MAX WOOKEY HATRICK IN VAIN AS HOME PACK STRENGTH TELLS.
Cranbrook returned to action as they visited Hayes to play promoted Park House who have established themselves in the league and handed out a heavy beating to the visitors earlier in the season.
It was a grey winter's day, but with the pitch in good condition and with no discernible breeze. Cranbrook kicked off but an early change was necessary as No 6
Jack Fowler was replaced by his brother Charlie, one of 4 sets of brothers on the team sheet, namely Wookey's, Posey's and Jovanovic's.
Early play was even, but Cranbrook experienced the usual difficulties at scrum time, being penalised twice on their own ball whilst once just retaining this balancing this the lineout took some good ball with Sacha Jovanovic and Josh Parkes prominent. This enabled the backs to express themselves confidently, sometimes making good ground.
However, the hosts scored first after 16 minutes when Cranbrook was penalised at the scrum, and Park House scored from close range. A home centre chose this moment to engage in fisticuffs and was carded, so Cranbrook restarted with a penalty which Max Wookey kicked into the 22.
Park House now appeared to gain confidence and Alex Cornwallis distinguished himself with a crucial try saving turnover near the try line.
Park House scored in the corner after 30 minutes after Cranbrook had nearly surprisingly turned over a scrum, demonstrating the spirit they were again playing with.
In the next phase of play a perhaps over confident Park House were intercepted in midfield by fly half Max Wookey, who showed good pace to score comfortably, then the defence appeared to not press effectively, something Wookey exploited with some good footwork around the 22, for a fine individual try which he converted to tie the score at 12-12.
There was still time for Park House to regain the lead before halftime with another try in the corner after a lineout.
At this point Sam Shillabeer again had to retire and Park House had the better of the next few minutes, almost scoring but Cranbrook just managing to hold up a potential try scorer. After 55 minutes they did score after another turned over Cranbrook scrum. Soon after Cornwallis was carded for a high tackle but another good Wookey run gave Cranbrook improved field position. However defending a man short is always a challenge and a home wing forward showed good pace to run in from 40 metres as he broke tackles. Another try out wide came after good Park ball retention, but as Cranbrook returned to a full complement they came back into the game. A knock on on the right ended one promising move, but soon debutant full back Segaert made ground towards the line and very unselfishly passed inside to the supporting Max Wookey to complete a well deserved hatrick for this mercurial player who can play all across the backline. For good measure he converted and back came Cranbrook after a very fine run from the otherwise quiet wing Wilf Sellick. A try on the right seemed probable but Segaert lost his footing when stretching for a pass, so the chance was lost.
Although Park House scored a final try after a nice bit of skill by the outside half, Cranbrook in the last play attacked down the left and deservedly scored a 4th and bonus point gaining try as hooker Jack Posey finished well, leaving a 39-24 final score.
This was a vibrant performance by Cranbrook, where the only criticism would be a failure to clear their lines effectively often enough when defending.
The team was 1 M Stockman, 2 J Posey, 3 J Foster, 4 S Jovanovic, 5 J Parkes, 6 J Fowler, 7 J Lamb, 8 S Shillabeer, 9 O Wookey, 10 M Wookey, 11 S Jovanovic, 12 A Cornwallis, 13 H Gillanders Captain, 14 W Sellick, 15 A Segaert.
Replacements C Fowler for 6, 2 mins, J Fowler for Shillabeer 40 mins, to 13, 13 to 8. J Bushell to 6 50 mins, R Posey on debut to 9 for 11, 9 to11, on 70 minutes.
Next Saturday, this is the new date for the Ashford away game which was called off due to bad weather early in January.