Earlsdon RUFC 18 – Silhillians RUFC 23

Last week's disappointing draw at home to Droitwich had given the Sils side plenty to reflect upon during what had been an excellent week of training, and the team arrived buzzing to make amends. Nevertheless, with Mitchell Avenue a notoriously difficult place to travel to, a difficult match was always going to be on the cards.

The first half was to certainly confirm this expectation as Earlsdon came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders, determined to reverse what had been a torrid run of results of late. A sustained period of pressure had the Sils on the back foot, as the home side made good use of the conditions and the lion's share of the possession. A penalty to take the lead was swiftly followed by a try out wide as the Sils, in stark contrast, leaked penalties and turned over the ball at almost every opportunity, providing territory and with it a solid foothold for the opposition to launch attack after attack. 10-0 at half-time was, in truth, the least that Earlsdon deserved, and it was clear the visitors had to impose themselves on this fixture, and quickly, if anything was to be secured from the game.

Right on cue, a superb start to the second-half had the Sils right back in the mix, as two poacher's tries in quick succession by captain Jim Roper tore the Earlsdon defence to shreds, turning the match on its head. Steve Hawkin's successful conversion with the second effort made it 12-10 to the Sils.

Earlsdon fought back, and another sweeping attack saw the Sils stretched out wide. Scrambling defence prevented the try, although the awarding of a penalty in front of the posts and a yellow card to boot swung the momentum firmly back in Earlsdon's favour. 13-12 to the home team with the successful kick.

A defensive mix-up almost immediately afterwards saw Earlsdon extend the lead, their number eight running in to score from forty metres out. With the score at 18-12 and only fifteen minutes remaining, time was running out for the Sils.

The team noticeably upped the intensity, and with total dominance at the set-piece the forwards began to produce a superb platform from which to pin the Earlsdon team in their own half. A rolling maul paved the way for the first score, with hooker Lee 'Window' Jones finishing off an excellent ten metre rumble by the pack. Shortly afterwards, another turnover close to the Earlsdon line enabled the screw to be tightened once again, and after several carries up the middle the ball was shipped out wide to winger Powell. With three covering defenders closing in, the pocket-powerhouse shrugged off their attention to smash his way over in the corner, taking them with him for the decisive score. 24-18.

There was still time for a few more fingernails to be lost, as Earlsdon, to their credit, went for broke and almost clinched it for themselves. Harry Law's clearance was, however, to prove the final kick of the match, and with five points in the bag the Sils could breathe a sigh of relief.      

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