KCH vs Cranbrook - 26th October 2013

KCH opened the game with both the slope and the fairly strong wind in their favour. They used both to some effect, and the opening 25 minutes were spent mainly in the Cranbrook half. Crane’s defensive qualities were well tested and not found wanting.

 

On 25 minutes a Cranbrook drive was halted on the home 22. Recycled ball appeared to be going nowhere when a fairly hopeful pass was taken by wing forward Callum Hall’s boot. Hacking the ball on towards the KCH line, he won the race to score between the posts. Chris Catt added the points, 0 – 7. No further scoring action in the first half.

 

The second period saw Cranes in confident mood with the elements now on their side combined with the superior fitness of the younger side. It was now KCH’s turn to defend. Cranes went close twice before Tom Johnson put through skipper Alex Cornwallis who made no mistake with a clear 25m run to the posts. Chris Catt added the conversion, 0 – 14.

 

A scrum on the home 22 resulted in three quick passes to Ben Hoekstra who sliced inside his cover to score wide right. The cross wind eased the conversion attempt wide, 0 – 19. Crane’s coach Graham Arkley used the final 15 minutes to give his travelling reserves a run out. Good for them, but not so good for team momentum with the final quarter scrappy from both sides.  Hooker Kenny Magsico and prop Sam Bolger had strong games for Cranbrook.

 

Match report  by Mike McMinnies