Claverdon youngsters claim Stratford success

Claverdon Under-tens celebrate their Stratford Rugby Festival success. Picture submitted

Hosts Stratford were first up and, after a scrappy first half, a nervous Claverdon held a slender 1-0 lead. However, they relaxed after the interval to rack up a comfortable 5-0 success.

Ella Astheimer scored the pick of the tries, ghosting past the cover defence after a good passing move.

Claverdon then produced some of their best rugby of the campaign to beat Evesham 4-0.

Claverdon’s strong defence came to the fore in their final group clash against a physical Bredon side, with superb cover tackling and a Dan Mason try helping them win 2-1.

The three victories put Lions on top of their group and set up a semi-final against a second Bredon side which they won 4-1.

Opponents Shipston also came into the final unbeaten and they took an early lead, only for Claverdon to level before the break.

A powerful run from George Phillips put Claverdon ahead after the interval and they went on to add another try to seal their first piece of silverware.