Cranbrook were able to field a stronger team on Saturday against lowly New Ash Green. The final score was more than justified and hopefully will have a positive impact on Crane morale. With Sam Depoel- Wood and Chris Catt back on duty in the three quarters and Kaveiloni Vikilani in the front row Cranes looked more workman like than of late.
Callum McConnochie , starting at scrum half and then moving out to fly half, had an outstanding game . As early as 5 mins into the game he broke right on the halfway line, made 25m before releasing right wing Benny Buckle for a corner flag touchdown. Chris Catt converted from the touchline , 7 – 0. The balance of the first period contained great effort but little of significance with both sides adding three points from penalties. Half time 10 - 3.
Cranes applied pressure from the restart with NAG struggling to clear the ball from their 22. This pressure was rewarded when Kaveiloni Vikilani stormed through from 10m to ground the ball between the posts. Catt added the points 17 – 3. Cranes were now forced to substitute Chris Catt and wing forward Daryn Griffiths through injury. The re-jigging of the home side left something to be desired and a simple misunderstanding allowed NAG in for a soft try. McConnochie taking over kicking duties, rapidly restored calm in the home camp with a well struck penalty, promptly followed by another from 35m. . From the visitors restart the Cranbrook backs stormed back into the NAG half with breath taking inter-passing and impressive backing up. McConnochie was on hand to take the scoring pass before grounding the ball between the posts. His conversion was a formality. Final score 30 – 8. Next weeks encounter with Dartfordians will be a sterner test.
Match report by Mike McMinnies.