Cranbrook vs Crowborough Match Report
Cranbrook visited Steel Cross to find that although the day was dry with a weak sun, the pitch was very heavy, making their preferred running game difficult to achieve where in the conditions, the forwards would dominate.
Despite this Cranbrook started well and some fluent play looked likely to present an opportunity, but a fine tap tackle denied a score. As play returned to midfield Cranbrook were caught offside and a fine kick put Crowborough towards the corner. From the lineout the ball was secured and driven forward for a comfortable converted score.
From the kick off Cranbrook retained field position and when the hosts went offside fly half Henry Milligan had a simple task to convert.
But as the pitch cut up, Crowborough forwards dominated though Cranbrook were competitive. When the play was in midfield Cranbrook held their own but at close range Crowborough were irresistable and added two further tries for a comfortable 17-3 lead.
Cranbrook lost No8 Sam Shillabeer to injury after 30 minutes and as half time approached a promising Cranbrook move was ended as Jed Westcott was tackled and it was immediately apparent that he was in difficulty. Promt assistance from the medicals teams of both clubs did their best to stabilise the situation as the referee decided to call half time.
After a delay of approaching 30 minutes Westcott was carried by stretcher from the pitch having broken his leg and the game continued. Another home try was scored from very close range after 47 minutes as Cranbrook continued to have a good share of the game, but a 5th close range try via a rolling maul took Crowborough to a commanding 29-3 lead.
Cranbrook continued to play with skill and spirit and in the latter stages of the game camped in the Crowborough 22. When the hosts were reduced to 14 as a home back slapped down the ball to end a fluent move, the tapped penalty was sent left. A further penalty was sent right where Tom Humphries was on hand to score as Crowborough ran out of defenders.
As the night soon descended after the extended half time break, Cranbrook could consider they had contributed fully to an interesting game, where a home pack having strength with several returning players was the decisive factor.
The team was: 1 M Stockman, 2 T Humphreys, 3 T Picken, 4 S Jovanovic, 5 J Bushell, 6 J Fowler, 7 H Overy, 8 S Shillabeer, 9 O Wookey, 10 H Milligan, 11 W Harrison, 12 A Cornwallis, 13 H Gillanders Captain, 14 J Westcott, 15 E Barbour.
Replacements M Wookey for Shillabeer 30 mins to 13, 13 to 8. C Bottle for Westcott 40 mins, J Bramley for Picken 50 to 2, 2 to 3.
Postscript: Jed Westcott was successfully operated on with pins inserted to stabilise his leg, he appeared to be in good spirits and all at the club will wish him well.