Warks Cup 1987/88

The gladiators return triumphant for a soak in a hot bath at HQ after beating Earlsdon 18-3 up the road. From left to right; Clayton Flick, Colin Blebta, Pike Fisher, Kes Teeling, Red Brown (partly obscured), Mark Swaffield, Jim Bradford. (click on photo to enlarge)

Continuing our look at Coventrians' Warks Cup memories we've reached what many would argue was one of our finest seasons 1987/88. In the first season of Courage League rugby, Covents were crowned champions of Warks 3 by winning 8 out of 9 games and only losing to second place Old Warwickians 10-9 under very controversial circumstances in extra, extra, added on time (by their own ref).

In the Warks Cup we were drawn away to our next door neighbours, deadly rivals and placed a league higher, Earlsdon. They were in the process of moving to Mitchell Ave hence the game being played there but both teams returned to Kirby Corner Rd to wash and drink. The game itself spoke volumes about how far Covents had come in a season and a half. In 1985/86 we would have probably lost 75-0 but on that Sunday in October 1987 things were to be very different.

It was one of Clayton Flick's finest hours as he ran the game from fullback. He slotted over 4 penalties and scored a most memorable try; catching ball in his own 22 he set off at pace, kicked upfield and sprinting, caught said kick and scorched on to touch down adding the conversion for the extras.

Up front, Geoff Giles gave Yorkie a torrid time and big Hunty caused havoc with Hendo and Ranj as ever, ubiquitous. In the backs, the likes of Chrissy McDonnell and Jim Bradford made big hit after big hit until finally Earlsdon were vanquished 18-3 to great cheering from the large Covents contingent and sparking a memorable night in Earlsdon's old clubhouse, some 60 yards from our own HQ.

The team that day; 1. G Giles, 2. P Jackson, 3. K Teeling, 4. P Fisher, 5. C Hunt, 6. R Sinclair, 7. P Henderson, 8. T Parsons, 9. R Brown, 10. M Forsythe, 11. J Bradford, 12. C McDonnell, 13. M Swaffield, 14. C Blebta, 15. C Flick


In the next round we were drawn against Broadstreet at home. Although not the dominant force of today, Broadstreet were still 2 leagues higher and another excellent performance from the blue and white boys saw us bow out in a tight game 12-6 with Ian Carvell slotting 2 penalties and probably shading man of the match with his brave tackling.