Old Yardleians 8 Shrewsbury 10
In a hard fought game at Tilehouse Lane, Old Yardleians just failed to beat Shrewsbury in a tough encounter. Shrewsbury opened the score on 19 minutes when flanker Simon Evett crossed the line following a strong drive by the Shrewsbury pack. This was followed a few minutes later when Shrewsbury?s other flanker Ian Bussy crossed to score following a flowing move down the right by the visitors? backs.
Having spent the first thirty minutes chasing the game, Old Yardleians pack burst into life. With good possession they were able to work their way down field and put pressure on the Shrewsbury defence, who were forced to give away a penalty. This was kicked for Old Yardleians by Dean Brain. From the kick off Old Yardleians went on the attack again. Pressure on the Shrewsbury line caused a knock on and a five yard scrum. It was Old Yardleians put in and their powerful pack drove Shrewsbury back over their own line for a push over try scored by Steve Grainger.
The home side reached half time half just two points behind. Neither side launched any attacks of significance for the first 20 minutes of the second half then Old Yardleians took the game by the scruff of the neck. They spent the final twenty minutes camped in the Shrewsbury twenty-two. Steve Grainger, Dave Langley and Captain Phil Painter all made the hard yards continually carrying the ball up the centre of the park. This was followed by scrum after scrum where the awesome scrummaging of Old Yardleians drove Shrewsbury back time and time again over their own line. Props Peter Butler and Rich ?The Wig? Withey had too much power for their opposite numbers. Despite all this, Old Yardleians were unable to convert this pressure into any more points. Shrewsbury had won the game with a heroic defensive display in the second half.
Old Yardleians are home again next week in the league to Aston Old Edwardians K.O. 2.15.
Rugby Correspondents - Mark and XC