Cranbrook 29 Old Gravesendians 8 - 11th January 2014

Playing their first game for almost a month Cranes quickly reemphasized their strength is running the ball. Sam Depoel Wood, returning from a long injury imposed absence also quickly confirmed that his running skills have been sorely missed, and celebrated with three tries.

 

  The overall score was slightly flattering for the home team with OGs pressing the home defense for long periods, particularly in the first half. The Bulkier OG forwards worked hard to penetrate the Cranbrook line which due to some very solid tackling, held firm. Cranes however looked threatening with ball in hand and were on the score sheet in less than 5 minutes when Sam Depoel Wood carved through from the 22m line to score between the posts. Hylton Gibson added the conversion and moments later slotted a 30m penalty, 10 - 0. Skipper Alex Cornwallis, playing his usual strong supporting role from wing forward, surged 30m through a mid field gap before hoisting a high ball to the OG 22. Following up to take the ball on the full he switched to Depoel Wood for his second score under the posts. Gibson added the points, half time score 17 - 0.

 

  The second period saw OGs rewarded with a penalty and a slightly fortunate try when indecision at the back of the home scrum within their own 22, allowed the visiting scrum half to kick the ball out of his opposite number's hand and then touch it down for an unexpected score. No conversion. Meanwhile a left to right switch by the Cranbrook backs caught the OGs on the hop and hooker Kenny Magsico was up in support to go over in the corner. Depoel Wood completed his hat trick with a slicing run from the left to cut through to the posts. Gibson added the points, 29 - 8.

 

Match report by Mike McMinnies