VALIANT CRANBROOK GIVE LEAGUE LEADERS A GOOD TEST.
On a bad weather day as storm Bert provided wind across the pitch and squally showers, Cranbrook entertained league leaders Canterbury 2nds.
Kicking towards the Clubhouse, the visitors had early territory and missed a fairly close range penalty as the ball struck the post, Cranbrook just managing to clear.
It was apparent that Canterbury were a bigger side than Cranbrook and might prevail in the heavy conditions as rain fell for the majority of the game.
Although this was so and four close range tries were scored in the first half as inevitable handling mistakes on both sides produced many scrums which the visitors dominated, so retaining prominent field position, Cranbrook did have moments particularly when a fine kick by Elliott Barbour rolled into touch near the corner flag. Turning over the lineout, something that was to happen occasionally, Cranbrook drove towards the line when a pass was crucially dropped.
Cranbrook were not helped as fly half Ollie Allman had to retire with an injured ankle on the half hour, his clearance kicks were helpful in helping gain some field position.
A half time deficit of 24 points did not augur well for the 2nd half as the players understandably retired to the changing rooms in the challenging conditions, but Cranbrook had competed strongly in the first half.
The 2nd half was most encouraging from a Cranbrook perspective as an improved scrummage provided a bit more ball and the returning No 8 Samuel Shillabeer was prominent in this effort. In fact the next half hour was almost entirely held in the Canterbury half but chances were at a premium although there was some promising back play which sometimes made ground.
In the last ten minutes as Cranbrook were reduced to 14 as they ran out of front row players and scrums became uncontested, this meant Canterbury eventually escaped as a loose ball was kicked through, scoring from the reset scrum from close range. Perhaps the best chance of the game came for Cranbrook as a chip through stopped just short of the line, the ball recovering Canterbury player was smothered by the onrushing Tom Humphries, but before the defender had got to his feet, incurring the displeasure of the referee, when allowing this to happen may well have resulted in turning the ball over and provided a score.
Shortly after Cranbrook eschewed the chance to kick clear and when the handling move broke down another scrum provided the final try, as an elongated 2nd half featuring several injuries and over long referee lectures came to an end as the light faded on this gloomy day.
Cranbrook though had played with heart and some skill which was warmly appreciated by the members as the players returned to the sanctuary of the changing rooms.
Coach Chris Catt commented that he felt progression was being made as the new young players were coming to terms with the demands of this league, but the true test would come against the teams around us in the vital early part of the new year.
The Biddenden Vineyard player of the match was awarded to lock Tom Hamplett for his strong determination and effort.
The team was: 1 T Humphreys, 2 J Forknall, 3, M Stockman, 4 J Parkes, 5 T Hamphlett, 6 S Jovanovic, 7 H Overy, 8 S Shillabeer, 9 O Wookey, 10 O Allman, 11 J Isteed, 12 A Cornwallis, 13 H Gillanders Captain, 14 J Westcott, 15 E Barbour.
Replacements W Harrison to 15 for Allman 32mins, Cornwallis to 10, Barbour to 11, Westcott to 12. J Brambley for M Stockman 60 mins and D Roberts for Westcott 70 mins.