Coventry Welsh 5 pts, Shipston 6

SHIPSTON were on their travels last Saturday to take on fellow league contenders Coventry Welsh.

In a tough busy encounter both teams came out firing but neither team gained early advantage. The bigger Coventry forwards drove up the middle, but were constantly met by strong Shipston defence.

Fly half Brian Hobill continued his fine kicking form by pinning Welsh in their own half and the pressure finally told as Shipston were awarded a penalty but unfortunately it wasn't converted. Minutes later another penalty in a similar position was slotted over by Sam Rainbow.

Shipston were unlucky not to go further ahead when Hobill made a break into the 22 but a final pass wasn't held under the posts.

Rainbow kicked another three points as the home side continued to give away penalties through ill discipline.

Welsh then got their big forwards rolling and, when in Shipston's 22, the boys in black weren't able to stop the maul and the no 8 went over.

The conversion was missed and at the break Shipston led 6-5.

In the second spell the niggle continued with intimidation tactics and a few "handbags" being thrown but Shipston's discipline was excellent and, instead of retaliation, they were content to play the rugby.

A penalty move looked promising as centre Carl Hamilton broke through but was brought down just short, unfortunately dislocating his shoulder in the process.

The last few minutes were tense as a Shipston penalty was kicked narrowly wide in the blinding sun.

From then on Shipston were pinned in their 22, but again the defence held firm for a well fought win.

Shipston's man of the match was openside flanker Richard Taylor.

On Saturday Shipston entertain Manor Park in a rearranged league game at Mayo Road, 2.30pm kick off.

The match is a dress rehearsal for the Warwickshire Shield semi-final which will now take place on Sunday, February 18 (2.15pm) at Old Leamington-ians RUFC.

Warwickshire One

P W D L F A Pts

Earlsdon 11 10 0 1 246 81 20

Shipston 11 8 1 2 209 93 17

Marconi Coventry 12 8 0 4 201 117 16

Coventry Welsh 11 7 0 4 176 144 14

Manor Park 11 7 0 4 138 115 14

Spartans (Mids) 11 6 1 4 155 116 13

Claverdon 12 4 0 8 163 202 8

Alcester 11 3 0 8 171 200 6

Rugby St Ands 12 2 0 10 99 233 4

Pinley 12 1 0 11 94 351 2