1st Round Junior Vase

Clee Hill 1sts 8 vs Essington 1sts 10

 
Essington travelled to Clee Hill for the First Round of the Junior Vase with a much changed side, with several players playing out of position. Essington made a positive start to the game pressurising Clee Hill, but as a result of several strange decisions, they were unable take advantage of their obvious superiority. Clee Hill gained territorial advantage and claimed a penalty after only three minutes. From then on, unable to cope with Essington pressure they played a spoiling game killing any attempt to play open entertaining rugby. With Essington determined to run open fast ball, Clee Hill proceeded to slow everything down and tied in players in minor scuffles. It was obvious that unless this was dealt with the game would deteriorate. And it did. The game turned and it was obvious that it was a battle of attrition, the away team being the team wishing to play rugby. At the very end of the first half Richard Wolverson was given a yellow card for two offside offences.
 
Now starting the second half with 14 men, Essington showed real character in absorbing Clee Hill pressure. Several altercations erupted with Nick Brittain having his nose badly broken. The Essington second row Richard Wolverson returned and through his determined actions became a prime target for Clee Hill. In spite of this Alistair Cowmeadow scored an excellent try after the 52nd minute and Stuart Russell scored a typical back row try on the 60th minute. Neither were converted. Further problems occurred when Richard Wolverson was tackled by two Clee Hill players resulting in him being spun in the air and landing on his head and shoulders. This is commonly known as a spear tackle, outlawed by the IRB. He remained prostrate for several minutes but was bravely determined to continue. The official sent off a Clee Hill player. Essington remained calm but determined and held out till full time after what can only be described as extreme provocation from the home side.
 
All the Essington players were congratulated by their Coach for maintaining their discipline and playing rugby. Alec Siddons at full back was a revelation, having made several crucial tackles and spirited runs from deep. Kevin Nicklin at prop played his part by securing the scrum and surprisingly tackled their outside centre on two occasions. Stuart Russell showed great experience in the lineout and made an extremely valuable contribution in loose play, turning over several balls in mauls. This was a superb team effort.
 
Essington now look forward to returning to league rugby with a game at home to Stourport next Saturday.
 
 Message from El

I would like to say a big thank you to all involved on Saturday this being the players, subs the coach and the fat first aider who had a non stop afternoon then he expected! I think that it is possibly the most he has run in a pitch in his career!!!

Joking aside I am pleased that everybody turned up on time and we arrived in enough time to relax and get the long journey out of our system before mentally and physically preparing for the game.

You all showed a great deal of determination and courage during this hard fought battle where other teams may have given up and allowed themselves to be bullied out of the game!

Man of the match was Alec Siddons