On a day when most local games succumbed to the weather,with only two other games being played in the whole Western half of the leagues the superb drainage at Tilehouse Lane enabled our Midlands 3 West (South) game against Upton-upon-Severn to proceed with few real concerns; and the ground staff's efforts were rewarded with a workmanlike 12-3 victory against the mid table Worcestershire side.
Yards' forwards continue to dominate their opponents up front and the game's opening try was scored by robust hooker Adam Baldock following another excellent driving maul from an attacking lineout about ten metres out from the Upton line. Upton replied with a penalty midway through the half and with the score at halftime remaining 5-3 it was still all to play for. But in the second half Yards gradually began to exert their strength and were rewarded with a second try following an astute kick ahead by fly half Jake White for winger Andy Pearce to chase; the ball landing just inside the Upton twenty two Pearce chipped it past a defender before scooping it up and powering over from about six metres with a couple of defenders hanging on. The try was converted by White.
This latest win moves Yards three points clear of Coventry side Pinley and four points ahead of third placed Ledbury; this Saturday Yards host Southam RFC at Tilehouse Lane and having already beaten the Warwickshire side away back in November Yards hope to consolidate their lead at the top of the table.
The Seconds were involved in a friendly also at Tilehouse Lane against local neighbours Old Edwardian 2nds and were well worth their 20-0 victory; tries coming from forwards Rob Bastock (2) & Matt Lillywhite, and veteran fly half Ian Walker.