 12-5 at half time. From the kick off Earlsdon were back in the Old Sils half. An overlap in the backs saw Lee Arbuthnott break through a gap and find Dave Bowyer who raced away to score under the posts. Rossi converted. Within minutes Earlsdon were back near the Old Sils try line as Gary Back picked up from a ruck and scored under the posts. Rossi converted for a 26-5 lead. Old Sils came back in the game, as the home team missed tackles, they allowed the away team to score 2 more tries which brought them back to 26-19. Earlsdon stepped up a gear and were rewarded with another try. Earlsdon stole the ball from a line out and Gary Back raced to the corner to complete his hatrick. The conversion was missed. 31-19 to the home team. The final 5 minutes were very close. Old Sils managed to race away and score an unconverted try. 31-24 to the home team. Earlsdon were soon back in the Old Sils half and Lee Arbuthnott tried for the drop goal, but ended up finding touch....the final whistle blew and Earlsdon were awarded with a 31-24 win.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 60 – 5 Old Leamingtonians

Earlsdon 3rd XV sent a strong experienced side over the A45 to play an Old Leams ‘B’ team and served up a 9 try performance in hot sunny conditions. Prop Jason Dean, wingers Sam Thompson and Callum Forsyth provided the youth in what was essentially Earlsdon Vets. Former Earlsdon player Nick Walpole who had turned up to play for Coventry Welsh only for the game to be off guested from the bench.

It was the home side that started the brightest and they got the first try of the match as they broke out of their won 22, the try was unconverted. They also had another period of pressure but the Earlsdon defence held firm. The wily old Earlsdon forwards then started to influence the match and after a driving maul flanker Rob ‘don’t put my name on the internet’ Callaway broke away to score under the posts. Fly half Marcus Jones converted. The next score came from good hands by the backs, winger Sam ‘Forest’ Thompson using his pace to get around his defender to score. Another set move by the backs saw centre Neil Ward split the home defence and then put scrum half Neil McDonald in for the try. An up and under from Jones bounced kindly for Earlsdon with Thompson getting his second try. Centre Deri Thomas then scored a trademark try from a scissors move cutting back through the home pack to barge his way over. Just before half time the match went to passive scrums with an injury to one of the home props. The home team were doing well at the line-outs but the back row unit of Callaway, Morton and Murphy were putting pressure on the home half backs. On the stroke of half time Jones put over a drop goal (should have been fined!!) and Earlsdon led 34 – 5.

The visitors made a couple of changes at half time, Nick Walpole on the wing for Sam Thompson and Gareth Mitchell in the centre for Neil Ward. The first 10 minutes of the second period were a bit scrappy but the scrums did become contested again as Old Leams found another prop. Callum Forsyth who was making his senior debut was having a great game and it was from one of his runs that hardworking prop Jason Dean scored. The try was converted from wide out by Jones. The boiler room of Paul Keene and Craig Forsyth were doing well in the heat and Haggis took a well earned rest being replaced by Dave ‘I wasn’t late I had a meeting in the Bell’ Withers. The home side were still battling hard but Earlsdon had too much experience and were bossing the breakdown. Macca scored his second try after good defence by the backs had turned the ball over, nipping up the blind side for an easy score from his own 10 metre line. Jones converted, the score moving out to 48 – 5. Macca then completed his hat-trick, winger Thompson should have scored but put the ball down 2 metres short, realising his error he popped the ball up to Macca who scored in the corner. Jones missed the very difficult conversion. On the stroke of halftime ‘Forest’ completed his hat-trick, a good run and dummy by Callaway saw him offload to ‘Forest’ to score under the posts. Jones converted for a final score of 60 – 5.

March 28th 2009

Earlsdon 28 - Barkers Butts 12 League

Playing with the wind in the first half, Earlsdon made a great start nearly scoring in the first minute,

but for as wayward pass. Pressure from the forwards and good midfield defence restricted the visitors

to kick possession away. Earlsdon’s first score was good interlinking play between forwards and backs with Chris Scott walking it in from 25metres, he calmly struck over the conversation.

Earlsdon went on to score another try, this time from a midfield kick, pressure on the Barkers Fullback

enabled the Peter Pan like Lee Arbuthnott to steal the ball and score, converted again by Scott.

Scott also kicked 3 penalties as the visitors continued to spoil the ball at every opportunity. Barkers

incurring a yellow card for one of the front row forwards for flopping over the ball at every ruck. Earlsdon went into halftime 23 – 0.

With conditions worsening during the half time interval some of the old faithful supporters took refuge in the club house for a short time. As the game restarted Earlsdon felt comfortable with there lead and

although the ref tried to even the game a little, with a yellow card for Earlsdons second row Ryan Lippy Little. The result was never in danger. Barkers did score a try from some good strong running from the young centre and the forwards were also rewarded for a try in the corner. With changes to the forwards the Earlsdon lads finished the game the stronger , with some good work in the loose gave Tom Rawlings the opportunity to score his first try for the 1st Team, only to be felled as he tripped over his own feet as the line beckoned, this gave the crowd something to cheer. The last five minutes were played in the Barkers 22 and it was pressure from the whole team that eventually turned over the ball and Gary Back popping up to dive on the ball and ground it for the fourth try.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 56 - 7 Camp Hill 3rd XV

Earlsdon 3rdXV welcomed Camp Hill 3rds to Mitchell Avenue on a cold and windy day where all weather conditions were experienced. The team welcomed Jamie Webb back for his first game of the year in the centre and he with young Ash Hogan and Dean Kenney brought the usual average age of the 3rds down a bit this week. The visitors started off the better side and had the home team under pressure from the start. The home side weathered the storm and then hit the visitors with 4 quick tries that seemed to knock the stuffing out of them. Club Stalwart Craig Forsyth scored the first set up by Mick Roberts who was heard to say "Oh no" as he made the scoring pass without realising he was passing to Haggis (it was from a yard). Fly half Marcus Jones converted. Jamie Webb scored the 2nd after good pressure by the back row turned the ball over, try converted by Jones. The 3rd was scored by Andy Boardman who was in support of a break by scrum half Neil McDonald, Jones again converting. Winger Sam Thompson then finished off a fine handling move by the backs for the fourth - Jones converted and the half time score was 28 - 0.

Earlsdon made a couple of changes at half time; Sam Tolley, Tim Ellershaw and Laim McGladrigan replacing Craig Forsyth, Neil Ward and Ady Higgins. The visitors began to get a bit more ball and defended well for the first 15 minutes of the second half. It then turned into the Jamie Web show as he used his pace and power to complete a fine hat-trick both tries converted by Jones. Camp Hill didn't give up and they scored a converted try to get points on the board. Earlsdon weren't finished and fine play by Dean Kenney and Ash Hogan saw blind side Gareth Mullen score a fine try under the posts which was converted for a 49 - 7 lead. Just before the end of the match Webb scored his 4th try from deep (don't think he'll be in the 3rds next week!!) and Jones completed a 100% kicking record for a final score of 56 - 7.

March 25th 2009

Earlsdon 28 - Barkers 5 Veteran Shield Final

Earlsdon Veterans won the "Warks RFU Double Tops Alan Campbell Veteran Shield 2009" despite starting the game with 13 players, due to cry offs. Earlsdon started well causing Barker Butts all kind of problems with Haggis, Dave Bowyer and Martin Murphy probing deep into the Barkers defence. After Barkers gave away a few penalties, centre Lee Arbuthnott scored under the posts, Ady Higgins converting. The calvery then arrived, with centre Neil Ward arriving half way through the first half, bringing Earlsdon up to 14 players. Earlsdon scored again soon after with Prop Dave Bowyer charging over for a 12 nil lead, Higgins converting .Earlsdon continued with the pressure and Joe Jennings drove over from 5 yards, Higgins converting for a 21 - nil lead at half time

The second half was a bit more even as both teams tired. Barkers tried but failed to break through Earlsdons midfield, with Lee Arbuthnot and Jon Murphy stopping every thing Barkers threw at them. Earlsdon scored their last try after some good work out wide by Tim Ellershaw and Martin Murphy to put Calloway in for the penultimate try of the game, Higgins converting for the 4th time. Barkers never gave up and after Haggis gave away a penalty for coming in from the side, Barkers caught the line out and scored a consolation try in the last play.

Earlsdon Development 0 - Broadstreet 17

A chilly March evening was fizzing with a great game between city rivals in rural Berkswell in the semi final of the Double Top Plate. Earlsdon fielded a very young side with colts and young players ably skippered by Rob Jones. Earlsdon looked dangerous with Christian Grierson at the forefront of some powerful drives. Broadstreet were too street wise and slowed the tempo down when it suited them and controlled the pace of the game. The 2 sides had played each other at Michell Avenue a couple of weeks ago so Earlsdon knew that their opponents had pace out wide and tried to play a containing game, eventually the defence was breached with Ian SIlvera back from Uni suffering a dead arm the 'Street winger managed to scamper round the wing for a score out wide. Earlsdon were managing to punch holes in the defence but never managed to complete passes out of the tackle and suffered penalties that gave the Binley Woods men relief from further attacks. Some changes at half time stiffened the attacking and defensive options but met stiff resistance from the men in green who added another try out wide with a classic in and out and in from their speedy winger who we remembered from last years cup final and then a mix up in defence let Broadstreets scrum half a gap to power through and dot down for the only converted try of the game.

March 21st 2009 - Wig Day

Pup's Cup - Earlsdon 'A' Team 7 - 10 Trinity Guild

Wigs were the order of the day for the Annual Pup's Cup match away vs Trinity Guild. On a bright sunny day Earlsdon had a squad of 25 odd players but only about 2 under the age of 30 as most were veterans with 4 or 5 over 50's as well. Justin Huckfield, Jim Lorimer and Craig Forsyth put their boots on again for the match. The sun shone for the first time that I can remember at the Guild and despite a stiff breeze it was ideal conditions for an open game. Short of a recognised scrum half flanker Rob Callaway stepped forward to take the job hoping to avoid a Bergamasco-type performance. The first half was a very scrappy affair with the handling skills on both sides being poor which was stopping the flow of the match. There were not many clear cut chances but the Guild did have a period of pressure which resulted in them kicking a penalty just before half time and that turned out to be the only points of the half. Both sides made a few changes at half time and a decent sized crowd had gathered hoping for an improved second half. It was very competitive with the defences on top, but both sides still tried to move the ball. Guild looked odds on to score but a fine tackle from full back Ady Higgins saved the day. Earlsdon then took the lead, number eight Neil Bullman picked up from the base of the scum and fed scrum half Callaway who made yards up the middle, Bully was in support again to give the scoring pass to fly half Marcus Jones to score under the posts. Jones converted his own try for a slender 7 - 3 lead. More pressure led to a penalty attempt from Jones which just drifted wide. The Guild were still in the hunt and snatched victory late on when the winger broke through, the try was converted and they held on for the last 5 minutes for a 10 - 7 win and possession of the cup for the next 12 months.

Birmingham Wyvern 0 - Earlsdon 'B' 43

Earlsdon sent a B team over to Birmingham Wyvern with a mixture of second team and colts. It was a sunny afternoon, perfect for running rugby, and that's exactly what Earlsdon did. Within 5 minutes, Wyvern were in the Earlsdon 22. A break on the left hand side saw Batman go through to set up scrum half Rob Jones to score a length of the pitch try under the posts. Rossi converted. From the restart, Simon Lole caught the ball and he ran through through the Wyvern defence (untouched) to score under the posts. Rossi added the extras. Earlsdon dominated the game as they turned over scrums and lineouts all game. Moments later Earlsdon scored again as prop Dave Bowyer made a break from a ruck and scored out wide. Conversion was missed. Dean Kenny finished off a well executed move as he ran clear to score under the posts. Rossi converted for a 26-0 half time lead. The second half began the same as the first ended. Wyvern did have a few breaks and looked like scoring on a number of occasions, but Earlsdon's defence was very strong. It took a while for Earlsdon to get on the score board in the second half as some players were guilty of "white line fever" (you know who you are!!!!). Eventually Ashley Hogan spotted a gap in the Wyvern defence as he raced through to score under the posts. Rossi converted. Earlsdon got their rhythm back and they started to get the ball outwide. It wasn't long before Batman raced through to score outwide. Conversion was missed. The last play of the game saw scrum half Rob Jones go over in the corner for his second try of the game. Conversion missed. The final score was 43-0 to Earlsdon as they ran in 7 tries.

March 18th 2009

Earlsdon Development 33 - Coventry Police 14

A cool March evening was warmed by a thoroughly entertaining game from a youthfull Earlsdon Development side (with a couple of Veterans to steady the tiller).The home side were under the cosh from the start of the game but they slowly eased their way into good field positions with some clever kicking from Rhys Roberts and Chris Scott. Tom Rawlings popped up on the wing after some slick hands in midfield and Roberts converted for a 7 - 0 lead a clever grubber from Roberts then led to Scott flopping on the ball between the sticks and Roberts added the 2. The police came back in the game with a well taken try from their speedy winger and Earlsdon were down to 14 with Ian Forsyth standing on Earlsdon's (playing for the police) Gareth Beynon's leg. But Chris Zutic and Phil Graham were all making inroads into the thin red line ( I know it should have been blue). The Police always looked dangerous but loose passing and a lack of support runners kept them at bay. Craig Forsyth came on for a cameo appearance in the 2nd half and he made an immediate impact with hooker Ross Aubrey nicking one against the head with Gareth McMullan making some probing drives and the ball ended up with Scott who bundled the defenders over the line Scott converting. The Police weren't to be outdone and squeezed home in the corner from a line out drive to make the score 21 - 14 but Earlsdon arrested the scoring with Rob Fisher bamboozling Beynon with a side step that dreams are made of and widend the lead with Rob Jones completing the scoring for the Development team after a bone crunching tackle from Lewis Taylor, Jones winning the race for a try and Scott added the extras to complete an excellent evenings entertainment.

March 14th 2009

WM3(S) Earlsdon 14 - Berkswell and Balsall 17

Earlsdon played host to Warwickshire and long time rivals Balsall and Berkswell team selection had been distrupted with an injury to Ed Keen in the warm up prompting a reshuffle from the balcony Neil Ward rolling back the years and coming in as a late sub. Things went from bad to worse with replacement flanker Gary Back locked in the changing rooms for 15 minutes until he was freed after making a call to the clubhouse bar to get let out. A strong wind appeared to give Earlsdon the early territory but indiscipline and fine kicking against the wind kept Earlsdon out of the visitors 22 and the inevitable happened with B n B opening the scoring with a try from their dangerous outside centre. Chris Scott pulled back a wind assisted penalty and edged Earlsdon in front with another just before half time. The highlight of the first half was a grubber kick and chase by prop Pete Mills. The second half looked like it might have a mirrored image of the first with a penalty from Scott for a nervous 9 - 5 lead. B n B however used their forward power to retake the lead with a forward drive from a line out and further extended it with another forward effort with a pod of Balsall forwards staying out wide to create a 3 man overlap this was converted and they looked comfortable in a 17 - 9 lead. Earlsdon showed some fighting spirit and Zutic looked dangerous from the back row assisted by the evergreen Gary Back and Rob Callaway with Back smuggling over for a try with 10 minutes left of the clock, Scott was off target with the conversion, B n Bs used the wind to pin Earlsdon in their 22 and any chance of a win was lost.

W2TL Stratford 32 - Earlsdon 8

Earlsdon travelled to Stratford, hoping to get their own back after loosing at Mitchell Avenue earlier in the season. The game was delayed because the referee didn't turn up. So someone from Stratford rugby club volunteered to referee. The game started badly for Earlsdon as the home side piled on the pressure as they scored in the first 5 minutes, and converted. Earlsdon were back in the Stratford 22 in no time and were soon awarded with a penalty, which was converted by fly half Rhys Roberts. 8-3 to Stratford. Howling winds made life very difficult for both sides. Earlsdon found it very difficult to get going after some very bad refereeing decisions went Stratford's way. Stratford scored twice more in the first half. Half time was 19-3 to the home team. The second half started well for Earlsdon as they managed to score a well taken try by Luke Tolley. Roberts missed the conversion. 19-8. Just as Earlsdon began to take some control of the game, the referee kept

March 7th 2009

Droitwich 10 - Earlsdon 12

Scotty 4 penalties kept us in touch with the top 3 in the league. Droitwich match reports follows.

Earlsdon II 0 - Broadstreeet II 52.

Earlsdon welcomed Broadstreet to Mitchell Avenue for a second team league encounter. Earlsdon were hoping to improve on their previous performance against Broadstreet at the beginning of the season. The game started badly for Earlsdon as they conceded the opening try within the first 5 minutes. Broadstreet lived of Earlsdon's mistakes as they managed to run in 6 tries before half time. Earlsdon came out in the second half much more sharper and confident as they were camped in the Broadstreet half for most of the second half. Earlsdon's attack was good as they began to find gaps in the defence and the forwards recycled the ball well, but were unable to score. Hand bags at 10 paces saw one from eitherside in the bin for 10 minutes to cool down. Broadstreet managed to score a couple of breakaway tries in the second half. The final score was 0-52.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 22 - 14 Coventrians 2nd XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV travelled across the city to play Coventrians 2nd XV with a squad of 19 players with some colts making their senior debuts. Again Earlsdon fielded a very experienced side with the combined age of the front row of Steff Kenney, Martin Taylor and Dave Withers topping the 150 years mark. Neil Ward played his first game for a couple of years with colt Lewis Taylor on the bench with his Dad Nick. Earlsdon started well but the game was played on a very narrow pitch which made running the ball in the backs very difficult. After an early period of pressure from the home team Earlsdon dominated the first half but a combination of poor handling, Coventrians being allowed to kill the ball at the tackle and the narrow pitch limited the amount of scoring opportunities. They did score the first try of the match, Mark Evans collecting good ball at 4 in the lineout saw the pack drive over with 'Old Man' Withers getting the score. Full back Ady Higgins knocked over the conversion. Earlsdon came close on a couple of occasions before half time but failed to turn pressure into points.

Earlsdon made a couple of changes at half time, colts Lewis and James Taylor (not related) coming on in the backs and Christian coming into the back row. Coventrians had a spell of early pressure but were reduced to 14 men with their prop being shown a straight red for calling the referee a name he didn't like. Earlsdon then went 10 - 0 up when Higgins converted a penalty after Covents were offside. To their credit the 14 men of Covents started to have a go at Earlsdon but the visitors defence was up to the task. The young colts were playing well with second row Andy Clark showing up well in the loose, Lewis Taylor making some good runs and James Taylor making numerous tackles. Earlsdon looked to have sewn the match up, fly half Gareth Mitchell taking a short ball on the blind side to score. Higgins hit the crossbar from the touchline and Earlsdon led 15 - 0. Nick Taylor came on to play his first match with his son Lewis. Covents had other ideas about the game being over and got two converted tries to get the score back to 15 - 14. The experience in the Earlsdon team showed as they closed the game out by dominating possesion. Covents were again offside in front of their own posts, Earlsdon spurned the 3 points and took a tap penalty, Chrisitan taking the ball on the crash, it was quickly recycled with 'Old Man' Withers putting Andy Clark over for the score. Higgins converted and the visitors held on for a hard fought 22 - 14 win.

February 28th 2009

Earlsdon A 36 - Birmingham University Chemical Engineering Society

Tries by Gareth Beynon x2 , Chris Scott, Phil Bentham, Rory Dixon

Scotty 1 pen, 4 cons

Fast flowing game was enjoyed by all, special thanks to the players who guessed for the opposition. At one point Father and Son Tolley both were involved in a great try for the opposition, putting down a marker for a regular first team duo place.

Potter put in some crunching tackles and it was a good confident team effort from the home side.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 30 - 7 Birmingham University Chemical Engineers 2nd XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV welcomed the Chemical Engineering Students of Birmingham Uni in what turned out to be an entertaining match at Mitchell Avenue. The home side fielded a very experienced pack with veterans John Murphy, Rob Callaway, Steve Sharpe, Dave Lea, Dave Bowyer, Martin Taylor and skipper Steff Kenney starting the game. It was a typical encounter against a side of students, the home side having the advantage in the pack with the students having pace out wide but limited possession. The students should have scored first, a breakaway from deep in their own half was thwarted by good cover defence from winger Tim Ellershaw. Earlsdon got the first score, scrum half Nigel Ball scoring in slow motion as the opposition bought his trademark dummy. Conversion was missed by fly half Marcus Jones. They scored again shortly afterwards, prop Dave Bowyer crashed over from short range, again unconverted for a 10 - 0 lead. The students then scored, a good break up the middle followed by an outrageous forward pass, was allowed to go by the referee who was miles behind the play, saw them score under the posts for a scoreline of 10 - 7. Just before half time Earlsdon made a change, Chris Horne limping off to be replaced by ex-first team skipper Gareth Mitchell for his first match in a number of years. There was no further scores before the break.

Another change at half time saw Neil McDonald replace Nigel Ball at scrum half. The second half saw Earlsdon start to dominate possession and further tries followed from Tim Ellershaw, Dave Lea and just before the final whistle a score from fly half Marcus Jones. Jones converted one and also kick a penalty for a final score of 30 - 7. Roger Littlewood and Dave Laing also came on in the second half.

Earlsdon Colts 34 - 8 Leamington Colts

Earlsdon Colts welcomed Leamington to Mitchell Ave, with the home team welcoming eight U17s players to the team, Earlsdon took the lead after 12 mins when the Leamington full back failed to clear in his dead ball area and Jack Lightfoot dropped on the loose ball to score the easiest try of his career, Olly Lyndon converting. This seem to wake up Leamington, and they put the Earlsdon team under some immense pressure. Leamington kicked a penalty after an Earlsdon player was caught going off his feet in the ruck,and minutes later Leamington scored in the corner after some good forward play to go in at half time 8-7 up.

After some good team talk at half time by acting coach Jack Brown, Earlsdon came out with all guns blazing. Big No 8 Luke Settle picked the ball up at the back of a scrum and danced through 2 defenders to score a try and make the score 12 points to 8.The home team raised the tempo and after a Sam Tolley took a line out the ball was fed along the backs for Paddy Darcy to score for a 17 - 8 lead. The back row of Lightfoot, Settle and Tom Morgan were everywhere in the second half, and after another break by Settle, Centre Lewis Taylor scored to make it 22 - 8 to Earlsdon.The powerful front row of Chris Lee and the Pateman brothers, Daniel at Hooker and Warks prop Johnathan at Prop, gave the visitors a torrid time in the scrum, and after Captain Terry Hicks picked the ball up from the back of a scrum, he popped the ball to James Taylor who was tackled on the line but managed to get the ball out to Winger Chris Hannah to score for a 27 - 8 lead.In the last play of the game, Daniel Pateman hooked a ball against the head, and the ball went expertly through the hands of Callum Forsyth, Lewis Taylor and Alex McBain for Darcy to seal the game with his 2nd try. Lyndon converting to seal a good 34 - 8 win for Earlsdon.

February 21st 2009

Earlsdon 3 Kidderminster 16

Scotty Pen in a poor performance

Kenilworth 53 - Earlsdon 7 Warwickshire 2 Team League

No roving reporter but a raving team that got us in trouble and we played with 14 men for 2 portions of the game. Someone of Kenilworth's calibre can't be given an extra man that they used to the max working the overlap. The highlight was a fine team effort from Ian Batman Forsyth who finished off the try of the game dunno who converted it.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 13 - 5 Birmingham Wyvern

Earlsdon 3rd XV welcomed Birmingham Wyvern to Mitchell Avenue on a sunny day for a return fixture after victory at their place earlier in the season. Again the usual Earlsdon merry-go-round saw some changes to the team with Standard stalwart Melvyn O'Neill (also Earlsdon under 8's coach) guesting at second row alongside Paul Keene. Lee Arbuthnott also made a welcome return from injury at fly half and young forward Christian (sorry don't know his surname) having half a game. Wyvern looked a different side to the one played at their ground and the game turned out to be a tough encounter. A strange match overall with neither side able to put any patterns of play together with quite a few stoppages. The first half was a bit of a stalemate, a couple of half chances from either side but no score came. Earlsdon upped the pace in the second half, a couple of changes saw Christian come on for Sam Tolley and Tim Ellershaw on at centre for Mark Evans. The home side got an early score, Wyvern were offside in front of the posts, the penalty was converted by full back Ady Higgins for a 3 - 0 lead. The score was improved 5 minutes later, the home side taking a quick tap penalty which saw Ellershaw score a fine try. Higgins missed the extras, score 8 - 0. The game again became loose with no pattern to it. Winger Sam Thompson came closest to scoring, just being tackled into touch in the corner twice. The home side made more changes, Evans back on for Arbuthnott, Tolley for Mick Roberts and Stu Tilt on for Dave Laing. Young forward Christian showed his promise with a couple of barnstorming runs. The match was settled 5 minutes from time, the home side had the visitors under pressure behind their try line, the fullback attempted to clear but scrum half Neil McDonald somehow managed to hold onto the kick and touch down for a try. Higgins missed the extras from the touchline for a 13 - 0 lead. Just before the end Wyvern scored a consolation try for a final score of 13 - 5.

February 14th 2009

NOE 25 - Earlsdon 11

Could do with knowing who scored the try for end of season stats

Earlsdon II 10 - Nuneaton Old Eds II 5 ( Roving Reporter Rossi)

Earlsdon second team welcomed Nuneaton Old Edwardians to Mitchell Avenue as Earlsdon were hoping to build on their last win against Spartans a couple of weeks ago. Earlsdon welcomed back Craig Mosey following a long term injury and Joe Jennings was back in the second team at second row. Earlsdon started the strongest as they were within the NOE 22 after only a few seconds and were awarded with an early penalty. Rossi unable to convert. Earlsdon soon found themselves back in the NOE 22 with a scrum. Irish Gareth picked up from the back and crashed his way over the line. The conversion was missed. Earlsdon began to get into a good stride as they were camped in the NOE's half for most of the first half. Some good hands in the backs eventually fell to Phil Bentham as he scored in the corner. Rossi unable to convert. Soon after the kick off, NOE took advantage of an overlap as they ran in to score. The conversion was missed. Half time was 10-5 to Earlsdon. The second half was dominated by Earlsdon but the NOE defence held strong with some last ditch tackling. The second half was scoreless but Earlsadon looked sharp particulary in the backs with some good runs by McGladrian, Rossi, Settle and Bentham. The final score was 10-5 to Earlsdon in a hard, but deserved victory.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 10 - 31 Coalville

Earlsdon lost out 31 - 10 to a very handy Coaville outfit at Mitchell Avenue in an entertaining match. The home side had a squad of 18 to choose from with several colts making their senior debuts. Kick off was slightly delayed as the visitors turned up late, but any thought of them being sluggish after the journey and lack of warm up was displelled when their winger jinked his way over for a try from the kick off. Earlsdon shrugged this off and came back at them, the backs moving the ball wide and creating chances that were just missed. They did get points on the board when Coalville were offside, fullback Ady Higgins converting the penalty. The visitors then scored a fine try from deep for a 14 - 3 lead. The home side then came back into it, the backs using the ball well with centre Chris Ward taking a fine line to score under the posts. Higgins converted for a 14 - 10 score. The game was very competitive and young colts Sam Tolley and Ross Aubrey were having fine matches against opponets far more experienced and heavier than them. Earlsdon then lost second row Paul Hayward (he's not yet played a full match for Earlsdon yet!!) to be replaced by another colt (sorry can't remember his name). Both sides were throwing the ball around and creating chances. Just before half time the speedy winger scored again for Coalville which went unconverted for 19 - 10 half time lead.

The second half saw the visitors extra bulk tell with the home side struggling for possession. It was all hands to the pumps in defence and some good last ditch tackling kept the visitors out. Earlsdon then lost fly half Neil McDonald to injury to be replaced by young colt James Taylor. The home side stuck to the task but were up against it. Coalville then scored from a scrum close to the Earlsdon line and it got worse for the home team with Chris Ward having to leave the field. He was repalced by Stuart Tilt for his Earlsdon debut at the grand old age of 43!! Earlsdon battled to the end but the speedy winger completed his hat-trick for a final score of 31 - 10 to the visitors. A hard day at the office but quite an enjoyable game against a good side, the winger was the difference and he obviously usually plays higher than 3rd team. A special mention to all the colts who played, they stuck to the task against some very experienced opponents.

January 31st 2009

Earlsdon 1st XV 19 - Spartans 34

Earlsdon started strongly and went 3 points up through a Chris Scott penalty for repeated infringement at the ruck, the lead soon changed hands with a converted interception try, 2 more penalties sent Earlsdon back in front but on the stroke of half time an unlucky bounce let Spartans in for another converted try to lead 14 9 at the break.

The 2nd half was all Spartans as Earlsdon struggled to contain a much bigger pack playing with the elements, a try virtually from the restart dented Earlsdon hopes of a recovery and 2 more tries followed for the away team before Earlsdon grabbed a consolation try by scrum half Fish on the final whistle.

Spartans II 16 Earlsdon II 18 Warwickshire 2nd XV League

From Matt Tank Rossi

Earlsdon second team travelled for miles to Sparta where they faced an army of 300 Sparten soldiers in a battle that would change their lives forever.........or I think they travelled up the A45 to a muddy field in Birmingham. Earlsdon were back to strength this week as they were hoping to take revenge on the team who narrowly beat them earlier in the season. It was the home team who started the strongest as Earlsdon gave away a number of silly penalties. One of which was infront of the posts and the home team converted for an early 3-0 lead. Earlsdon seemed to wake up a little bit and began to play some attrative rugby. Earlsdon were then camped in the Spartens 22 and eventually Jason Batt chose a good line as he burst through the defense to score under the posts. Matt "Tank" Rossi converted. The game kicked off and Earlsdon struggled to get out of their 22, as they conceded another penalty infront of the posts, the home team converted to make the score 7-6 at half time. The second half began and Earlsdon seemed to step up a gear as they started to run the ball well in the backs and they had some good ball retention in the forwards. Midway in the second half saw Rossi set up Phil Bentham to score in the corner for Earlsdon's second try of the game. Rossi unable to convert from outwide. Ealrsdon were back in the Spartens 22 in no time and were awarded with a penalty. Rossi converted for a 15-6 lead. Spartens began to come back in the game as they scored a try out wide but were unable to convert. Ealrsdon piled on the pressure with 5 minutes left and they were soon awarded with another penalty. Rossi add another 3 points for a 18-11 lead. The last 2 minutes saw Spartens pile on the pressure on the Earlsdon defense as they put together some good phases and eventually went over for another try outwide. Spartens needed the conversion to draw the game...................................they missed it, to give Ealrsdon a well deserved 16-18 win.

Earlsdon Colts 15 - Coalville Colts 0

Earlsdon Colts entertained Coalville, who arrived with 26 players, Earlsdon lost 5 players to the First XV, and with a couple of cry offs, had the chance to field eight U17s players.

In a very even game, the younger Earlsdon team defended well, and soon their confidence started to grow. With the home pack easily pushing the visitors backwards,due to the massive presence of props Jack Brown and Johnathan Pateman , No 8 Daniel Pateman combined well with the Earlsdon backs to cause Coalville a lot of problems, and Scrum Half Callum Forsyth scored in the corner to give Earlsdon a 5-0 lead.Earlsdon went further ahead when young fly half Jack Walker ran from the half way line and side stepped the Coalville defence to score in the corner,

In the 2nd half, Coalville made a lot of changes to improve their game, but the Earlsdon defence was solid. Earlsdon finished the game with a well worked try when James Taylor fed replacement prop Rob Gay who after a 25 yard run popped the ball to winger Chris Hannah to score in the corner to finish the game 15 - 0 to Earlsdon

--

Mick Roberts

Earlsdon 3rd XV 36 - 0 Burton Vets (abandoned after 50 minutes)

Earlsdon 3rd XV were too good for Burton Vets even before the game ended in bizzare circumstances 10 minutes into the second half. The home team put out a strong team this week with the pack carrying plenty of fire power with Steve Sharpe, Paul Keene and Under 16's coach John Walker turning out this week. Burton turned up with 13 so we lent them two to make it 15-a-side. The home team had a bit too much for the visitors and 4 tries in the first half was the result. John Walker scored the first with a 60 metre run, hooker Martin Taylor scored the second following good inter passing between the forwards and a nice pop pass from Steve 'Semtex' Sharpe. Fly half Marcus Jones converted one and also kicked a penalty for an early 15 - 0 lead. Centre Neil McDonald got the next try after good build up play from the pack once again, Jones converted. Another try from a quick tap was scored from close range, Jones also converting. Half time score 29 - 0. The second half carried on the same, Burton were struggling to get any possession as the home pack dominated. Earlsdon did score again, a 'speculative' pass from Jones was cleaned up by winger Mark Evans who cut back through the visitors pack, he found John Walker in support who threw a dummy to score under the posts. Jones converted, score 36 - 0. New winger Chris Horne was having a fine match and came close to scoring, just being held up. The game then descended into farce, the Burton full back conceeding a penalty, questioned it and was sin binned, then another player (who had been warned in the first half) also questioned the referee in a manner he didn't like and was sent off. Then another player announced he'd had enough as his mate had been given his marching orders and left the pitch. After a brief discussion and a cricket score likely against 13 men the game was abandoned with the score at 36 - 0. Fair play to the Burton lads for hanging around after the match with talk of a return fixture being mooted.

January 24th 2009

Earlsdon 1stXV 10 - 15 Newbold 1st XV

No match report submitted as yet. Earlsdon scored a try through Adam Clarke and a conversion and penalty from Chris Scott.

Nuneaton Colts 13 - Earlsdon Colts 5 National Colts Plate

Earlsdon Colts weakened by 3 late cry offs travelled to Nuneaton with 5 U17s players in the squad. Earlsdon were on the back foot within 7 mins when influential Flanker Chris Zutic was binned for his first offence of the game. Within a minute Nuneaton took the lead. Earlsdons pack was far too strong for their Nuneaton counterparts but Earlsdon rarely troubled their hosts in any other areas. Nuneaton kicked a further 2 pens and the only bright spot for the visitors was a try on his debut for Winger Paddy Darcy who chased a kick ahead from Luke Settle to score. Earlsdon missed the conversion and 2 penalties losing 13 points to 5 to an very average Nuneaton team who were well beat when they came to Earlsdon earlier in the season.

Earlsdon II 0 - Newbold II 36

Earlsdon eventually started with 13 players, the guests via Ben Marsella loaned the team 2 players and we kicked off. It was an entertaining game, with both sides enjoying the conditions and running the ball at most opportunities. Newbold took the lead and extended it to 12-0 by half time. Luke Tolley was playing well at flyhalf after moaning about it, with good supporting runs from the forwards and Tom Kendall. After a few injuries Earlsdon started the second half with 14 and soon went down to 13. Although the commitment was clearly evident Newbold managed to run some tries in the latter part of the game to turn in a comprehensive result of 34-0. A great spirited game and we thank the guests for playing their part in this fixture.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 15 - 10 Newbold 3rd XV

Earlsdon gained revenge for an earlier reverse against Newbold 3rdXV in a tight encounter. They travelled across with a bare 15 players with Chris Horne making his debut on the wing and Gareth Withers getting a start at hooker.

The first half was a bit of a stalemate, Earlsdon playing with the slope failed to use the advantage as both sides tried to kick for field position from which to attack from. Chances were few and far between and it remained 0 - 0 at half time.

This season the 3rd's have been strong in the second half and so it proved again. They took the lead with a forwards try. Quick thinking by hooker Gareth Withers saw prop Dave Bowyer take a short ball at the front of a lineout. He was tackled just short but the rest of the forwards set up a maul and it was Bowyer who got the try. Marcus Jones kicked the conversion from the touchline. Gareth Withers was hurt in the move and was replaced by Paul Hayward who had just turned up, Dave Withers moving to prop and him to 2nd row. The try seemed to spark the home side into life and they replied with a try of their own to make it 7 - 7. Earlsdon then scored the try of the match, a surging run from second row Joe Jennings saw the ball recycled quickly and moved by flanker Mark Evans and Jones to the wing for full back Ady Higgins to score in the corner. Jones just missed the conversion from wide out. A snap drop goal from Jones pushed the visitors further ahead at 15 - 7. The last 15 minutes saw a great defensive effort by the whole team which restricted Newbold to a single penalty. There was some typical dogged tackling by Evans, Deri Thomas and Tim Ellershaw at the death which ensured a very satisfying 15 - 10 win.

January 17th 2009

For many players this is their first game of 2009

Earlsdon 15 – 13 Leamington

It was a second place Earlsdon team that took on top of the league Leamington at Mitchell avenue on Sat 17th for the opportunity to go top of the league. The away leg of this fixture went Earlsdons way earlier in the season, so the same again was all that would be required for the home team.

Earlsdon gave debuts to colt Rhys Roberts and Ash ‘Montgomery Burns’ Hogan, who both relished the opportunity for time on the pitch, and did not disappoint.

Before the start of the game, a minutes silence was held for Sandra Rourke, Wife of Paul and Mum of Martin. She was a staunch supporter of Earlsdon for many many years and was regularly on the touchline cheering the club on.

The first half was a tough affair with two early penalties from Earlsdon giving them a 6 point lead which was cut short with a Leamington penalty not long after. The lead then changed hands when a well worked Leamington try, unconverted by the visitors, gave them an 8 – 6 halftime lead.

The second half started off as the first left off, with both teams having decent periods of possession but unable to put points on the board. This changed though when the Earlsdon forwards kept hold of the ball with some tight pick and go’s which put them into a position for a drop goal which was duly taken.The lead changed hands not long after with another try by the visitors, but again was not converted, and so only gave them a 13 – 9 lead. Two late penalties for Earlsdon though, gave them their winning score line, and more importantly saw them move above Leamington into 1st place in the league. Celebrations went on deep into the night with Earlsdon number 8, Andrew ‘Brains’ Forsythe leading the way, although he must be reminded of the clubs policy on ‘NO HEAVY PETTING’ in the club house. Or for that matter, anywhere that his mates have to watch!!! UUUURRRGGGHHH!!!

Leamington II 57 - Earlsdon II 0 W2TL

Earlsdon travelled up the A46 hoping to do the double on rivals Leamington after beating them 10-7 at Mitchell Avenue earlier in the season. A couple of changes for Earlsdon saw Roger Littlewood return at scrum half, colt Luke Settle started inside centre and Tom Kendall returned to the team at full-back following a ham string injury. The game started badly for Earlsdon as they conceded two tries within the first 10 minutes with no reply. Earlsdon's ill discipline let them down as they conceded a number of penalties throughout the game, which saw Settle on the bin. Leamington had pace out in the backs and used this to full advantage as they racked up a number of tries. Earlsdon had a few good spells with a good break from Tom Kendall and Bobby Friel and some good ball retention in the forwards but the Leamington defence was very hard to break down. The final score was 57-0 to Leamington, and a wake up call to Earlsdon second team after the Christmas break.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 3 - 40 Trinity Guild 1st XV

Supposedly playing Southam 3rd XV at home changed to playing Trinity Guild 1st XV away at a very cold 'Goose Green'. Earlsdon turned up with 20 minutes to kick off against a well drilled side that plays regular league rugby. 3 tries down in 20 minutes as a result of poor tackling and one before half time with only a sole Marcus Jones penalty to show in reply saw the home team lead 26 - 3 at the break. The visitors stuck manfully to the task in the second half and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occaisions. Two late break away tries saw a final score of 40 - 3. On the positive side the 2 young colts Dan ?? and Andy Clarke stuck to the task and Neil Bullman played his first match of the season. Here's hoping for a decent fixture next week.

January 4th 2009

Earlsdon 3rd XV 12 - 34 Kenilworth 3rdXV

While all the other games were called off the 3rd XV made the short trip around the corner to Kenilworth. A bitterly cold day saw quite a firm pitch which was more suitable for Curling than rugby but not a moan was uttered from the lads. Short of a recognised prop Paul Hayward was the unlucky recipient of the number 3 shirt on account of him being the 'biggest' of the 6 back row players available. Taking the conditions into account it was a tough encounter with both sides looking to move the ball wide. A couple of early breaks by the home side were stopped with good last ditch tackles from full back Ady Higgins. Weak defence in midfield saw the home side get the first try of the match. This was quickly followed by two more as they went 21 - 0 ahead. Earlsdon then started to play a bit and scored one back, a quick tap penalty from Martin Murphy saw him feed Ian Forsyth to score under the posts. Marcus Jones added the extras.

It was the visitors that scored again, a good blind side scrum move saw scrum half Neil McDonald score in the corner following good work from John Murphy and Tim Ellershaw. Conversion missed. Earlsdon did create some other chances in the first half but poor handling and decision making saw them go begging. The visitors continued the pressure in the second half and again somehow managed to avoid scoring with men over. The referee was frustrating the visitors and Kenilworth kicked two penalties to strecth the lead to 27 - 12. The merry whistle blower then sin binned John Murphy. Just before the end the home side scored a try on the break which went converted for a final score of 34 - 12.

December 20th 2008

Old Coventrians 0, Earlsdon 12

It was Round 2, of the local derby game between Earlsdon and OCs at Tile Hill Lane, with bragging rights up for grabs once again.

The first half of the game was a fairly even affair, with Earlsdon playing into a reasonably strong wind, managing to keep hold of the ball for lengthy periods of time, but never finishing anything with a score. OCs equally had periods with ball in hand, and threatened a few times but never had the chance to finish. A missed penalty kick from close range saw OCs only scoring opportunity missed, but it was Earlsdon who came out of the half with points from a drop goal by Chris Scott after a long period of possession.

The second half was dominated mostly by the Earlsdon pack upfront, and some good tactical kicking, which meant the majority of the half was played deep in OCs territory. A penalty on the OCs 10 metre line, saw Earlsdons next chance at points which were duly taken by Scott, and gave Earlsdon some breathing space to play some better rugby. This was not the case though, and although Earlsdon played most of their rugby in the OCs half, the OCs defence remained solid, and all Earlsdon could come away with was another 3 points from another drop goal from Scott.

The remainder of the half was much the same as the first, with equal amounts of possession from both teams, but once again it was Earlsdon that took their chance with a penalty kick and a further 3 points to their tally before the clock ran out.

There was no gloating after the game by the Earlsdon team as they are often known for their sympathetic and understanding manner they display to their opponents in the clubhouse following a game. They decided to leave it until they got into town later instead. Comment of the day came from Head Coach Crayton Phillips to number 8 Andrew Brains Forsyth though who had a good game. Why didnt you jump as high in the lineout, as you did when the final whistle blew you idiot?! He had nothing !

Earlsdon II 16 Old Coventrians II 14 Warwickshire 2nd Team League

Earlsdon consolidated their position in midtable of Warwickshire I with a close call against local rivals Old Coventrians, with unavailabilities from hooker Rory Dixon and Prop Adam Garner there was no option but to run with uncontested scrums, with the 3rd team already having been decimated by cry offs from the 2s. Earlsdon started the best with Phil Bentham opening the scoring with a penalty for a 3 - 0 lead. Phil went from hero to zero with an awkward bouncing ball evading his desparing dive and a finger nail from the Old Coventrians chaser was enough for the referee to award a trywhich was converted for an unimaginable 7 - 3 lead to the visitors. Josh Meszar benefited from some mazy running from Bentham and he popped over in the corner for and unconverted try but to retake the lead. The second half was a mirror image of the first with a converted try from OCs but a penalty and a second try from Meszar enough to seal the win and take the points for the home side.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 15 - 38 Copeswood 1st XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV were once again decimated by cry offs in the higher teams and travelled over with 12 to play Copeswood 2nd XV which turned out to be their 1st XV. Fair play to the hosts who lent us 2 players to make it 14 vs 15. The visitors were in complete disarray and found themselves 4 tries down in half an hour as the home team used the extra man to their advantage. One of the players that was guesting for Earlsdon then limped off and Earlsdon Under 13 coach Andy Machin who plays for Copeswood moved across to make it 14 a side. Earlsdon then started to play a bit and scored a try from hooker Martin Taylor which went unconverted. Although Copeswood were quicker around the park the Earlsdon scrum was dominat and the visitors were awarded a penalty try when the home team were offside at a 5 metre scrum - we won't mention the duff conversion attempt will we Marcus! Copeswood scored another try before half time for a 33 - 10 score line at the break.

The cavalry turned up at halftime with Dave Withers and Paul Hayward making it 15 aside for the second period. The visitors seemed bouyed by the new players and dominated the half but the home defence was up to the task. Earlsdon did get the first score, the home full back trying a kamikaze quick line out which was gratefully accepted by winger Tim Ellershaw. The try also went unconverted. Earlsdon looked like they would win the second half but a loose ball was picked up by the home team for a breakaway try. This was also unconverted with the second half a creditable 5 - 5. The final score was 38 - 15 to Copeswood. Calling all players who have played 3rd XV this year - GET YOUR BOOTS OUT FOR THE NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as the last 3 weeks we have struggled to get a side out.

December 13th

Cov Saracens 15 Earlsdon II 42

There were no league games this weekend and Earlsdon second team travelled to Coventry Saracens to play in a very wet and muddy friendly game. Earlsdon welcomed back Lee Arbothnott in the centres who was back from injury and Ian Forsyth started on the wing. The game started very scrappy with silly mistakes being made by both teams. The home team opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes as they stole the ball from the Earlsdon line out and broke through the middle of the pitch to score under the posts. It was unconverted. This woke up the away team as they piled the pressure on the home team playing rugby in their half of the pitch. A box kick from scrum half Nigel Ball was well collected by Lee Arbothnott as he raced away to score Earlsdon's first try of the game out wide. Matt Tank Rossi converted. The first half was very scrappy with both teams making mistakes. Half time saw a return for Richard Broer at second row and Craig Bone on at prop. Earlsdon began the better team after the break as the backs were able to get the ball wide. Earlsdon were camped in the home teams 22 for most of the second half. Ash Hogan finshed a well worked try in the forwards as they stringed together a series of rucks. Rossi added the extras. A few moments later saw Ian "Batman" Forsyth break away to score his first of the game. Rossi converted. Earlsdon's summer training was beginning to pay off as they clearly looked the fitter team. As the home team got tired, gaps were beginning to appear the home team's defence. A penalty from close range saw Phil Bentham seem to walk the ball over the try line as he scored Earlsdons 4th try of the game. Rossi added the extras. A change at full back saw Gareth "Potter" Beynon replacing Luke Tolly at full back. Another break in the line saw Forsyth go over the Earlsdons 5th try of the game. Rossi converted. Last play of the game saw Forsyth selfishly not take advantage of yet another overlap, but he managed to scramble over the line for his hat trick. Rossi added the extras as he completed yet another 100% record off the tee. The final score was 42-5 to Earlsdon in a much improved second half performance by Earlsdon.

December 6th

Earlsdon 9 - Silhillians 8

On a damp and dreary day at Mitchell Avenue, Earlsdon 1st XV ran out close winners over Old Sils in a game that failed to have any spark or real momentum that either team cud be proud of.

Earlsdon welcomed back Gareth McMullan and colt Loz Gittins into their back row who have both impressed in recent weeks, to play alongside the old head of Andrew Brains Forsyth who made up for in enthusiasm what he lacked in size. Also player-coach Marc Thomas made his first appearance in a red and white shirt coming on at full back in the second half.

Most of the games points came in the first half with an early penalty from Chris Scott giving the home team an early lead. Old Sils replied with a well worked try shortly after, which was probably the best move of the match, but failed to be converted, and so gave them only a slender 2 point lead. This lead was clawed back later on in the half following much kicking from either side who were unwilling to give up field position, but was on the whole very ineffective. It was another penalty from Scott not long before half time that put Earlsdon back in front, and it was to remain at 6- 5 to the home team until the break.

The second half carried on exactly where the first finished, with a lot of kicking from both teams and lots of mistakes due to the muddy and heavy conditions. However it was Old Sils that drew first blood in this half with a penalty kick after sustained pressure on the Earlsdon line, which saw the lead change hands yet again, 8-6 to Old Sils.

The home side were not finished though and responded with some pressure of their own, which resulted in a penalty chance in the Sils half following fowl play from the away team. The kick was successful and gave Earlsdon the advantage yet again going into the last 15 minutes of the game 9-8.

There was some good to come of the game though that was picked up on by Earlsdon coach Crayton Phillips, which was Earlsdons ability to close the game out and keep possession of the ball for the last 10 minutes snuffing any chance of an Old Sils comeback. This however was as good as it got and the day ended with a 9-8 score line and 2 valuable points for Earlsdon who remain at fourth in the table as all the top four teams won their games.

Silhillians II 17 Earlsdon II 20

Earlsdon travelled to Old Sills with a mix of youth and experience. A change for Ian "Batman" Forsyth saw him playing inside centre. The game started very promising for Earlsdon, as they kept the ball well and some good hands saw Ian "Batman" Forsyth fail to take advantage of a 5 man overlap as he selfishly went for the line and was held up! what a plonker! 5 minutes after that saw Earlsdon take the first points of the game with Martin "Mad Dog" Rourke break on the blind side as he shrugged off a couple of tackles and scored Earlsdons first points of the game, Matt "Tank" Rossi added the extras for a 7-0 lead. Earlsdon were camped in the OS's 22 for most of the second half and were awarded with a penalty, which Rossi successfully converted. Earlsdon looked the better team as the forwards dominated the breakdown area. A break outwide, saw OS's take advantage of an overlap as they went over the home teams first try of the game. Half time was 10-7 to Earlsdon. The second half began well for the away team, as they were again camped in the OS's 22 but failing to break through the line as the home teams defence held strong. A scrum out wide, saw scrum half Nigel Ball throw a neat dummy and he sprinted away to the try line and score in the corner. Rossi slotted the conversion from the touch line for a 17-7 lead to the away team. The home team seemed to spring to life after that try as they added the pressure on the Earlsdon defense and they were soon awarded with a penalty, which was converted. Another break away in the backs saw OS's take advantage of an overlap to score the home teams second try of the game, which was converted to make the score 17-17 with only a few minutes left. This made Earlsdon step up a gear as they pilled on the pressure on the home team. With only a couple of minutes left on the clock Earlsdon were awarded with a penalty from out wide. Rossi stepped up and put the ball between the sticks for a 20-17 lead. The game restarted and Earlsdon got the ball back into the OS's 22 and the game was soon over. Matt "Tank" Rossi had his kicking boots on today, with yet another 100% record from the tee, as Earlsdon secured their fourth consecutive league win in a very tough and competitive game.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 34 - 26 Essington 2nd XV

Essington 2nd XV travelled down from near Cannock with 13 players to take on Earlsdon 3rd string at a cold Mitchell Avenue. The home team were also short for the second week running with only 13 available players. Essington were also a prop short so the game started with passive scrums. Lacking backs openside Ian Finlayson started in the centre

with Andy Walker moving to the wing. The home side started well and a flowing backs move saw full back Ady Higgins score in the corner. Fly half Marcus Jones put over the conversion from the touchline. If the home side thought it was going to be an easy match they were mistaken as poor tackling let the visitors in for 2 tries - one converted and they led 12 -7. Earlsdon retook the lead when a good kick from Jones was collected by Sam Thompson who out ran the defence to score under the posts which was converted for a 14 - 12 lead. Just before half time Mark and a very hungover Luke Tolley turned up. After a quick reshuffle Dave Withers volunteered to prop for the opposition to make it 14 a side with contested scrums. There were no further scores in the half. Andy Walker limped off at half time so Earlsdon played a man down.

Earlsdon started the second half the stronger, scrum half Neil McDonald getting a try from close range after good work from the forwards. The try was unconverted. An Essington player also limped out of the game and it was back to even numbers at 13-a-side.The next try came after Marcus was contemplating a drop goal but instead used his pace to score. The try was unconverted and the home side looked comfortable at 24 - 12. Essington were having none of it and scored a converted try to get back to 24 - 19. Earlsdon then had more pressure and Jones converted a penalty for a 27 - 19 lead. Once again it was end to end stuff and Essington came back and scored under the sticks to get within a point at 27-26. Earlsdon had the last say and a good pass from Jones saw Sam Thompson get his second try. Jones added the extras for a 34 - 26 lead. It was good to have a couple of father and son combinations in the side with the Tolley's and the Withers'. Gareth Withers had great pleasure in ripping the ball from his Dad at a restart which I'm sure he will live off for weeks!!

Stratford Colts 10 - Earlsdon Colts 21

Despite late cry offs and a couple of lads being called up to the first xv, Earlsdon managed to get 15 players over to Stratford, kidnapping U17s player Callum Forsyth to play on the wing, as he turned up to help his dad in the kitchen. With regular Hooker Terry Hicks and Prop Chris Lee having to play in the back row, Earlsdon had a very big, but not so mobile, pack. The game was not the best game Earlsdon Colts have played but they came away with a good win. Terry Hicks scored a try in the first couple of minutes and then young Forsyth scored in the corner, despite wearing a pair of borrowed boots that were two sizes too big for him, Captain Rhys Roberts kicked a couple of penaltys to give Earlsdon a 16 - 7 lead at half time.

In the second half, Man of the Match Chris Lee scored a try from a line out catch and drive, and 4 minutes later scored an identical try but the ref disallowed it saying, he did not see the grounding ! Earlsdon big pack tired and they were made to defend for the last 10 minutes after Ross Aubrey was Binned for backchatting the ref. Stratford kicked a late penalty to make the score Earlsdon 21 points to Stratfords 10

Saturday 29th November

Old Laurentians 11 - Earlsdon 23

It was a typically very cold Saturday afternoon when Earlsdon travelled to top of the table side Old Laurentians with 2 points up for grabs and the opportunity to close the gap between the 2 teams.

Earlsdon started the better of the 2 teams with a lot of pressure being put on the home side from the start. Numerous penalties helped Earlsdon move their way into the OLs 22, before being given a penalty in kicking range which was knocked over by Earlsdon fly half Chris Scott.

Not so long after, and another visit to the OLs 22, saw Earlsdon awarded a penalty advantage for an infringement at the ruck and a drop goal to nothing from Scott that went through the posts for another 3 points to the visitors.

There was little response by OLs to the early pressure by Earlsdon and inevitably a try came mid way through the half after a line break from centre Adam Clarke who linked up with fellow centre Gareth Benyon who was brought down shy of the try line by some good OLs cover tackling. The follow up from Earlsdon was just too good for the defence though as some very quick ruck ball saw back row Rob Callaway pick up and dive over the line for an 11 point lead, that was extended by Scott with the conversion to 13.

This time OLs replied with some sustained pressure that did threaten the Earlsdon line, but they only came away with 3 points from a penalty due to some foul play following a tussle on the Earlsdon 22.

Shortly following this pressure, a loose attempted chip by OLs on the Earlsdon 10 metre line saw the ball fall into the hands of Andrew Brains Forsythe who managed to run 60 metres under the posts for a converted try to extend the Earlsdon lead to 20-3. A shocking try celebration followed. The less said the better.

The second half was a much lower scoring affair with neither side keeping control for any sustained periods of time. A penalty from both sides saw the score move to 23-6, before OLs managed to put together some good rugby and put the visitors under a lot of pressure and camp in the Earlsdon 22. It was some very good defence though from Earlsdon that kept OLs out. It was following a break in play though that OLs finally scored which saw Earlsdon prop Pete Mills leaving the pitch with a black eye that the elephant man would have been proud of. It was all too little too late though as the clock ran out for a come back from OLs, and the game finished with a score line of 23-11 to Earlsdon. This result leaves Earlsdon fourth in the table behind 3 teams tied on points, that Earlsdon have beaten already in the league. Lets hope some very poor results earlier in the season to teams below them in the table dont come back to haunt them.

Earlsdon II 21 Old Laurentians 0

Earlsdon welcomed Old Laurents for a second team league encouter at Mitchell Avenue on a cold and foggy saturday afternoon. Earlsdon welcomed colt Rhys Roberts back into the team at fly-half. Earlsdon began well as the pressure began to build on the away team. Earlsdon were camped in the OL's 22 and were finally awarded with a penalty, which was converted by Rhys Roberts. 20 minutes into the second half saw a good move in the backs which ended up in a well taken try by Matt Tank Rossi as he stormed through the OL's defensive line with a timely run. Roberts converted for a 10-0 lead to the home team. Earlsdon were camped in the OL's half for most of the first half as the forwards and backs were playing with confidence. Earlsdon were awarded with a couple of penatlies from far out, but Roberts was unable to convert. Half time was 10-0 to Earlsdon. Half time saw Phil Bentham replaced by Tom Rawlings on the wing and Chris Ward replaced by Luke Tolly in the centre. The second half began much as the first ended with Earlsdon pilling on the pressure and were camped in the OL's 22. Earlsdon should be been awarded another try as Liam McGladrian went over which seemed to have been a fine try, only for the referee to ruled it out as being held up. Earlsdon were awared with a number of penalties and Roberts had his kicking boots on as he converted 3 second half penalties. OL's struggled to get the ball into the Earlsdon half and the home team kept the pressure on all game, with some good rolling mauls and pick and drives they soon saw themselves infront of the OL's try line, as Ian "Batman" Forsyth went over out wide for Earlsdon's second try of the game which was unconverted. Full-time was 21-0 to Earlsdon.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 3 - 3 Claverdon 1st/2nd XV

Earlsdon travelled to Claverdon on a very cold afternoon with only 13 players to take on their 2nd team which turned out to be a mix of 1sts and 2nds. The hosts lent the visitors 2 backs which saw Ady Higgins and Mark Evans move into the back row. Colts Sam Tolley and Fish came away with the 3rds after their game was called off. Despite the changes the visitors dominated the play from the start and should have scored several tries going very close on a number of times with a combination of good home defence and poor handling preventing any scores. All Earlsdon had to show for the pressure was a penalty from fly half Marcus Jones. Earlsdon were dominating in the scrums with the experienced front row of Dave Bowyer, Mick Roberts and Steph Kenney on top. Just before half time an injury to a Claverdon prop saw the game move to passive scrums.

This completely spoilt the second half. The referee obviously thought the forwards were cold as everytime the ball was dropped regardless of whether it went forward or not he blew for a scrum - there must have been 35 passive scrums in the second half alone. Claverdon did convert a penalty to tie up the scores. Not much else to mention, tempers started to get short as frustration set in and Marcus Jones was sin binned for an attempted trip. Thanks to Dan and the other chap from Calverdon for playing for us - final score 3 - 3.

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Earlsdon 3rd XV 6 - 7 Tamworth ?? XV

International weekend and no league fixtures meant only one match at home for Earlsdon this week on a cold but dry afternoon. Earlsdon fielded 11 regular third teamers boosted by a couple of second team backs. Tamworth turned up late with a youthful looking team.

The first half was very competeitive with both sides creating chances but defences holding out. Earlsdon took the lead with a penalty from fly half Marcus Jones after a transgression by Tamworth. Poor discipline was costing Earlsdon and Tamworth looked certain to score but full back Tom Rawlins put in a try saving tackle. Earlsdon extended the lead with another Jones penalty after more pressure. Tamworth had more pressure but Rawlins again saved the day and winger Phil Bentham also cut down his opposing number in a one on one situation.

Earlsdon were forced into a change at half time, veteran centre Deri Thomas being replaced by Iain Forsyth. The second half deteriorated with the referee refusing to let the game flow for both sides. Tamworth took the lead after a series of penalties saw them drive over close to the posts. The try was converted and they visitors led 7 - 6. Both sides were trying to play a bit of rugby but the match was being spolit by the referee who was being overly fussy. Earlsdon had more pressure and late on Jones hit the post with a penalty attempt from quite far out into the wind. With time running out and no time for a lineout Jones had one final difficult attempt to win the game which fell short, Tamworth holding n for a 7 - 6 win.

 

Camp Hill 0 - Earlsdon 29

Earlsdon travelled to Camp Hill with a 17 man squad due to injuries and unnavailabilities, this gave Coach Paul Flowers an opportunity to play some U17s players.Camp Hill came at Earlsdon straight from the kick off, and the home side were determine to upset the visitors with some "on the border" tackling. Earlsdon took advantage of the many penalties that Camp Hill gave away, and Flanker Chris Zutic piled through the home defence to pop the ball up to Rob Fisher to score under the posts, Todd Freemantle converted. Only a minute later Captain Rhys Roberts broke the line and passed to Centre Luke Settle to score, but the try was disallowed with a penalty awarded to the home side for ungentlemanly conduct following a remark about the ease of scoring. In an identical move from Roberts and Settle another try was scored soon after, with Freemantle converting.U17 scrum half, Callum Forsyth scored when he picked up the ball from the base of the scrum and drove over the line, Freemantle converted. The game went down hill soon after, with sporadic fighting breaking out with the home team losing their discipline, Freemantle then kicked 3 points when another penalty was awarded for another high tackle. In the last play of the first half, Forsyth kicked into the corner for Roberts to touch the ball down to give Earlsdon a 29 - nil half time lead. The game deteriorated in the second half and the referee abandonded the match.

Saturday 15th November 2008

Earlsdon 18, Old Coventrians 12

Following on from a great win 7 days ago against Leamington, Earlsdon first team took on local rivals Old Coventrians. Not only were 2 points on offer, but also the bragging rights for the next 3 weeks until the teams meet again. Earlsdon started much in the same vein as the previous week, getting the better of their opponents early on. A strong scrummage gave Earlsdon a massive advantage, and a pushover try from a five yard scrum gave Andrew Brains Forsyth the first score. It was a case of 3rd time lucky for him from the base!! The try was converted by Chris Scott. Not long after, with another scrum on the OCs line, Brains Forsyth came into it again with a pick up from the base and popping Paul fast kid Mc Granaghan to score in the corner. But the kick was missed by Scott, and Earlsdon had an early 12 0 lead. More Earlsdon possession led to a further penalty and an extended 15 0 lead, before OCs responded with an unconverted try in the corner. Poor discipline from the away team cost them dearly towards the end of the half, with a penalty kick landed by Scott for back chat for a 18-3 half-time score.

The second half was very even to start with, and a lot of kicking with no scores from either team. With Earlsdon in front, late pressure from OC's seemed inevitable, and with approx 15 mins to go, a cross field kick caught cleanly by the OCs winger gave a try under the posts and an 18 12 score line and a close finish as always. Once again though, some stern defence from Earlsdon saw them through to the final whistle and the bragging rights for 3 weeks to come but more importantly 2 league points, and a 2 place jump to fourth in the table.

Old Coventrians II 10 - Earlsdon II 27

Earlsdon travelled to Old Coventrians for a local derby second team league match. Earlsdon were on a high from their first league win last week and were looking for a second league win on the bounce. The pitch was small and boggy which which made it very heavy under foot. The game began well for Earlsdon, winning some good ball in the forwards and were awarded with a try in the first 5 minutes. Ashley Hogan went over for the games first try out wide. The try was converted by Matt Tank Rossi, Ealrsdon clearly looked the better team as they kept the pressure on they were soon awarded with another try out wide. Some good play in the forwards, saw Captain Bobby Friel go over for the try out wide. Rossi converted from a similar position. Earlsdon were camped in the OC's 22 for the first 30 mniutes and were awarded with a penatly infront of the posts. Rossi converted. The last 10 minutes saw OC's camped in the Earlsdon try line, but the Earlsdon defense held strong. OC's managed to find a gap outwide and went over for the try. Which was uncovonverted, Half time was 17-5 to Earlsdon. The second half was scrappy but Earlsdon were clearly the better team as their fitness began to show. Earlsdon were awarded with a penalty from the just inside the OC's half, which was converted by Rossi. 5 minutes to go saw OC's intercept the ball and score outwide for the home teams second try, which was unconverted. In the last couple minutes, Rossi pumped the ball down the field, and Earlsdon won the ball back. The ball was spun outwide and Luke Tolly went over for Ealrsdon's third try of the game which was converted by Rossi. Final score was 27-10 to Earlsdon which was well deserved.

Saturday 8th November 2008

Leamington 1st XV (20) Vs Earlsdon 1st XV (22)

It was a Leamington team lying second in the table that Earlsdon faced on a typical blustery Saturday afternoon. Coming off the back of 3 straight defeats, Earlsdon started the better of the two teams with an early penalty chance fluffed by fly half Chris Scott, but making amends minutes later with 3 points after more pressure from the away team. Earlsdon seemed to be in a different mind set from the previous two weeks and were mostly in control of the first half that was at a very pedestrian pace to that which they seem to thrive at. A Gary Back try converted by Scott, next to the sticks after more continued pressure saw Earlsdon extend their lead and looking more like the team that faced National League opponents only 3 weeks ago. A Leamington penalty though coming after repeated poor discipline from Earlsdon saw the hosts back to within 7 points with around 20 mins of the half left to play. A turnover in midfield towards the end of the first half saw Earlsdon break away with Andrew Forsyth who showed no sign of the rather painful and embarrassing gluteal sprain that saw him limp to the side line seven days ago, throwing a great pass to Paul fast Kid McGranaghan, to score wide out and see Earlsdon into a 15- 3 lead at the end of the half.

Earlsdon started the second half in the same manner as they started the first, putting a lot of pressure on the home team and putting their bodies on the line with some solid tacking, none more so than Gareth Beynon who after finishing a nightshift and getting straight out of bed to play, showed no signs of bleary eyes with some thundering tackling much to the displeasure of the Leamington backline. A well worked backs move saw a third try from Adam Clarke who went through from 20 yards out untouched, and converted by Scott to give Earlsdon a 22-3 lead, and looking ever more dangerous with ball in hand. This however would not be the case and with an Earlsdon team that never like to give their supporters and coach Crayton Phillips (smoking 3 hamlets in the last 5 mins alone!) an easy time and nearly let the game slip away with the home side back in the game with three straight well worked tries to bring the score to 22-20. It was however too little too late though for a successful come back for the home team, and an Earlsdon team glad to hear the final whistle, rightly ran out victors on a good day at Leamington Kenilworth road ground

Earlsdon II 10 - Leamington II 7

Earlsdon 2's welcomed Leamington 2's to Mitchell Avenue as the home side were looking for their first league win of the season. Jamie Webb was welcomed back into the team after missing over a season due to injury, and also Nigel Ball came back into the second team at 9. The game began well for Earlsdon, they pressured the Leamington try line for the first 10 minutes and were finally awarded with a penalty out wide. The penalty was converted by Matt Tank Rossi. 5 minutes later, saw Josh Mezzar intercept the ball on the half way line as he raced away to score the first try of the game. The try was converted by Rossi. Despite Earlsdon not winning much line-out ball, they kept the pressure on as they looked the better team. Halftime was 10-0 to the home team. The second half began much like the first ended, Earlsdon were camped on the Leamington try line, but managed to intercept the ball to score the length of the pitch. The try was converted to make the score 10-7. Leamington had the momentum and were camped in the Earlsdon 22 for most of the second half. But Ealrsdon's defence held strong and Leamington were unable to score. 2 minutes to go, saw Rossi pump the ball down the field and Leamington struggled to clear from their 22. The full-time whistle blew and Earlsdon second team had secured a well deserved first league win of the season.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 8 - 7 Nuneaton Old Eds 3rdXV

Earlsdon travelled across to Nuneaton with 17 players and came away with a hard fought win in a game they should have easily won. It was coarse rugby at its best with the team changing in a store cupboard.

Playing against the wind and slope the visitors started well and dominated possession and territory. Then against the run of play the home side latched on to a loose ball and would have scored were it not for a try saving tackle from fly half Marcus Jones (yes this not a mis-print). It proved to be to no avail as from the resulting scrum the home number eight scored with about 5 players on his back. The try was converted and the home side led 7 - 0. Earlsdon were dominating possession with flankers Dean Kenney and Ian Finnlayson dominant in the loose. They did create several chances but it was one of those days when they were not taken. The second half followed the same pattern, the visitors once again on top with nothing to show for it. Earlsdon then got some points on the board with a penalty from Jones. Then came a period of relentless pressure from the visitors with the home side defending for their lives. The pressure finally told and a quick tap penalty and good hands from full back Ady Higgins saw winger Sam 'Forest' Thompson score in the corner. The conversion was missed and the vistors led 8 - 7. A final twist in the tail saw Earlsdon concede a penalty in front of their posts but the home fly half scuffed the kick and the visitors held on for an 8 - 7 win.

South Leicester Colts 0 - Earlsdon Colts 20

Despite travelling to South Leicester with only 15 fit players, Earlsdon came away with a very good win against a strong home side. The Leicester side took the game to Earlsdon straight from the kick off, with their blind side flanker making good ground, Earlsdon were pinned in their 25 metre area for several minutes, with good tackles from Terry Hicks, Chris Lee and James Taylor stopping South Leicester scoring.Midway through the first half Earlsdon finally found their feet and after a penalty was awarded to Earlsdon in the oppositions half, Earlsdon scored from a well worked move with No 8 Phil Graham crashing through the defence to score.

The second half was a different story, South Leicester rarely troubled the visitors. After a couple of solid scrums, where Hooker Ross Aubrey won the ball against the head, the ball was delightfully passed down the backs line to outside centre Lewis Taylor to score unnaposed in the corner for his first try for the Colts. Stright from the kick off, Earlsdon attacked with some good ball carrying from flanker Loz Gittin, the forwards mauled their way to the line where inside centre, Luke Settle was tackled just short of the line, the ball was then picked up by Prop Chris Lee to score Earlsdons third try.Relentless pressure on the home sides defence inevitably led to another try for Earlsdon when powerhouse Winger Rory Fisher scored in the corner to give Earlsdon a well deserved 20 points to nil win

Saturday 1st November 2008

Earlsdon 15 - Newbold 17

NEWBOLD survived a tense finish to claim the victory that leaves them a point behind their hosts with a match in hand. Although Newbold threatened with early assaults from Joss Andrews and Alex Williams, it was Earlsdon who drew first blood - a 15-yard scrum offering fly-half Chris Scott the opportunity to jink his way under the posts for a try he converted himself. The home team retained that advantage into half-time, but Newbold levelled straight from the re-start as Danny Facer and Ben Edge charged forward and Harrison and Williams maintained the momentum for Andrews to complete an excellent team try and add the conversion. Scott's 40-yard penalty edged Earlsdon back in front but Sam Viggars pounced for Newbold's second try when the home defence were unsettled by a hanging ball. Winger Jamie Ferris then launched a searing 50-yard counter-attack, Andrews providing the link for Harrison to touch down. But Earlsdon winger Todd Freemantle squeezed over for a try upgraded by Scott's brilliant touchline conversion. And that set up a nail-biting finale, Scott off-target with a last-gasp drop-goal attempt that would have tipped the scales.

Newbold 7 Earlsdon II 5

Rhys Roberts scored for the 2s on his Senior debut.

Earlsdon 3rdXV 10 - 20 Newbold on Avon 3rdXV/Vets

Earlsdon 3rdXV welcomed another unbeaten side this week with Newbold on Avon 3rdXV/Vets the visitors to a cold and windy Mitchell Avenue. The home side again had good numbers with 5 subs including colt 'Fish' Fisher and Warwick Uni player Adam Chin. Newbold played with the wind in the first half and used the elements well pinning Earlsdon in their own twenty two for most of the first 30 mins of the match. Earlsdon struggled to get any decent possession but defended well keeping the well drilled opposition out. The pressure finally told and after a very odd decision by the referee Newbold scored from a quick tap penalty which went unconverted. Sloppy defence then let them in for another score which was converted and the visitors led 12 - 0. Earlsdon did come close to scoring after a good run by centre Neil Minshull, but the visitors defence held allowing them to clear their lines. Newbold then had more pressure but the home side kept them out for a half time score line of 12 - 0 to Newbold.

The second half saw Earlsdon benefiting from the elements and they were soon on the score board with a try from hooker Martin Taylor following an effective driving maul. Full back Ady Higgins missed the conversion in difficult kicking conditions. Newbold then got a kickable penalty as Earlsdon went offside which they converted for a 15 - 5 lead. The home side started to dominate the scrums but were struggling to get any second phase ball as both sides were going off their feet. It was from a scrum that Earlsdon got their second try, driving the Newbold pack over from 5 metres with veteran number eight John Murphy getting the score. Higgins missed the conversion and the score was 15 - 10 with under ten minutes left. Earlsdon were in with a real chance of victory but this went when Newbold swooped on a loose ball at a lineout to drive over for an unconverted try that sealed the match 20 - 10. It was a hard fought encounter between two decent sides that could have gone either way.

Saturday 25th October

Spartans 32 Earlsdon 10

A case of after the lord mayors show, a Brain's try and Scotty conversion and penalty all they had to show.

Earlsdon II 12 Spartans 15

Earlsdon welcomed Spartans for a league encounter at Mitchell Avenue. The game began poorly for Earlsdon as they conceded 2 tries in the first 10 minutes, this was followed by a penalty which was converted. Earlsdon had most of the possession in the first half but were unable to put points on the board even though Spartans had a man in the sin bin. Half time was 15-0. Earlsdon began the second half well, keeping posession but silly mistakes and some controversial refereeing decisions made life very difficult for the home team. Half way in the second half, fly-half Matt Tank Rossi came off injured and Chris Ward stepped into fly-half. Earlsdon were camped in the Spartans 22 for most of the second half and were finally awarded with a try, which was unconverted. Earlsdon kept the pressure on Spartans as Tom Sharp went over for Earlsdons second try of the game which was converted by Chris Ward. With 5 minutes to go, Earlsdon were rewarded with a penalty on the edge of the 22 to level the score, but it was missed by Chris Ward. The final score was 15-12 to Spartans, in a game which Earlsdon really should have won.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 19 - 0 Old Northamptonions 3rd XV

Earlsdon's unbeaten 3rd XV welcomed Old Northamptonions 3rd XV to Mitchell Avenue who were also boasting an undefeated record. The home side had quite a few absentees but welcomed Kev Hogan senior who hadn't played for eight years, Ian Finnlayson and Mini & Junior Chairman Stu Clarke who also hadn't played for a couple of years to the squad. The team was also boosted by 4 Warwick University players who turned up for a game Sam, Kieran, Sam and A N Other, as well as Sam Thompson's cousin Luke to give a total of 22 available players.

The first half was a tight affair with both sides having plenty of possession but making too many mistakes. Earlsdon were particularly guilty of sloppy handling when more composure was required. The visitors had the first opportunity with their centre making a mazy run only to be stopped by a thumping tackle for winger Andy Boardman. Earlsdon's best chances fell to winger Sam Thompson who came close a couple of times but was tackled just short of the line. Earlsdon were reduced to 14 men with flanker Dean Kenney being sin binned for 'persistent use of the boot' after super veteran Dave Withers had been previously warned on two occasions. Flanker Ian Finnlayson was rolling back the years controlling the breakdown and ensuring the home side had plenty of ball. The stalemate continued and the sides turned round all square at 0 - 0.

The home side made several changes at the start of the second half. Hogan Snr who had done well in the first half ran out of gas, Graham Rimmer made way for Kieran (Uni boy), Neil Minshull on for Andy Boardman on the wing. Without another front rower the game went to passive scrums but they had been quite even up too that point. Earlsdon then suffered a couple of injuries just after the restart Nigel Ball and Finney limping off to be replaced by both Sams (Uni boys). Sam Thompson was also replaced by his cousin Luke on the wing. After a quick reshuffle Earlsdon settled into the game and after the visitors had come close to scoring they dominated the rest of the match. Neil Minshull having moved to centre used his pace and power to score the first try which fly half Marcus Jones failed to convert. Stu Clarke then came on moving into the back row. The wily old Andy Boardman had identified a weakness in the inside centre channel and Earlsdon exploited it time and again with Minshull and Deri Thomas making good runs. Earlsdon extended their lead when another good run by Minshull was finished off by Luke on the wing, Jones converted this time for a 12 - 0 lead. Earlsdon were now in complete control and another cracking try from Minshull sealed the match, Jones converting for a 19 - 0 lead. The home side did create a couple more chances but were happy with the win maintaining the unbeaten run against a decent side. Thanks to Veners for stepping into the breach to ref the match.

Sat 18th Oct 2008

Earlsdon 10 Caldy 45 EDF National Trophy

Earlsdon welcomed northwest National 3 side Caldy for their first ever venture into the EDF National Trophy and in a game with nothing to lose for the Coventry side they gave their all and with a little bit of luck could have pushed the visitors further. The Earlsdon squad of 18 had 14 home produced players all coming from the ranks of the junior section.Following on from last weeks kicking performance Chris Scott slotted a penalty after 5 minutes to send the sizable home crowd wild with delight and thoughts of an unlikely victory were being whispered through the crowd. After 25 minutes however Caldy had asserted their superiority with 2 converted tries through their big forwards. On the half hour however it was the turn of the Earlsdon crowd to go wild with a sublime grubber kick from Scott flopped on by full back Ed Keen for Earlsdon's try converted by Scot for a respectable 10 - 14 score approaching half-time. However fate was to deal a cruel blow with Pete Mills off in the sin bin, in added time Caldy worked the ball out wide and their barnstorming centre dotted down with a conversion to follow giving the visitors a 21 - 10 half time lead. Caldy beefed up their front row with a fresh legs and Earlsdon also introduced Dave Lea and Jason Batt to stabilise the scrums and Earlsdon only escaped from the relentless pressure from Caldy with some intelligent kicking from Scott or scrum half Rob Jones. But it was in defence that Earlsdon were superb with the back row trio of Rob Callaway, Gary Back and Andrew Forsyth scything down the wave after wave of Caldy attacks, Forsyth reckoning that he had double if not tripled his usual tackle count for the game. Scott however was off target with 3 penalty attempts all shaving the post by inches which would have made the game even more tense than it already was. The last 20 minutes were decisive with Caldy running in 4 more tries and a couple of conversions one of the tries after what seemed a game of keep ball with Earlsdon pinned in their 22 and Caldy moving the ball from side to side at least 7 if not 8 times before a loose pass went to the foot of a Caldy attacker who deftly side footed it past the Earlsdon defence and fell on the ball to score. Ed Keen, James Payne, Rory McPheators, Adam Clarke, Paul McGranaghan, Chris Scott, Rob Jones, Pete Mills, Ally McPheators, Lee Davies, Kev Hogan, Sean Moore, Rob Callaway, Gary Back, Andrew Forsyth, Dave Lea Jason Batt and Luke Tolley you were all men of the match every one of you played to you full potential and did Earlsdon proud. Crayton Phillips, Marc Thomas, Jason Lewis, and Carl Rimmer you prepared the players perfectly before the game and it was great to see so many familiar faces down watching the game and having a beer after the game in a packed clubhouse with our new friends from the Northwest. What a grand day out with the 2s, 3s and Colts all coming back to find out how the 1st team had done.

Broadstreet II 50 - Earlsdon II 7 Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup

Earlsdon second team travelled to Broadstreet with a much changed side from previous weeks as many players had been called up for the first team in the EDF cup. From the off, Earlsdon's defence was holding well against a strong Broadstreet side. But eventually cracks began to appear with a few missed tackles, Broadstreet scored the first 2 tries of the game. Earlsdon responded with a well taken try as Matt Tank Rossi done a 'gary owen' which landed infront of the opposition full back who failed to collect. The ball landed kindly into Lee Arbothnott's hands who off-loaded the ball to Liam McGladrian to score. Rossi converted. As the game went on tackles were missed and Broadstreet were breaking through Earlsdon's defensive line to score more tries but not converting all. Ealrsdon did however have a couple of well taken breaks which saw Tom Rawlings break through but unable to score.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 36 - 10 Coventrians 2nd XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV continued there good start to the season with another win against a very young Coventrians side who were made up of a majority of Cov Uni players and a few Standard guests. By contrast Earlsdon's team was full of experience with the youngest players being Neil Minshull and Paul Hayward at 34 years young. A quick tot up of all the starting ages came to around 650 years!! This didn't affect the play, the wily old forwards securing plenty of ball for the backs in what was a cracking 30 minutes of rugby which saw the home side score 5 tries. Paul Keene got the first score with a short range effort after good work by Nige Ball - fly half Marcus Jones converting. The second saw slick hands send winger Neil Minshull in for a good score - unconverted. Further scores followed from winger Ian McCann, centre Neil McDonald and flanker Mark Evans with Jones converting another two for a score of 31 - 0. The home side had other chances and the score could have been bigger. The visitors made several changes and with the home side getting tired started to throw the ball around and managed an unconverted try of their own before half time for a 31 - 5 score at the break.

Both sides made changes at half time Earlsdon bringing on Andy Boardman (forty odd) and Sam Thompson (a lot younger). The second half deteriorated considerably in the with both sides struggling with the refereeing. Earlsdon were forced into a couple of front row changes bringing 'Old Man' Withers and half fit Mark Tolley on as the old boys started to get very tired. Number eight John Murphy got Earlsdon's only try in the second half which was unconverted which was matched by the visitors for a second half score of 5 - 5. The final whistle was most welcome and Earlsdon's strong 30 minutes in the first half was crucial with a final score of 36 - 10.

Burton Colts 15 Earlsdon Colts 15 National Colts Cup

Earlsdon travelled to Burton for their National Colts Cup game, and came away with a draw, this means, as the away side, Earlsdon go through to the next round. Earlsdon started the game well when after 10 minutes No 8 Phil Graham picked the ball up from the back of the scrum and drove through the Burton defence to score under the posts. Todd Freemantle converted. Burton came straight back at Earlsdon by kicking a penalty.Earlsdon had the home team under some immense pressure when the Burton winger dropped the ball on the half way line and Ian Silvera kicked ahead and score to put Earlsdon 12 points to 3 up at half time.

The second half started with a bang, when Burton took advantage of some sloppy Earlsdon defence to score in the first minute. to close the difference to 12 points to 8. Burton then threw everything at Earlsdon and with 10 minutes remaining, the home team Fly half kicked a high ball through and the Earlsdon full back and winger collided as the Burton Centre scored under the posts. Burton converted to take the lead 15 - 12. After a couple of quick changes, Earlsdon then attacked the Burton line continuously, with Chris Zutic causing all kind of problems for the home defence. With 1 minute remaining on the clock, Burton gave away a penalty, after going off their feet at the ruck, and Todd Freemantle kicked the penalty to send Earlsdon through to the next round, with a possible away game at Barker Butts in the next round.

Sat 11th Oct 2008

Earlsdon 26 Nuneaton Old Eds 20

Earlsdon welcomed Nuneaton Old Eds to a sunny and balmy Mitchell Avenue for the latest in close results with less that a score between the sides in their last 5 meetings. Earlsdon were fast out of the blocks and Gareth Beynon raced over for a try, converted from out wide by Chris Scott. Who added a further penalty for a 10 - 0 lead after 15 minutes. Old Eds came back into the game and went close with some bustling drives from the centre and they did manage an unconverted score out wide and then added another to level the scoring Scott again popping a penalty for a 13 - 10 home advantage and Earlsdon nearly extended the lead with an interception but the visiting defence was too good. and Scott added to the lead on the stroke of halftime with another penalty.

Old Eds started the half the stronger and were rewarded with a further try and the game was on a knife edge at 16 - 15 to Earlsdon, with 10 minutes to go full back Ed Keen found himslef in drop goal range and did just that to give the home side some breathing space at 19 - 15. With the game approaching full time Old Eds had a try disallowed and whilst they were ruing what may have been Benynon scuttled in for his second and Scott sealed the win with a fine conversion. Old Eds weren't done however and in the depths of injury time they scored another unconverted try for a 26 - 20 score line to Earlsdon and second place in the league.

NOE II 25 Earlsdon 13

Earlsdon second team travelled to Nuneaton to face a big looking Nuneaton Old Edwardians team. The sun was shining and it was a perfect afternoon for rugby. Earlsdon kicked off and just like last week, the first 5-10 minutes were dominted by the Earlsdon pack. NOE's used their size to good advantage as a couple driving mauls saw them score. The convertion was missed. Moments later NOE's were awarded a penalty for foul play in the rucks which was converted. Earlsdon then picked up the pace and began to work some good looking moves in the backs and good forward play. They were then rewarded with a penaltly on the edge of the NOE's 22 which was converted by Matt Tank Rossi to bring the score to 8-3. Moments later Earlsdon were rewarded with another penalty from similar distance which Rossi converted. Ealrsdon were looking like getting back into the game, when NOE's scored a converted try. 5 minutes before half time saw some good play by the Earlsdon pack as Ian "Batman" Forsyth scored Earlsdon's first and well deserved tryconverted by Rossi. Half time was 15-13. The second half began like the first half ended with Earlsdon dominating the breakdowns and using the backs well getting the ball wide. NOE's were awarded with a penalty which was converted. Earlsdon kept plently of pressure on and stepped up a gear with some good handling in the backs saw the ball get to the wings, but were unable to turn pressure into points. Towards the end, NOE's managed to find an overlap on the wing as they scored the games last try, which was converted. The final score was 25-13.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 24 - 19 Nuneaton Old Eds 3rd XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV kept their unbeaten record in a hard and entertaining match against NOE 3rd XV. Playing at home for the first time this season Earlsdon welcomed back Deri Thomas in the centre and french rugby nomad Paul LeKeene, who landed at Birmingham airport at 1.20 and made it for the 3 pm kick off.

The early exchanges were quite even although the much smaller Earlsdon pack had the upper hand in the scrums wining several scrums against the head. The lineout was also keenley contested with flanker Mark Evans soaring at 2 against a much taller opponent. The first score was a text book backs move with full back Ady Higgins entering the line at pace (well sort of) drawing the opposing full back to put Sam 'Forest' Thompson in for a score. Higgins knocked over the conversion for a 7 - 0 lead. Earlsdon dominated the rest of the half, LeKeene in his unaccustomed position of No 8 was prominent in the loose with Evans and prop Mark Tolley. NOE under pressure in the scrums had to revert to 'passive' due to an injury to one of their props. Just before the stroke of half time Thompson scored his second try chasing up a clever chip by centre Chris Ward to score. Higgins just missed with the conversion.

The second half started better for the visitors, the passive scrums suiting them, dropping out big forwards to smash the ball up. They scored a converted try to get the score back to 12 - 7. Earlsdon were forced into a change prop Mark Tolley suffering a deadleg to be replaced by David Robert Jones. Earlsdon hit back straight away, good hands in the backs again saw winger Josh Meszar beat his opposite number to score. Higgins hit the post with the conversion - score 17 - 7. Back came the visitors and scored another converted try for a scoreline of 17 - 14. The home side then had a big period of pressure and were rewarded with a try from Chris Ward which Higgins converted for a 24 - 14 score with 5 minutes left. NOE had the last word with another try which went converted. The referee said the score was 24 - 19 but we are pretty sure NOE converted all their tries for a 24 - 21 scoreline.

Earlsdon Colts 11 - Rugby Lions 3

Earlsdon won a very scrappy game against Rugby Lions by 11 points to 3. Captain Rhys Roberts kicked 2 early penalties to give Earlsdon a 6 points to 3 half time led. The game deteriorated in the second half,with several flare ups before Earlsdon Flanker Chris Zutic was sent off. Earlsdon then went down to 13 men when Rhys Roberts received a gash to the face in an off the ball incident. This was Earlsdons wake up call and they then took the game to Rugby when Todd Freemantle stepped through the Rugby back line and popped the ball to Lock Andy Clark who ran 25 metres to score a try to seal the game

Sat 4th Oct 2008

Kidderminster Carolians 18 Earlsdon 18 League Game

Earlsdon travelled into darkest Kidderminster for their longest journey of the league season and started well against a strong wind and missed an early penalty. Kidderminster scored a converted try against the run of play with their 1st bit of possesion through good forward play which was finished by their full back. Under more pressure Earlsdon conceded another unconverted try and on the stroke of half time Kidderminster kicked a penalty for a wind assisted 15 - 0 lead. With the elements Earlsdon started the 2nd half well and scored an unconverted try through Adam Clarke after good phases of play. 5 minutes later Gareth Beynon scored a great try beating 3 defenders on his way to the line. Then after some interesting descisions by the ref K's kicked another penalty which left earlsdon trailing 18 12 with 10 mins to go. Chris Scott kicked a penalty from half way and then another with the last kick of the game to secure the draw in a game Earlsdon should have won.

Earlsdon II 29 - Kenilworth 52 Warwickshire 2nd XV League

Earlsdon welcomed Kenilworth second team on a cold, wintery afternoon. The game was delayed as the referee ended up refereeing the colts game so Venners saved the day and was chosen to ref. Kenilworth kicked off and immediately Earlsdon began the strongest, keeping the ball ruck after ruck but unable to turn pressure into points. Kenilworth then broke away using their pace down the wings to score the games first converted try. Earlsdon responded with an unconverted try. Kenilworth again used their wings well to score another try. After some good forward play by the Earlsdon pack and keeping the ball well, Gareth at number 8 hacked the ball down field and managed to score in the corner, but was unconverted. Kenilworth had another lucky break and used their wings again to score another try. Earlsdon were camped in Kenilworths 22 at the end of the first half and deservedly scored their 3rd try of the game with scrum half Fisher breaking away from a scrum to score. The try was converted by Matt Tank Rossi. The second half began with a couple of break away tries to Kenilworth when they had overlaps in the backs. Kenilworth dominated the line-outs throughout the game using their height to full advantage. Tom Rawlings scored Earlsdon's 4th which saw Tank chip the ball over Kenilworths defensive line and the ball bounced kindly into Tom Rawlings' hands to score under the posts. Tank converted. Keniloworth responded with a couple more tries with no reply from the home side. The last 10 minutes saw Earlsdon camped on the Kenilworth try line, wave after wave of forward play saw Mark Tollry score a well deserved 5th try for Earlsdon, which was unconverted. The final score was 52-29

Earlsdon 3rd XV 32 - 14 Birmingham Wyvern

Earlsdon third team travelled over to social/pub side Birmingham Wyvern on a blustery day with a very experienced side. Earlsdon were out of the blocks first and scored two tries in the first ten minutes, one by full back Ady Higgins and the second a pushover from a lineout from super-vet Dave Withers. Both went unconverted as fly half Marcus Jones struggled to cope with the swirling wind. More good work saw two further tries from centre Neil McDonald and flanker Colin Morton, Jones managed 1 conversion for a 22 - 0 lead. Wyvern then came close to scoring but a fine try saving tackle from Jones (yes it's true) foiled them. Wyvern did score a converted try under the posts to reduce the deficit to 22 - 7. Earlsdon were forced into a change with centre Neil Minshull suffering a bang on the head being replaced by Sam Thompson. The visitors did score just before half time Higgins getting his second try after good work by the forwards. The conversion was missed and Earlsdonled 27 - 7 at the half.

There was a second half but as Murph said we 'plumbed new depths of poor rugby' as it was a bit of a shocker. Dave Withers scored his second try from close range and Wyvern scored a second following and outrageous 'Dan Marino' forward passs that the ref missed. The score finished 32 - 14. The youngest member of the side Andy Walker deserves a mention for gutsing out the full 80 minutes with a dodgy shoulder and veteran winger Ian McCann put in a good first half performance.

Earlsdon Colts 45 - Rugby St Andrews 5

Earlsdon Colts, missing a few players took the opportunity to give some U17 players a game,Jack Madeloft, Max Boland, Callum Forsyth and Jack Lightfoot, did not look out of place and raised their game accordingly.

Captain Rhys Roberts led the way for Earlsdon, with an early penalty to put the home side 3 points up, Roberts then scored on the corner 5 minutes later. Prop Chris Lee burst through the St Andrews defence to score soon after, followed by Centre Luke Settle who scored a try after a lovely run in the midfield. 2nd Row Andy Clark scored a fine try after some heavy forward pressure in the St Andrews 25. Olly Lyndon kicked the conversion. The visitors attacked Earlsdon straight from the restart and score a well worked try in the corner to go in at half time with Earlsdon 25 - 5 in front

The second half was a dismal affair with plenty of stops and a number of injuries on both sides.The home side scored further tries though Roberts, Fisher, Madeloft and Lightfoot to win the game 45 points to 5

Sat 27th Sept 2008

Earlsdon 15 - Droitwich 3

In superb rugby playing conditions Earlsdon welcomed bogey side Droitwich who seemed off the pace and really never threatened the home line. The opening quarter saw both sides probing at each other with a series of kicks but to no avail. It was a piece of brilliance from Martin Mad Dog Rourke who dropped a sublime drop goal to open the scoring for the home side. Added to soon after by a Chris Scott penalty. At half time is was a 6 - 0 lead to Earlsdon.

The second half was more of the same with Earlsdon hanging on in the scrums and disappointed in the line outs but Scott added a further penalty to edge the home side further a head. Droitwich made a rare visit to the Earlsdon 22. A penalty was converted to have the game in the balance at 9 - 3. This would, however, prove to be the end of Droitwichs adventure as a series of penalties saw the visitors side back in their own half to allow Scott to put the game beyond doubt with two further penalties.

Earlsdon 3rd XV 39 - 5 Atherstone 2nd XV

Earlsdon 3rd XV kept their unbeaten record with a comprehensive 39 - 5 victory over Atherstone. Unlike the 1stXV and colts there were tries a plenty with the Earlsdon backs bagging all seven tries as the visitors moved the large home pack about the pitch. Earlsdon were 10 nil up within as many minutes with winger Tim Ellershaw and fly half Marcus Jones both going over in the right hand corner finishing off crisp handling moves. Both went unconverted. The visitors should have scored more the backs were looking really dangerous with centres Andy Boardman and Neil Minshull constant threats. Atherstone came back into the game dragging Earlsdon into a loose game which suited them, but they were unable to score as the visitors' defence held.There were no further scores in the half. Earlsdon made a change at half time, Yorkie Kinmond on for Mark Tolley at prop. Earlsdon started the second half in the same manner as the first using the backs at every opportunity. Further tries came from a second for Ellershaw, then Minshull and Boardman - Jones completed a hatrick and added 2 conversions. Atherstone did score a fine consaltion try near the death but Earlsdon were good value for the win and although the backs grabbed all the glory the forwards set the platform with a constant stream of clean possession. The two youngest members of the side Rory Dixon and Ash Hogan had stand out performances in the pack. Following a moan from a certain player last week the following needs to be stressed - Dave 'the Arab' McGovern was powerless to stop the first Berkswell & Balsall try as reported in the match summary for the main reason that he wasn't actually on the pitch and had already been substituted by Ady Higgins.

Earlsdon Colts 15 - Dudley Kingswinford 0 National Colts Cup

Earlsdon cruised into the next round of the National Colts cup, beating a strong Dudley Kingswinford team by 15 points to nil. Earlsdons defence was watertight, and their support play was excellent. Earlsdon won the game after Dudley gave away too many penalties trying to stop the home teams attack. Todd Freemantle kicked all 5 penalties.

Sat 20th Sept 2008

Berkswell & Balsall 12 - Earlsdon 17

Earlsdon made the short trip out to Berkswell on a Sunny afternoon and it was a usual see-saw game. Berkswell quickly equalising a Todd Freemantle penalty, 3-3. After 5 mins Berkswell had their centre sent off. But the home side took 6-3 lead through Earlsdons penalty count being too high and unforced errors especialy in the visitors 22. Occasionally Earlsdon put together some phases of play and showing good support Adam Clarke scored a try converted by Freemantle to make it 10-9. Gary Backy was sin binned just before half time, and after the turn around, Berkswell quickly kicked two penalties 12-10. Coach Crayton made some changes, Back off for Iain Forsyth, Benyon off for League debutant Paul McGranaghan, Freemantle changed wings and this proved to be decisive. In the last ten mins Earlsdon upped their game, put some phases together and a platform for backs to run moves, creating the space for Freemantle to finish a move excellently, he then kicked the conversion from wide out . Berkswell had one last crack at the visitors line, but Earlsdons defence was good as it had been all game.

Earlsdon II 18 Stratford II 22 Warwickshire 2nd Team League

The 2nds played at home against a big looking Stratford side. The home side had made h several changes to last weeks team and started rather slowly and were 10 points down after only 8 minutes. A well-taken penalty from TMatt Rossi lifted the players spirits, they recovered well and showed great pace and determination to run in 2 unconverted tries, from hooker Rory Dixon and Liam McGladagain after some neat interpassing with second row James Thomason. Half time score was 13-10.

The second half started as the first ended, with Earlsdon winning the majority of the ball. They were rewarded with another unconverted try from the skipper Funtime Bobby, from a sereis of picks and drives from the forwards led from the front by Jason Batt giving the home side the lead by 8 points, but Earlsdon started to drift from their game plan and allowed Stratford to score 2 well taken tries, one of which was converted to give the lead back to Stratford 22-18. Earlsdon were shaken up and peppered the Stratford 22, but were unable to cross for the winning try. This was an exciting game to watch and proved the new league structure will bring more competitive games and showed the progress Earlsdon have already made in the few games already played.

Berkswell & Balsall 2ndXV 17 - Earlsdon 3rdXV 17

Earlsdon 3rd XV sent a strong side over to local rivals Berkswell & Balsall to play their second team and came away with a 17-17 draw in a disappointing display. On paper the visitors had a decent team with loads of experience up front and a useful looking backline. They welcomed back former player Rob Walker and previously retired Graham Rimmer to the team. Games aren't played on paper though and the home side boasted a useful set of backs as well. Near pensioner Dave 'the Arab' McGovern had a ten minute run out at full back and was powerless to stop the first try as Earlsdon missed crucial first time tackles. Dave was replaced by Ady Higgins. It got worse for the visitors when the home side backs cut through to score a converted try for a 12-0 lead. Earlsdon were winning plenty of ball but everything was a bit static allowing Berkswell to defend easily. Earlsdon had dominance in the scrum and made it tell on the stroke of half time with veteran number 8 John Murphy scoring a pushover try which went unconverted. Despite a rousing team talk from skipper Steph Kenney at the break Earlsdon proceeded to gift another score to home side at the start of the second half who led 17 - 5. Earlsdon then started to use the forwards more. They came right back into the game with an unconverted try, hooker Martin Taylor bursting through at a lineout, tackled just short he offloaded to prop Mark Tolley to score. Earlsdon kept the pressure on, the ageing pack showing good fitness levels. Following a series of scrums on the Berkswell line Murphy bagged his second pushover try, fly half Marcus Jones converted this time to sea la 17-17 draw.

Earlsdon Colts 23 - Nuneaton 8

Earlsdon Colts entertained Warkwickshire Colts Championship winning team, Nuneaton Colts to Mitchell Ave and attacked them from the start, the home team never let the Nuns gat into their stride and never gave them any time on the ball. The Earlsdon forwards pushed the Nuns pack backwards at every scrum, Hooker Terry Hicks took several balls against the head to give the home team some great advantage. However the Nuns took the lead after Earlsdon gave a penalty away late in the first half. After some great pressure from the scrum, No 8 Phil Graham picked up the ball from the base to drive over the line and Rhys Roberts converted the try. Roberts put Earlsdon further ahead, after kicking a penalty to give the home team a 10 - 3 advantage at half time.

Nuns came straight back at Earlsdon after the interval, but were stopped in their tracks with some great tackles from Luke Settle and George Evans. Flanker, Chris Zutic gave the Nuns half back pairing a torrid time. Nuns then got a break and scored in the corner to close the gap to 10 - 8. Earlsdon came straight back at the opposition with Graham scoring his 4th try in two games Roberts converting and the Earlsdon skipper then added a penalty to give Earlsdon a 20 - 8 lead and then Evans kicked a sweet drop goal from 30 yards out to give Earlsdon a 23 - 8 win over a strong Nuneaton team.

Wed 17th Sept 2008

Earlsdon Vets 15 - Dunlop Vets 5 Floodlit Vets League

Earlsdon had a nervous first 20 against a well organised Dunlop side with Andy Boardman going close for the home team just falling short of the tryline after a telling cross field kick from Marcus Jones. Martin Rourke was pleased to be invited for a Vets game and found himself in acres of space at centre always creating problems for the visitors. The McDonald - Jones half back axis always looked in control but the yellow and black of Dunlop were like a swarm of wasps over any breakdown and they slowed down whatever ball Earlsdon managed to recycle. The second half saw several changes the most telling being Rourke into the backrow and the introduction of ex-pat Paul Keene into the engine room. Earlsdon started to dominate in the scrum and compete at the breakdowns and with steady Ady Higgins at full back any visiting attacks were quickly delt with. Earlsdon cut the line out to 4 and colts manager Mick Roberts had no problem finding referee Martin Murphy in the line, with brother John and Sean Moore always looking to be dangerous runners in the 3/4 line. Earlsdon managed a score from the boot of Jones and then a try from U16s coach John Walker after some good work in midfield from Lee Arbuthnott and Ian McCann, Arbuthnott himself scored a try from a blindside chip from McDonald and Jones added the extras. Dunlop had the final word with a chip through from Earldon fielded by the left wing who skipped through several tackles dotting down for a consollation score.

Sat 13th Sept

Barkers Butts 35 Earlsdon 16

Earlsdon visited local rivals Barkers' Butts on a sunny September afternoon and made a bright start with a penalty virtually from the kick off converted by Tom Kendall with Barkers' Butts handling letting them down Earlsdon exploited gaps in the home defence and Adam Clarke sped through the gap to feed the ball to Rory McPheators who drew the man and popped it to Gareth Beynon who sped past the defence to give Earlsdon a dreamy 10 - 0 lead after Kendall's extras. Earlsdon were competing well and causing all sorts of problems to the home side but after 5 minutes they conceded a try and conversion to add to the home side's penalty and with an exchange of penalties, Earlsdon's from Kendall all was even at half time 13 all. The second half was a different game with Earlsdon on the back foot and Barkers in the ascendancy dominating set and loose play with Earlsdon suffering a number of injuries that disrupted their defence patterns the home side ran in 3 more tries and all Earlsdon had to show was a Todd Freemantle penalty to finish a very unsatisfactory 35 - 16 losers.

Earlsdon II 7 - Barkers Butts 26

Earlsdon 2nds made a nervous start to the Warwickshire 2nd XV League against their Mediden neigbours and were lacking experience in key areas with a youthful team skippered by Bobby Fried, Andy Walker back from his summer in the USA ended up in the second row. The makeshift pack was very competitive in all areas of play, and the whole team defended stoutly. Earlsdon started the game really positively and were unlucky not to score the first try of the game. Butts came into the game with their bigger forwards and scored a well-taken try in the corner. Liam Mcgladagain was a handful in attack from centre and on the half hour mark had to leave with a cut above his eye. Earlsdon were reduced to 14 players until a colt was loaned across. At half time, the score was 0-5.

The exertions of the first half and shuffling of the team started to tell its toll, Butts scored a couple of close range tries from lineouts and another from a kick ahead, with Paul fast kid McGranaghan just losing out to the touchdown. Paddy Ryan from the front row was unable to continue and the scrum went to passive, Colin Morton coming off the bench to add his healthy stature. The last 10 minutes were very competitive and showed the high fitness levels of both teams, as Earlsdon finished the game with Lee Arbuthnott taking a well-timed short pass from Luke Tolley to dot under the posts, with Ed Keen slotting the conversion to give the crowd something to cheer about. A big thank you to all the players who played out of position and stuck to the task.

Earlsdon III 40 - Barkers Butts 10

The warm afternoon brought a number of elder statesmen out of the woodwork and Earlsdon were cheered on by old boys Iain Finlayson, Dave Smith and Yank Ron Stockwell who was paying a flying visit. The visitors had a key blend of experience in key areas and pace in the back 3 and scored first through winger Josh Meszar's scamp up the wing, converted by Marcus Jones. Barkers Butts struck back with a penalty and Phil Bentham added 2 further tries also converted for a 21 - 3 half time lead. Jones's howitzer boot keeping the home side camped in their 22 and always giving Meszar, Bentham or full back Tom Rawlings the option to pressurise the home defence. Bentham added a further 2 tries in the second half also converted by Jones with a final try by Mark Evans to wrap the game up and secure a satisfactory win. Jones let his old coach Tony Gibbs(who was refereeing 20+ years after coaching Jones in a Butts U12s) down and missed the final conversion.

Earlsdon Colts 30 - Barkers Butts 3

Earlsdon Colts entertained Barkers Butts colts on a fine Autumn day at Mitchell Ave. There were few if any highlights in a rather dour first half, with both teams defending well. Earlsdon welcomed back No 8 Phil Graham for his first game of the season, and he soon showed his strength by driving over for two tries in the first half after some good work by the Earlsdon forwards. Barkers replied by kicking a penalty to finish the half 10 points to 3.

Earlsdon upped the ante in the second half, making a few changes to settle their side and were soon rewarded when Chris Park scored from close range. Rhys Roberts converted the try and then Roberts put Earlsdon further ahead with an easily taken penalty kick. Earlsdon took the opportunity to blood some young players and Jack Madeloft and Max Boland had fine games in the loose. Barkers were struggling against an Earlsdon team who were getting stronger by the minute. Scrum half Rob Fisher rounded 3 players to score in the corner and hooker Terry Hicks converted from the touch line.Rhys Roberts finished off the game by bursting through the Barkers centres to score under the post to give the home team a 30 points to 3 win.

Sat 6th Sept

Earlsdon 8 Coalville 5

With heavy rain affecting the pitches Earlsdon were fortunate to just have the one game against Midlands III East (South) opposition Coalville. Earlsdon introduced colt Rob Fisher for his first start in the 1st XV and fellow colt Ian Silvera was on the bench. Conditions were heavy underfoot and a slippy ball led to a plethora of scrums. With both defences working hard there was little room to break through and a number of chips and chases seemed to be the order of the day. Andrew Forsyth was unlucky to nudge the ball forward after hacking the ball over the try line and out pacing the visiting full back. Tom Kendall however opened the scoring for Earlsdon with a cooly slotted penalty after 20 minutes and then followed it up with a try on the half hour. Earlsdon looked good for the lead and despite pressurising failed to add to the score board. The second half saw Coalville introduce a number of subs and they themselves scored an unconverted try, Earlsdon made some changes with legs looking weary from the unseasonal plodge in the mud and they hung on for a 8 - 5 win.

Sun 7th Sept Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup

Earlsdon 6 Rugby St Andrews 5

Earlsdon welcomed a youthfull Rugby St Andrews side for an unusually early Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup game. The home side with its own mix of experience and youth started brightly and the visitors were camped in their own 22 for the first quarter relieving pressure from the home sides indiscipline. Colt Jack Brown made his senior debut in the front row and with Martin Murphy and Sean Moore packing down in the second row the scrumaging was solid. A sucession of penalties gave St Andrews the field position to spin the ball wide and they dotted down in the corner for a well worked try. From a near impossible angle the kicker was unlucky to see the conversion hit the cross bar and stay out. Earlsdon's back row of Garry Back, Martin Rourke and Chris Zutic were a constant thorn in the St Andrews side and the second half was punctuated with several flare ups. Earlsdon benefited however with a penalty front on to the posts on the 22 slotted by Todd Freemantle and then with 5 minutes left on the clock from a similar position Freemantle won the game with another kick. All that was left was for Rob Jones to kick the ball off the park from the final scrum of the game and Earlsdon had managed a win by the skin of their teeth.

30th Aug 2008

Earlsdon 7 - Market Bosworth 10

Earlsdon entertained a strong Market Bosworth team on a fine summers day at Mitchell Avenue. Earlsdon were bolstered by the return, after a year out with injury, of Fly half Rhys Roberts. The home side however were short on numbers, because of work commitments and unavailability, only 2 U19s colts forwards were present. Earlsdon filled these gaps with players from the U18s colts age group.

The teams played 3 -20 minute games, the first session, Earlsdon played well, with Max Boland spoiling the away teams line-out and Jack Madeloft and Daniel Pateman having exceptional games in the loose.There wasnt a score until the 2nd session when after a few changes, Earlsdon were creaking in the scrums, and Bosworth made some good pressure pay when they drove over in the corner for a 5-0 lead.

In the final session, Earlsdon attacked ferociously with some good breaks from Todd Freemantle, and Daniel Pateman. One mistake in the midfield and Bosworth gathered the ball to score a break away try in the corner for a 10-0 lead.

Earlsdon came right back at Bosworth and scored straight away after a break from Rhys Roberts, who darted through the defence to feed centre Luke Settle, who scored by the posts. Todd Freemantle kicked the conversion to finish the game at 10-7 to Bosworth.

27th Aug 2008 - appologies if the facts are wrong but I was being eaten alive by midgies.

Earlsdon sent a 26 man squad over to Newbold for a floodlit session against Midlands III West (South) opponents. The first 30 saw the home side dominate with powerful drives from their number 8 and orchestrated by their 10 who opened the scoring with a chip and chase up the hill. Earlsdon were losing out in the lineouts, coming second best in the rucks and achieved parity in the scrums. Newbold scored another try with fast hands setting up a 3 on 1 missmatch. For the second 30 Earlsdon made some changes and got more into the game but at cruicial moments poor handling let them down with the goal line beckoning. Lee Arbuthnott added to Saturdays tally and pulled a try back, Gareth Beynon was unlucky to be tackled into touch as he dotted down. For the final 30 Earlsdon seemed to get their bearings and Simon Lole had a fine session spoiling the home sides lineout ball. Colt Todd Freemantle capped a fine display with a well taken try and Earlsdon went close a number of times to nick victory in what was probably a reasonable score line and an excellent work out for the Coventry side.

23rd Aug 2008

Earlsdon welcomed a recently formed Bedworth side to Mitchell Ave for a pre season trial game and the sunny weather encouraged some running rugby from both sides. Tries were from skipper on the day Todd Freemantle - 2 tries, Ian Silvera - 3 tries and Chris Zutic 1 try and Freemantle kicked 3 cons for a pleasing 36 points to 5 win.

Earlsdon also host another trial on Wed, v Newbold 7pm kick off.

 

Earlsdon seniors went to old neighbours Coventrians and the home side we pleased with a 24 all draw. Earlsdon's skipper for 2008 0 9 Lee Davies led from the front with a try, Lee Arbuthnott and Ian Forsyth added others. Earlsdon go to Newbold on Wednesday for a further trial game.