Sils Beat Barkers by the skin of their teeth

The game started at a fast pace with both sides making the most of the near perfect conditions putting together multiple quick phases. However, Sils got the better of the opening exchanges with their running rugby and Dan Walker once again got on the scoresheet diving in the corner. Forward interplay with the backs to switch the run of play to the blind side was key to the opening score. The first conversion opportunity narrowly missed from a tough angle for Tom Lee. 5 gone, 5 up.
Sils failed to clear their lines cleanly from the restart and as a result found themselves camped on their try line. The valiant defence was broken when Barkers were awarded a penalty which they kicked to the corner to setup the classic Coventry driving maul and dot down in the corner. 10 gone, 5-5.
Ed Atkins was replaced at this early stage after having suffered what looked like a minor knock from an unknown driving incident, Tim Trace entered the fray to slot in the back row. The game then ebb’d and flowed with opportunities for both sides not being capitalised on. First Sils lineout stuttered when camped in the Barkers 22 resulting in turnovers for the home side, a knock on from the Sils’ fly half Harry Pick denied what would have been an easy try scoring opportunity and a missed penalty kick from Tom Lee, all being chances that were squandered. Until skipper Tom made amends reading a great intercept from the Barkers fly half to pluck the ball out the air and run in 40m for the score. This try coming at a crucial time just before the break for the Sils to lead 10-5 at half time.
The next score went to Barkers following some quick forward carries getting Sils on the back foot, crucially the conversion missed for the score to be even on 10-10.
The recovered Ed Atkins replaced Ronan Jones for what seemed like a serious shoulder injury. Quickly realising that usual physio Jen was unable for any romantic support Ronan got back on the field 5 minutes later to keep the Sils going forward and winning crucial line outs with the help of Fred Howard’s accurate throw ins.
A series of forward replacements kept the pack ‘fresh’ with James Hibbard making a rare appearance in the row. Finisher Phill Martin also replaced Tom Lee at scrum half. Unfortunately the freshness was wearing off on those who hadn’t been subbed off with Lewis White straying offside to open up a gap around the fringes of the ruck to let the Barkers scrum half breeze in from 20m under the posts and make it 17-10. Capitulation by the Sils, not yet, this side is made of tougher stuff than that!
Sils got their mojo back with Ben Crowe kicking a simple penalty to make it 17-13 and get the Sils within try scoring distance. Sils then kept the ball through phases to make it a nervy finish for the home side. With two minutes to go Sils were awarded a scrum just outside the Barkers 22. Solid setup from the forwards gave the Sils silky looking midfield the platform to execute. Phill Martin fed Harry Pick, who looped Matt Lee. Sun glistening off his impeccable but sweaty brow Harry found some space outside the Barkers 13. Breaking through with one man to beat Pick brushed the defender aside and roared his way to the line to clinch the match in the dying seconds.
There was just enough time for Stephen Hall to get caught out when trying to place the ball into touch but the game thankfully sealed after the Barkers needlessly kicked the ball away during the last play. Final score 18-17.
Sils final game of the season is against Berkswell and Balsall at Copt Heath. B&B embroiled in the relegation zone will be desperate to turn the Sils over in their biggest game of the year.
Unbiased match report written by Harry Pick