HSBC supplied the bulk, Cranbrook the rugby. From the outset the home pack, weakened by a series of injuries over recent weeks, were under severe pressure. As the game developed superior fitness levels evened things up in the tight scrums while Cranes were more than able to hold their own in the loose.
Recently the home team have been slow out of the blocks and true to form the Cranbrook pack allowed themselves to be pushed back into their own 22 directly from the kick off. An over zealous infringement then gifted a simple penalty to the Bank who gratefully accepted a three point bonus. This wake up call for Cranbrook caused them to run the ball against the weaker element of HSBC, their back division. Callum McConnochie, making a hallmark darting run from midfield, was brought down on the Bank 22. Excellent recycling allowed second row Jason Bushell to drive on through two attempted tackles before carrying a third defender over the line to score. Hilio De Abreu added the points, 7 – 3. Bank did all they could to involve their forwards which combined with some deft tactical kicking, kept Cranes pinned in their own half for most of the next quarter. It also allowed them time to kick two further penalties. Yet another kick into the home 22 resulted in the try of the game when the ball was transferred through 5 pairs of hands before Daryn Griffiths crashed over in the corner. A final flourish from Bank moments before half time appeared to peter out with a failed drop kick attempt. To universal surprise the Ref restarted the game with a five metre scrum in front of the posts. A surprised and grateful Bank scrum then trundled the home pack over the line for the touch down. The conversion a forgone conclusion. Half time 15 – 16.
The second period was one sided. De Abreu slotted his second penalty. Bank achieved their second try, a very soft affair when a fairly aimless punt into the home in goal area was fumbled allowing a rather hopeful HSBC chaser a free try, 18 – 21. A break by fly half De Abreu thrust deep into the Bank 22, Alex Cornwallis was up to take the scoring pass and made no mistake between the posts. Joey Cordrey completed an excellent game by scorching down the right wing after the home backs had again combined well to carve through the fast tiring HSBC back line. De Abreu converted both tries to round off a very satisfactory afternoon for himself and for Cranbrook.
Match report by Mike McMinnies.