Cranbrook disappoint after tight first half in vital relegation match.
In the midst of another storm creating big problems further west, it was a pleasant surprise to arrive at Kinneys Field, Ashford, to find a well-grassed pitch that had seemingly absorbed the copious amount of rain that fell on Friday very well. The sun was also shining, and a slight breeze was down the pitch in favour of the home team in the first half.
The breeze was immediately noticeable because Cranbrook were penalised at the first scrum caused as Ashford knocked on the Cranbrook kick off. The resulting penalty was kicked long by the left footed fullback, he was to have a fine day, outkicking the Cranbrook kickers in length and accuracy. The lineout on the 22 was moved right and a chip through ended in touch about 8 metres out. Cranbrook, though, made a textbook exit as firstly, Josh Parkes received the lineout and made several metres with a powerful surge; the ruck provided the ball for Max Wookey at 10 to find a good touch.
A strong Ashford drive from the lineout took them towards the tryline. That they did not score as they remained there for some minutes was due to some determined Cranbrook defence, but also some errors such as knock-ons and running into their own man.
Eventually Cranbrook entered the Ashford half and after 15 minutes gained the lead as a good cross kick from centre Segaert found right wing Wilf Sellick in space, the fullback tackled but Sellick was able to brush him off and score.
Ashford responded on 20 mins as Max Wookey was carded for interfering at the breakdown near the try line, a forward eventually scoring from very close range.
Now a home player was carded and a 2nd penalty closer to the posts was slotted by Henry Milligan.
Ashford again responded, scoring after a kick across into goal was covered by a Cranbrook defender, who slipped at the crucial moment leaving an easy score for a player following up, the conversion taking the score to 12-8.
After another period of play with some errors, befitting both the slippery conditions and the lowly status of two struggling teams, where for once Cranbrook achieved parity in both scrums and lineouts, they scored another try as another cross kick created an imbalance of numbers on the right, Captain Hamish Gillanders emerging with the ball at a ruck near the tryline to dive over, and give Cranbrook a halftime lead of 12-13.
The second half was largely dominated by the home team, as Ashford scored on 48 minutes when a slick front of lineout move produced a try in the corner. This was disappointing as the same move had produced a score at Cranbrook in the autumn.
Cranbrook came close to a score when the last pass was correctly adjudged forward, preceded by a turnover and some fine support play. Although it was known that not many Ashford players train, and 2 or 3 of their players went down with cramp, this was the last opportunity Cranbrook had as Ashford raised their game. The unfit looking No 4 was however very adept at passing out of the tackle and this had a lot to do with their momentum.
Another close range try which was converted took Ashford to 24-13, and a easyish penalty attempt missed on 63 minutes.
Cranbrook did get in position from a penalty kick to touch, but the energised Ashford defence pressed well, snuffing out Cranbrook attempts to get the ball to the dangerous Sellick, turning the ball over and clearing upfield.
A final home try occurred on 75 minutes as a strong hand off created an opening for another converted close range try.
This match was not a classic as there were too many errors by both teams, but the stronger running, bigger Ashford forwards eventually made the difference.
This result leaves Cranbrook adrift at the bottom of the league with every likelyhood now of relegation, though there are two potentially winnable home games coming up in the next two fixtures.
Ashford too look as if they might benefit by rebuilding at a lower level, but may escape depending on decisions of the under fire RFU management. If football can determine the number of promotions and relegations in the off season prior to the new season, then it is surely reasonable to expect the RFU to do likewise?
The team was 1 J Bushell, 2 J Brambley, 3 J Foster, 4 Sacha Jovanovic, 5 J Parkes, 6 J Posey, 7 J Lamb, 8 H Gillanders, Captain, 9 O Wookey, 10 M Wookey, 11 Steffan Jovanovic, 12 A Cornwallis, 13 A Segaert, 14 W Sellick, 15 H Milligan.
Replacements R Posey to 9 for Sellick, 9 to 11, 22 mins, Sellick for R Posey 30 mins, J Pankhurst for Brambley 50 mins, Brambley for Pankhurst 60 mins, C Fowler for Steffan Jovanovic 70 mins.
Next week Cranbrook entertain another team in the lower reaches of the table in Deal and Betteshanger at 1400.