Sat 22 Mar 2025, 15:00
Earlsdon Finish the Season in Style with a 32-19 Victory Over Coalville
On a day when Earlsdon RFC bid farewell to the league season at home in front of a passionate local crowd, the 1st XV delivered a performance full of character, quality, and grit to secure a 32-19 victory over a determined Coalville side.
The visitors came to play and looked dangerous from all over the field, with their rampaging number 8 causing real problems for the Earlsdon defence. In the first half, Earlsdon were a little off the pace, struggling to deal with Coalville’s physicality and attacking intent. However, moments of brilliance kept them in the game, starting with Aaron Harris’ well-worked try, created through great hands and an execution of a textbook 2v1 by Jack Haywood.
The biggest moment of the first half belonged to Jack Sarjeant, who stunned the huge crowd with a sensational 60m breakaway try, showing pace, power, and determination to race clear and dot down under the posts. Despite these moments of magic, Earlsdon knew they needed to lift their game in the second half—and they did exactly that.
Second-Half Brilliance
The response after the break was nothing short of exceptional. A perfectly executed lineout drive saw Sarjeant cross again from close range, as the pack began to dominate up front. The set-piece functioned superbly, giving Earlsdon the platform they needed to turn the screw.
With the pressure mounting, it was only a matter of time before Jack Taguecapitalised, diving over after a spell of sustained possession. Tague was instrumental throughout, delivering a brilliant all-round performance and contributing 17 points with his boot, slotting two penalty goals, three conversions, and a try to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
While the backs finished the moves, the pack laid the foundation for success. The men of the match were Josh Fitzmaurice, who was everywhere in defence and carried like a lion, and Mickey Moore, who celebrated his birthday in style by controlling the game masterfully from scrum-half. His experience and game management ensured that Earlsdon dictated the tempo, linking forwards and backs seamlessly and keeping Coalville on the back foot throughout the second half.
Coach Jon Fitt’s Verdict
Speaking after the final whistle, Coach Jon Fitt couldn’t contain his pride:
"This was one of our best performances of the season. The boys put their bodies on the line, showed immense heart, and fully deserved the win. Coalville came to play, and we had to dig deep, but our second-half performance was outstanding. I’m so proud of this group—it was the perfect way to finish our home league campaign. With two games to go we must use this performance to end what has been a great league effort."
With the season now complete at home, Earlsdon can focus on the final away games of the campaign as they look to get the 80 point marker. The future defeinately looks bright, and this squad has laid down a marker for what’s to come.
