Barkers Spoil Sils Sweet Six

Barkers had the upper hand all day as Sils struggled to get their rhythm and phase play in place. Barkers put some good team play together to score 14 unanswered points within in the first 10 minutes.
Sils responded briefly to get their points tally moving with Mark Parry finishing off with a try in the scoreboard corner. Barkers responded positively with another score to dent Sils hope of an immediate comeback.
Rumour has it that half the Sils forward pack had been drafted in as Santa’s little helpers this week- Fred Howard, Tom Manise, Lewis White, Tim Trace, Peter Nichols and Ronan Jones all absent for this fixture. Jack Fowles was Sils replacement hooker and was committed to the cause, throwing himself into the action for all 80 minutes.
Critically a try and conversion from Tom Lee on the stroke of half time meant Sils entered the second half with a chance, the scoreboard standing at 14-22. Chasing the game, Sils knew the next score was critical.
Barkers kept the scoreboard ticking with a penalty taking the score to 14-25 before some hot headedness resulted in Matt Lee seeing a yellow card for some handbags. The opposing Barkers offender also saw yellow for his troubles.
With both sides down to 14 men, Barkers took the advantage with another score through their forward pack. A late consolation try from Harry Pick was all but an early disappointing stocking filler with the game ending 21-32.
A disappointing end to what has been an incredible rugby year for the Sils; crowned as Midlands champions, a national cup semi-final, second in the league to reach the play offs and a magnificent comeback in the run up to Christmas which has proven the spirit and character of the 1st XV in 2017.
Sils RUFC wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and invites all to celebrate with a Boxing Day bonanza. Toffs vs tuffs game to kick off at 11AM followed by live music and drinking in the club house throughout the afternoon and evening.