OC Rugby Match Reports 2007

Glad tidings of comfort and joy for Old Cranleighans who maintained their position at the top of the league tree going into the festive break. Yet bearing gifts as they travel afar, in the form of a terrible first twenty with OCs caught cold, and an anxious third quarter as Worth closed to within a score, this Cranleighan angel is starting to feel the wind of complacency tugging nervously at its wings.

OCs three and several kings on the touchline have seen this potential implosion coming for some weeks. Cranleighans are good when they play as a team and have earned the right to lead the league at the half way mark with nine from nine victories. Yet there is a palpable lack of fulfilment at the final whistle, a feeling that this side can be so much more than the sum of its individual parts. How much more satisfying to collectively seize an entire match by the baubles, and really lay down a statement of intent for the return fixtures after Christmas.

OCs began strongly, Tim Roles returning the kick-off at the charge, for Andy Houston to drill a fine kick to the left corner. Playing up a significant hill OCs camped in the Worth half for the opening minutes, but then the mulled wine malaise struck, an extended sequence of Cranleighan error giving a fired up Worth side all the encouragement they needed. Rumour has it that at least one erudite individual reads these pearls of rugby wisdom, as apparently Worth came into the game stirred up by last weeks allegedly dismissive Match Report on the OC Website. The Fawcett pen is mightier than the sword! (Though be careful how you read that sentence).

Worth took a penalty lead, OCs pinged on the deck, before two further penalties in as many minutes, the first pulled, the second knocked on as it fell just short of the crossbar, revealed the disarray in OC ranks. The OC scrum was solid as ever, the Worth pack reeling under the onslaught of Keg's breath (quiet night mate?), but the pressure was only relieved by some strong defence. Against the grain a quick line out was seized on by ubiquitous flanker Simon Steer, who made enough space for Sam Langmead to dance under the posts. Alan Cope added the first two points in a fine personal haul, and suddenly the OC team was glitter and tinsel again. With the tempo rising a quick tap penalty found Cope, and though his pass skimmed the frosty deck, the bounce favoured Sam Jenner who scored away to the right. Cope was involved again shortly afterwards, pouncing on Houston's risky cross kick, which looked like it might spoil some excellent approach work by Keg and Jenner. The kick just evaded despairing Worth fingers however, and Cope added the extras to take OCs to a substantial half-time lead.

Not for the first time this season, this commentator worried that OCs should now take control of the game. Downhill and points up however, it was back to the traditional mid game anxiety. OCs started well and put skipper Graeme Brown away down the left wing. With the full back to beat Brown elected to bamboozle the defender with a Strictly No Sidestep routine, suffice to say, Kenny Logan dances better! Worth then turned the match on its head, some brilliant offloading kept the ball alive for two rapid fire tries, as OCs again played from too deep, throwing speculative passes less than deep, crisp or even. When the right wing skipped round the final defender for a simple conversion opportunity, Worth had closed to a mere 17-19 deficit. With jingling alarm bells ringing Brown moved himself up to scrum half, urging the pack to greater responsibility. Cranleighans rallied, Cope's penalty settling nerves. The position was established in a concerted attack, Langmead who threw everything into this game, including the contents of his stomach, felled by a big hit to foil a certain try. Too many knock-ons and poor passing put paid to promising OC positions, Ben Wright frustrated not to receive a clear scoring opportunity. Yet as Houston found his range with the boot, reining in his natural inclination to try the unorthodox, OCs again found their stride.

A class score from Cope, in faithful support to Houston's flashing break, after good work down the right from Simon Tyrell, took Cranleighans clear. Then Steer grabbed one for the donkeys, Cope cutting up the midfield to reignite a flagging move before feeding the open-side who showed good pace down the left flank. 34-17 at the whistle, and a clear victory, yet OCs muted response again reveals the frustration at not capitalising on a sizeable half time advantage. After the holidays, the second half sees the reverse fixtures, and should see a determination to play to full potential. So here it is?.. Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun (most of the time), look to the future?we've only just begun!

Five Gold Rings: Alan Cope
Four Diced Carrots: Sam Langmead
Three French Hens: Kiwis on Shawsie's Stag Night?
Two Turtle Doves: Bluett Supper shot by Langmead
And A Partridge in a Plus Two: President Tosh sets the fashion standard

1st December 2007

Sweet and Sour Spring Roles

Old Cranleighans 23 Mitcham 13

Old Cranleighans maintained their unbeaten run in Surrey League 3 against third-placed Mitcham, but will reflect that this was a game they should have won by a more conclusive margin. Coasting at the break, three scores clear midway through the second period, OCs lack of tactical appreciation and belief that the points were already secured allowed Mitcham to storm back with two late tries of their own. OCs were always going to win this contest, but will need to apply a more ruthless edge to their game to keep clear at the top of the table.

Dave Shaw's late withdrawal meant a midfield reshuffle, and with Al Lawson falling off a surfboard in Morocco, the pack had a lack of height to contend with. Initially the bulk of the Mitcham eight looked certain to hold sway, the apparent question therefore, could the talented OC backline win the game? Sam Langmead moved in to outside-half from a more familiar centre berth, and discovered that time here is more limited. Overall Langmead distributed well, but he will no doubt choose to forget a shocker at the kick off. Mitcham pressed hard early on, and only a desperate slap down from Sam Jenner saved a certain opening score. The loose ball came to Dom Hammond, who finding a clearance option blocked took off to the left, feeding the wing, who rapidly moved from his own 22 metre to the distant goal line, bouncing out of tackles for a try that ran completely against the run of play. Sadly the scorer's hamstring appeared just as startled as the opposition, Jon Glover replacing him.

Mitcham came again and soon earned a penalty score of their own, OCs penalised on the floor by an insistent official. Too much of OCs good approach work was spoiled by a high penalty count, and Mitcham looked to exploit the strong wind and use their height at the lineout. From the outset however, this advantage was almost double-handedly plucked from their grasp by a soaring performance from Tim Roles shunted up into the second row, and eclipsing the sunbathing Lawson as an athletic number two jumper. OCs soon saw the benefit, a fine second try putting clear daylight on the scoreboard, in stark contrast to the murky gloom surrounding Thames Ditton.

Sam Jenner and Ben Wright set up the position in midfield, Thomas Davies made robust progress down the right wing, and in faithful support throughout the game, openside Dean Warren celebrated the score. Both tries defied the run of the game and Mitcham looked shocked, blowing hard at this early stage. Hammond compensated for the missed conversion with a solid penalty from an identical position almost immediately from the restart, and had OCs scored again before the interval, the contest would have been over. Ben Duncan was held inches short denying Cranleighans a vintage score, and Mitcham were grateful to escape to the relative security of the half-time huddle without further damage.

With the admittedly variable wind now behind them, and Roles still stealing the lineout glory, OCs should now have dominated territory. Hammond stepped up to land a confident second penalty, an 18-3 lead almost insurmountable in the circumstances. Yet, OCs seemed intent on playing from deep, throwing speculative passes within their own half, when a more conservative hoof would have seemed appropriate. Mitcham fought back, and OCs were compelled to defend strongly, a defiant unwillingness to concede pleasing evidence of their desire and commitment. Once again, it was Mitcham obliged to gather under their own posts, as a lengthy defensive siege was lifted by Jon Glover, who read the situation well, intercepting a Mitcham attack and scooting the length of the pitch, culminating in a triumphant dive. His conversion in front of the sticks was rather less assured, the only saving grace of a duffed chip? that no-one would mention his two glaring knock-ons earlier in the game? or so he hoped!

Cranleighans sat back confident of victory, but were rocked by Mitcham's late rally. OCs were not happy to concede a collective visiting pack try, the official adamant he could justify the score amidst a sprawl of bodies. Then shortly afterwards the Mitcham left wing made his sole contribution to the game, wriggling over in the left corner. Suddenly at 23-13 Mitcham sensed a chance, as OCs continued to ignore the obvious tactic in favour of a more cavalier approach. In truth the hosts were unlikely to be caught, but the final whistle bought a subdued home response, OCs aware they had been the architects of their own difficulties at times. Two more valuable points however, and with Worth Old Boys to come on December 15th, OCs can look to enter the festive league break undefeated this year, but will need to maintain concentration and ruthlessly dispatch beaten opposition.

Leading Man of the Match: Tim Roles
Supporting Man of the Match: Dean Warren
Camel Lover: Welcome back Big Al

24th November 2007

Thin Ice in Park

Raynes Park 17 Old Cranleighans 18

A spectacular length of the field effort from fly-half Dom Hammond in the final minute of play salvaged victory from the jaws of defeat and with it maintained Old Cranleighans unbeaten league run. On a chill grey day, in the shadow of the motorway, this was the hard end of Surrey League rugby. OCs can hardly claim to have deserved the win, but the determination to play to the death speaks highly of their desire to claim this year's title.

OCs started poorly, were points down within minutes, and midway through the second period, a second home goal saw the visitors staring down both barrels. In the cold half-light of a dank November day, Raynes Park might well reflect that they blew a golden chance to topple the league leaders. Naively opting to tap late penalties and conceding a number of put-ins against the head, they allowed Cranleighans the chance to stay in the game. Strong in the maul, quick to pick off OC's lateral and isolated runners, RP should have closed out the game. Instead, Hammond's lung-busting closing glory charge saw OCs scramble from the thin ice they had fractured in an awful opening half-hour.

OCs failed to clear the kick off any distance, and despite Tom Rive's fine goal line tackle, were soon gathered behind the uprights, as the RP pack drove over to cap a series of drives. Seven down in two minutes OCs were caught cold, and would take much of the half to shake out of the torpor. Stripped of possession in the maul with alarming frequency, poor body angles and a Crusoe like desire to seek isolated open space saw the visitors compound their early problems. With a heavy hint of 'Bok in their ranks, RP were good value for the lead. Slowly, ponderously, OCs began to claw themselves into the game, but could only send the midfield up blind alleys. Hammond pulled back a penalty as prop Chris Lambert's wriggling porpoise roll was held up over the line, and then added a second to cut the lead back further. But with half time looming Lambert, caught once too often as an unlikely first receiver, was pinged by the official, and OC turned round to face a strengthening wind and a 10-6 deficit.

Cranleighans brought on Ben Wright, who immediately added a direction and power to the OC centre. Despite supremacy at the scrummage, OCs struggles at the lineout made the task of overhauling the home lead challenging, all the more so as RP surged over from a five-metre scrum and nailed the conversion to stake a 17-6 lead. Andy Geoghegan enjoyed a typically combative return at scrum-half, but will not have relished the flailing lineout service, as RP got amongst the OC defence, sly nudges and late tackles adding to OC discomfort. Cranleighans were compelled to play from deep, as Hammond and Wright tried to conjure space against slope, wind and lady luck. Little seemed to fall OC's way, the task seemingly beyond them. President Meyer had seen enough, but like George Best before him, will rue his early departure from the Nou Camp.

Finally OCs scrambled to the line, but with the conversion missed, would it be enough to set up a final charge? The miss was not crucial; OCs had to score again, the light was fading, time ebbing swiftly away. RP tried to play down the clock, an ambitious penalty attempt from inside their own half, more a delaying tactic than a legitimate scoring attempt. OCs were chasing hard with ten to go, and their perseverance pressurised RP into poor tactical choices. OCs kept at the task, winger Ed Mundy finding space but caught after a fine run. Still OCs came, yet with a minute to go, and RP camped in the OC twenty-two, it seemed the league title aspiration was about to suffer a severe bruising. But then came Hammond, surging clear from virtually his own goal line, the RP defence backing off in a desperate attempt to await the cover. Hammond seized the chance to break infield to the posts, a moment of sheer class, yet with the crucial conversion to come, had the legs anything left to give? Perhaps it was the offer of a bald man's kiss from touch judge Mike Fawcett, or more likely a fitting finale to an outstanding personal performance; the answer was emphatically affirmative.

18-17: "Got out of jail" effectively sums up this display. Good performances from Tom Rive on his return, Chris Lambert, secure all day in the tight and Ben Wright, a solid presence in the midfield. A horrid first half, shambolic defensive understanding of lineout numbers, and again, too many balls turned over. But, and this is a winning but?. Top of the table is a vulnerable spot, the chasing pack are keen to shoot you down? OCs fought to the end, stayed strong, had belief, and with returning numbers can now move on to another tough encounter at home to Mitcham with confidence.

Man of the Match: Dom Hammond
Bionic Man: OC Best wishes to touchline stalwart John Cooke, in hospital for new knees this week.
"We can rebuild him"

17th November 2007

Cranleighans mugged in Cup

Old Cranleighans 3 Saracens 10

Old Cranleighan's unbeaten start to the season came to a frustrating end in the Fourth Round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase. Saracens play in Division One of the Herts/Middlesex League, but will know they were fortunate to survive against an OC side who gave no indication of their inferior league status. Cranleighans battled for everything, had an apparently good try disallowed, were relentlessly penalised by the official and could claim with some justification that Sarries decisive second score had more than a coat of corner flag paint smeared across it.

The match turned on five crucial minutes in the second period. With the OC front row again dominant, assisted by the added ballast of replacement Spencer in the second row, OCs hammered at the visitor's line. Tim Roles, guesting at centre in a much reorganised line-up, latched on to a firm pass, set himself for the line, juggled the ball glaringly forward but managed to re-gather it before plunging over. The referee saw otherwise however, insisting the ball had gone forward. OCs took out their frustration in a powerful scrum, and were awarded a penalty shot, the minimum reward that minutes of pressure demanded. Dom Hammond's otherwise excellent game was dragged left of the uprights however, and moments later the promise of a deserved lead disappeared downfield. In the twinkle of a pair of penalties and a swiftly taken free kick, the Saracens pack was gleefully arguing over the scorer of the crucial try.

The game began in damp gloom and ended in semi-darkness. OCs were wheeled at several of the early scrums before Mike Darcy was forced off with a recurrence of onanist's elbow. Spencer brought stability and the OC pack began to dominate at the set piece. The lineout however was a lottery, with the official badgering OC hooker Baz Anayi to hasten the throw in despite the early lift of the Sarries two jumper. Pinged for delaying release thereafter, the livid OC hooker will be unlikely to include Sir on his Christmas card list.

Saracens showed the gamut of their Premiership association, with a series of lineout options, and midfield ploys. Their dangerous looking full back was hardly used however, Sarries rarely visiting the home 22, as OC pressure and frustrations at their own limitations dragged the visiting side down to cynical injury time delays. Sarries were capable however, and rucked with increasing success, OCs again aware that they had been turned over much too often. Simon Steer made his mark on the game with two smashing midfield tackles to snuff out dangerous Sarries positions, and it was Dom Hammond who gave OCs the penalty lead as they forced the pace. An evenly matched first half saw Sarries hit back with a good try. Roles swamping midfield tackle looked to have saved OCs fractured defence, but Sarries did well to recycle and found excess numbers away to the right where the winger completed the drive.

The second period saw an increased authority about the OC scrummage, but the lineout problems persisted. Time and again OCs tried to work positions from too deep in an attempt to force the game, though Cope at outside half showed some lovely handling. Sarries were canny, playing down the clock particularly well at the death. Cranleighans threw themselves into the chase, Al Lawson galloping up the right wing and Dom Hammond all but bursting through in the search for an elusive equalising score. But it was not to be, the referee blowing time on a valiant home effort, in truth a hard earned Saracens victory. Skipper Graeme Brown, terrier-like as always, praised OC's heart and commitment, and the tangible disappointment in the changing room afterwards speaks of hurt pride.

Cranleighans cup adventure is over then, so the league becomes paramount. Next Saturday Raynes Park plays host to an OC team who must look to avenge this defeat with an emphatic return to that winning habit. To look at the respective league form the game could be taken lightly?. At your peril OCs!

Man of the Match: Simon Steer
All the Presidents Men: Club President Tosh Meyer arrives at the final whistle and still has the grace to get the team beers in.
"Take a breath Brownie!" Keg brings down the house as the skipper moves into passion overdrive at the break!

10th November 2007

"OOOOOOO???..CCCCCCCs!"

Old Cranleighans 14 Old Haileyburians 3

Old Cranleighans stormed to the top of the league with an outstanding performance at Thames Ditton, roared on by a vociferous posse of well-lunched Golden Oldies. Dominant at the set piece, with both lineout and scrum securing possession for the home side, OC's effort was nonetheless built on a feisty defensive effort. Both sides went into the fixture unbeaten in the league, but by the end of an astonishingly long second half, there was no doubt OCs thoroughly merited their place at the top of the tree.

The tension of the opening quarter eased as Cranleighans pack took an emphatic stranglehold on the game. OCs big name players really stood tall, with Baz Anayi and his Kiwi allies, Keg and Ben Duncan, hammering the opposition front row whilst Al Lawson had his best game of the year at the lineout. Yet, all will concede that pride of place must go to a performance of simmering intensity from Tim Roles. In a tight game, the galvanising leadership of the No 8 was apparent, the pack responding to his splendidly stroppy display.

Old Haileyburians have run up a hatful of points so far this year, and their fluid style was clear evidence as to why. From the outset the visitors spread the ball from side to side, but despite abundant possession, their attacking intentions foundered on a well-marshalled defence. OCs tackled hard throughout, and swarmed up in pursuit of every kick, obliging OHs to attack from deep. With the fly half squeezing their space with lateral runs, the OH three quarters were picked off out wide, or smothered by the OC back row when they tried to turn back infield.

OCs began with a stiffish breeze behind them, and from the outset it was clear this would be a game of considerably greater intensity than any this year. Attritional and pacy, this was top of the table rugby, and OCs knew they were in a battle. Baz Anayi was held up inches short from a five-metre penalty, as OCs pressed for an early score. It was Haileyburians however who controlled the next twenty minutes. OCs were turned over too frequently and threw out too many extravagant offloads, while the visitors fizzed the ball around. Crucially however, the OC defence withstood the pressure, OHs unable to break through, a smart drop goal from full back Nick Gyss their solitary reward for a period of sustained pressure. Gradually Cranleighans pack started to rumble, and the lineout saw an increasing return as well. The OH hooker saw his lineout throwing disintegrate on the breeze, and his frustration was compounded as Dom Hammond punished the latest in a series of personal infringements to level the score.

On the stroke of half-time a moment of balletic inspiration from skipper Graeme Brown snatched a marginal lead for the hosts. A concerted raid carried OCs to the shadow of the OHs posts, and Brown showed Pichot-like vision, pirouetting to claim a snap drop goal. The early second period sustained the tension of the first, the crowd unsure which way this one would go. Then the OC pack really came good. OHs were relentlessly pulverised at the set piece, allowing Sam Langmead more time in an unaccustomed role at outside half. A superb blind side run from Hammond set up a scoring opportunity, and the OC pack was united in powering Tim Roles towards the line for the score his outstanding match demanded.

OHs came strong again, as the conversion slipped wide, and Cranleighans made a mess of the restart. An interminable second half saw darkness descend as the visitors desperately sought a route round, through or over an impenetrable OC defence. Cranleighans held firm with Jonny Gates an able replacement for the inspirational Brown with a quarter of the game to go. Finally Cranleighans broke clear, and appropriately it was Hammond, whose rapier thrusts lit up the gloom all afternoon, who was able to stroll up at leisure, secure in the knowledge that his successful penalty in front of the posts, would be the last kick of a memorable victory.

A packed clubhouse celebrated in style, Golden Oldies and team united in victory. A great day for the club, the unbeaten run continued, Cranleighans proud at the top of the table. The challenge this week was to produce a concerted eighty-minute performance to justify the expectation surrounding the team. OCs rose to the challenge in style, but, and here lies the salutary lesson of last year?.Cranleighans your challenge is now to replicate this fine performance week in and out, and not allow this tremendous victory to remain the high point of a potentially vintage season. Tattooed assassins lie in wait. Long may the headline chorus continue to resound?

Man of the Match: Tim Roles
Gentle Man: Roles tenderly reminds OH hooker not to use the boot at rucks?
Top Man: Andrew Cronk in new season red cords?

3rd November 2007

Pyrrhic victory for Cranleighans

Reigate 0 Old Cranleighans 70

Irony upon irony. Old Cranleighans lost both home and away fixtures to Reigate last season, effectively derailing their promotion charge. This year, despite an overwhelming revenge, it appears that through their inability to field an eligible front row replacement, Reigate may have a say in OCs destiny once again. Seventy unanswered points reveal the depth in class between the sides, but the advent of uncontested scrums early in the second period, ruled the game void, officially an away walk over. Cranleighans lose those seventy points, and with them the chance to make up a now all but insurmountable points difference on league leaders Old Haileyburians.

At times an apparent training run, OCs can take heart from their determination to maintain concentration and pile further misery on their hapless hosts. Three first half scores paved the way for a second half avalanche, with drop goal conversion attempts underlining Cranleighans urgent quest for more tries. Six goals, five tries and a penalty will give OCs great confidence going into the top of the table clash against Haileyburians at Thames Ditton next week.

Dave Shaw could have scored four himself in the first half, and began the rout after two minutes in the left corner after good approach work from Sam Langmead in particular. Dom Hammond struck a sublime touchline conversion and would soon add the solitary penalty, a moment of consolidation as over eager frustration looked to be unsettling the OC effort in the opening quarter. Shaw's try line fumble was soon reprieved as Tim Roles picked up at the base, and swift hands put Thomas Davies in for a strong finish in the right corner. Moments later Davies and Langmead were held just short of the line, but from the resulting penalty, Keg smashed over, reacting quickest to Andy Houston's smart tap kick. Finally Shaw did get back on the scorecard, as Reigate saw a promising position down the right literally ripped from their No 8s hands, and returned some sixty metres for an already unassailable 25-0 half time lead.

Player/coach Houston's half time assessment threw out a challenge. Clearly the game was already won; could OCs rise above their customary second half apathy, and apply a more ruthless edge to their game. Six further tries and a real hunger to drive home the advantage displays a challenge duly accepted. Skipper Graeme Brown took a well earned rest, replacing himself after 60 minutes, Jonny Gates slipping in to fly half. With full back Hammond revelling in the space, great hands from centres Shaw and Langmead made huge inroads, and Jon Glover had to score with three spare outside him! No 8 Tim Roles grabbed his first, a direct pick up and drive from a five-metre scrum. Langmead earned his reward, bouncing off tacklers in midfield to saunter in. Then Gates, enjoying an armchair debut at outside half, threw an outrageous dummy, Shaw put on the burners and Baz Anayi materialized to steal the glory. Next Hammond himself rounded off a sweeping move in the right corner, multiple phases crowned by Langmead's flip pass. Roles grabbed a second, as ageing second-row-World Cup-hangover-victim Al Lawson found the line beyond his reach, thankfully recovering sufficiently from the shock off being overtaken by prop Ben Duncan to offload in time. Finally Thomas Davies completed his own brace, again the recipient of a now supercharged Duncan open field gallop.

A fine win then, albeit against severely limited opposition. The uncontested-scrum fiasco actually allowed the Reigate pack, pulverised in the first half, some respite. Cranleighans relentless second half onslaught therefore deserves credit, as Reigate never gave up, but were simply outclassed. OCs can improve, poor particularly in the tackle area, and whilst this was of no consequence against a mediocre attack, next week presents an altogether more thorough examination. Points difference in the league will be of no consequence providing OCs can maintain this level of performance. Andy Houston sadly withdraws until January, and his intelligent reading of the game will be missed. The challenge he laid down at the interval remains however. Cranleighans will know next Saturday is a game they must rise to meet head on, a full eighty minutes of ruthless determination required to top the table in the biggest game of the season.

Man of the Match: Ben Duncan
New Man of the Match: President Tosh Meyer in fetching canary yellow pastel knit
My ball: Catch that restart Lawson, stop basking in Percy's highlighted glory

27th October 2007

OCs 29 Merton 17

In a fast moving if error strewn game OCs ran in five excellent tries against a determined Merton to keep within nudging distance of Old Haileyburians at the top of the Surrey 3 table and set up an exciting prospect for two weeks time when the top two clash at TD.

The positives - five tries, two conversions, a determination to play rugby and run the ball wide, solid defence bar a try in each half from Merton, much good tackling and another consummate performance from Dom Hammond at full back with two conversions, good kicking from hand and some strong runs. Brownie led from the base of the scrum with his usual terrier- like enthusiasm and marshalled his troops well. OCs had territorial superiority and thoroughly deserved their win.

Against that - far too many moves started quickly and with potential to break the Merton defence floundered with the third pass either forward or dropped. Possession far too often was kicked away without a resulting try and knock- ons were far too plentiful. To an extent OCs paid the price of keeping it open without successful finishing.

So with five tries who were the stars on the scoreboard? OCs attacked from the start and moving left Alan Cope went over for an excellent try after five minutes. However this early advantage was not consolidated and Merton after a period of some pressure scored under the posts after 25 minutes to take the lead 7-5 somewhat against the run of play. OCs then got into their stride with great tries by Sam Langmead and Al Lawson, both converted by Dom Hammond, taking them to an almost comfortable lead of 19-7 at half time.

A penalty in front of the posts after some Merton pressure then allowed the oppposition to claw back three points. But this galvanized the OCs into their most productive phase with Baz Anayi charging down a kick for a brilliant try and then ---- adding another unconverted try to take OCs into an unassailable lead at 29-10. But Merton stayed in the game with a late goal after which OCs played out the last 10 minutes with more attacking thrusts, including one great run from Dom Hammond from an unpromising position in his own half.

Missed opportunities,yes, spilled passes galore, perhaps too much running without an end result but a a lot of positive committed play from an OC side that is now well into its stride for a successful season.

So a great game to watch and Skipper Browne and his lieutenants left TD in their very finest gear for the OC Society Ball at Madame Tussauds with seven wins out of seven, league and cup, and all to play for.

Scoop Cooke
Part-time reporter

20th October 2007

Houston we have a problem

Streatham & Croydon 16 Old Cranleighans 22

Two moments of inspiration from OC player coach Andy Houston saw Old Cranleighans extend their unbeaten start to the new season. This was undoubtedly OCs poorest showing to date however, a performance that has threatened to rear its head in the earlier outings this term. The continuing problem of early points leading to complacency, victory assumed before it is earned, almost came back to haunt the visitors, as Streatham & Croydon came close to stealing the points.

Two scores in the opening ten minutes rocked the home side, as Cranleighans looked set for a substantial victory. First Dave Shaw raced on to a deft chip behind the S&C defence from Andy Houston to score to the left of the uprights. Then a move seemingly running out of steam to the right, was swiftly transferred left for Shaw's fellow centre Daz Littlewood to barge through and score in almost exactly the same spot. Full back Jon Glover stroked over both conversions and despite a Streatham penalty bisecting the OC tries, the visitors looked well in control at this point. Then the rot set in, as Cranleighans were pinned back into their own half for the remainder of the opening period. OCs owned up to a tactical naivety at half time, playing from too deep with a weak kicking game, and failure to find touch principally to blame. In addition, Cranleighans believed they had done enough within the opening minutes and failed to capitalise on this early success.

Streatham & Croydon continued to dominate territory after the interval, and OCs only finally ended nearly twenty five minutes in their own half of the field when Houston made a slashing break which Shaw narrowly failed to finish. Streatham lost both prop and hooker either side of half time, but even when forced to reorganise stood up well at the set piece. Growing in confidence as OCs lost shape and were turned over at several rucks, the home side won another penalty converted by fly half Will Manns, and then came right into the game as burly left wing Darren, a converted No8, powered over in the left corner. A three point margin was no less than Streatham deserved, and their effort was further galvanised when centre Jason, a white booted side stepping thorn in OC sides for much of the game, capped a fine display charging down Glover's laboured clearance and racing on to score. This more simple conversion also sailed wide, at that point with seven minutes left on the clock, and a two point lead, a potentially crucial miss.

Cranleighans were mostly secure at the lineout, and slowly Houston began to call the shots, increasingly certain with the boot and ever aware of an opportunity. Glover redeemed himself with an excellent long-range penalty to retake a slender one-point lead and then the OC stand off took over. A central scrum offered the chance to attack the left side and as the ball was recycled, Houston put in a weighted rolling kick, which carried right through to the corner flag. Field position established, Lawson did well to disrupt the line out, Baz Anayi better still to keep the ball alive, and Houston best of all, racing on to his own delightful chip to secure Cranleighans a hard earned victory.

22-16 was probably a fair reflection on the game, with OCs just that little more experienced in closing out the game. Overall however, this was a patchy performance, and will need to improve considerably for far tougher fixtures in the next few weeks. Merton provides the opposition at Thames Ditton next week, an eminently winnable game against a traditionally gnarly pack of fifteen forwards. OCs have some talented players, and others to call back into the side, but must shed the collective malaise that seems to descend once a lead is established. Be more ruthless, maintain concentration on basic skills, and justify the belief that this season can really be something special.

Man of the Match: Andy Houston
Highlight(s) of the Match: Deano
Blind Man: Stuart Dickinson
Potentially Unbearable Man: Al Lawson

13th October 2007

Cup run extended as Kiwis fly home

Uckfield 8 Old Cranleighans 16

Deep in the heart of verdant Sussex countryside, Sat Nav may allow visitors to discover Uckfield RFC, hosts for the visit of Old Cranleighans in the Third Round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase. The Uckfield website directions, offer prospective visitors "best wishes" in locating the ground, and the sporadic arrival of the away side less than thirty minutes prior to kick off, suggested OCs would lose their way on the aptly named paddock as well.

Uckfield, a traditional town side, well-supported and confident of success given their Sussex League One status, were a disappointment. OCs won the game comfortably, the hosts unable to capitalise on the late arrival and disorganisation of the visitors, who also absorbed yellow cards doled out to both OC props. Keg and Ben Duncan were feisty and aggressive during their respective seventy minutes on the field, much like the welcome their compatriots can expect back home, whilst fellow Kiwi Dave Shaw had a terrific game with the ball in hand, but couldn't hit a semi-final from the kicking tee. But enough of the chokes?

Shaw smashed over a penalty (no tee required) to open the scoring, as Uckfield heard the first in a cacophony of whistles from an uptight official, caught holding on the floor. Cranleighans however soon suggested the journey had taken its toll, caught stone cold by a quick tapped penalty from home scrum-half Rob Houghton who sauntered to the right corner, the long grass the only likely tackler. From then on, the OC Kiwi contingent took the game by the throat, literally in Keg's case, as he was yellow carded for a glaring swipe at his opposite man. Prior to that however, Keg led the charge, spinning out of two tackles and offloading well to provide impetus to a series of rucks, which gave right wing Jamie Woolams the chance to dot down, one of four spare attackers away to the right. The conversion attempt was a Shaw shank; redemption came instantly though, as quick ball from the lineout gave the stand-off the chance to hit the opposition line, break clear, and burn off the Uckfield cover with ease to score in the left corner.

Uckfield earned a penalty of their own prior to the interval with Phil Douse obliging, but OCs well merited their half time lead. An unfortunate shoulder injury to Dennis Kwist, who looks to be sidelined for some time, might have thrown OCs into disarray. Tim Roles eased into the second row however, and skipper and full back Graeme Brown realized a career inevitability, joining one of OCs less vertically challenging back rows. From the restart OCs efforts justified their lead, good pressure only undone by some careless knocks-on. Sam Jenner capped a fine display turning his man on the opposition goal line after a great chase to set up an early position. But the score would not come, and when Ben Duncan followed his front row colleague into the bin for a deliberate block on the home number ten which even Wayne 'forward pass beret wearing' Barnes might have spotted, OCs could have struggled. Uckfield missed a penalty attempt and could not make inroads though, and when replacement OC full back Jon Glover, saw his one pure strike gave Cranleighans an eight-point advantage with ten minutes to play, Uckfield were heading back to Charles de Gaulle. Glover pushed a second attempt wide with minutes to play, but OCs could afford this and other earlier missed kicks, as a combination of dogged grit and Kiwi nous played down the clock, squeezing the home side out of the contest despite their belated efforts towards the death.

League action resumes next week, as OCs unbeaten start to the season looks to extend away to Streatham & Croydon. In the cup, OCs march on to Round Four, Bluett, Meyer and Smales offered vociferous support, Mike Fawcett still galloped up the right touchline (flag in hand), Tony Price remains a priceless hooker, and can we believe it?..England are back in the final. Bring it on Bokker, the World Champions are back off the ropes and ready for battle.

Man of the Match: Dave Shaw
Yesterdays Man: Graham Henry

29th September 2007

OCs challenge gathers momentum

Old Cranleighans 31 Guildfordians 10

Old Cranleighans scored five tries in a performance of growing authority to underline their title challenge this season. Visitors Guildfordians, the renamed Stoke Park outfit of last year, bought a hefty pack and spirited determination, but once OCs stepped up the tempo, they could not live with a clearly superior home side.

From the kick off Baz Anayi flattened the first receiver, and Guildfordians struggled to shake off the effects as OCs piled forward. Blowing hard after ten minutes, the visitors looked concerned, as OC number eight Tim Roles, at the heart of the home effort throughout, slid out of two attempted tackles to open the scoring. Yet, not for the first time this (or any other season), the classic Cranleighan malaise set in, victory presumed but not yet earned. Numerous penalties pegged the hosts back in their own half, G's fly half, Nightingale wide with his first shot, but on target shortly after to deservedly cut the deficit.

But then with minutes to go before the break, OCs struck hard. Awarded a penalty away to the right, Dom Hammond's well struck kick came back off the left post, Guildfordians cleared poorly, and first Nic Robinson, then Tim Roles countered at pace before offloading to Baz Anayi, roaming as all good hookers on the left wing. Baz had it all to do, but showed great power in barging off two tacklers to hammer in at the corner. Dom Hammond, who struck the ball well all afternoon, was inspired to land a fine conversion. Cranleighans deserved the half time tongue lashing, but now, with a 12 - 3 lead looked unlikely to be caught.

New half, new intent, as OCs started to produce some terrific rugby, two swift scores ending any ambition the visitors had off clawing themselves back into the game. First Jonny Gates took a quick free kick, early signs off a more urgent tempo here, but finding no inside runners available chose the right option in chipping upfield. The bounce fell kindly and a good chase enabled Hammond to hit a great line before handing on to Sam Jenner who finished well. Then Surinda span out of his own 22 and conjured a huge gap before spiriting upfield, Al Lawson galloped along side but did not quite have the legs to be certain of scoring, right wing Thomas Davies on hand to do the honours. Cranleighans were in control now, with Hammond sending out some lovely cut out passes away to the left, and the pack increasingly dynamic around the park.

To their credit, Guildfordians held on, and earned themselves good field position, before scrum half Dave Moyes, an abrasive nuisance throughout, touched down his own quick free kick for a deserved individual score. Chris Kyte converted, but despite a spirited last quarter, that was the last word for the visiting side. OCs were again pasted by a referee who never allowed the game to develop a true momentum, frequent penalties, and niggly decisions allowing Guildfordians to keep the game to a pace they were more comfortable with. When OCs were able to inject pace and direction they were truly threatening, as Baz Anayi displayed, peeling around a lineout to collect his own throw in off the top from jumper Al Lawson, and scurry to the posts untroubled by a startled defence. Two tries for the perennial headline grabber, and not a chip kick or one-handed pass to record!

Two decent wins in the league to date, and OCs can be pleased with the second half improvement. If this side maintains concentration, and can rid themselves of a frustrating ability to allow opponents back into a game, then the season holds great possibility. OCs know they can look forward to an exciting drive toward promotion, but will acknowledge that they can, and must play entire games to their full potential. Greater challenges lie ahead, not least for England next Saturday in Marseilles, as a week off for the club allows most of us to cheer on the current World Champions (!).

Man of the Match: Tim Roles
Match of the Dai: Fiji send the Welsh packing?.

22nd September 2007

OCs give hosts the Blues

Old Blues 0 Old Cranleighans 19

Old Cranleighans promising start to the season continued, with this routine victory over traditional rivals Old Blues, in the EDF Energy Junior Vase 2nd Round. Old Blues currently lie one division ahead of Cranleighans, but on this evidence, these are two sides moving in opposite directions.

OCs scored three unanswered tries, and might have won by a greater margin with more assured goal kicking. The warm dry day and exceptionally firm surface made for excellent handling conditions, and if OCs were sometimes clumsy in execution, then the last try showed sublime movement and running lines.

Cranleighans started well, blind side Mike Darcy looping round to crown a succession of rucks for the opening score, the conversion narrowly squeaked over by full back Dom Hammond. From then OCs held sway for much of the opening period, with Dennis Kwist destroying his opposing prop, ensuring a smooth ride for Jonny Gates at scrum half. In contrast the OB number nine struggled, caught in possession on numerous occasions, and unable to release his back line. OCs dominance found tangible reward, as number eight Tim Roles picked up at the base on an attacking put-in, broke right, and cleared such a substantial path, that the fly-half was able to saunter in unopposed. Hammond's conversion squeezed in off the left upright, an improvement on the two shanked penalty misses earlier in the half.

Old Blues restart did not travel the required ten metres, a metaphor for their first half efforts, and they deservedly trailed 14-0 at the interval. OB improved in the second period however, as complacent OCs sat back believing the game already won. Indeed if Blues had used possession with any cohesion, then yawning gaps on the OC right might have been exploited.

A fantastic destructive tackle from the excellent Darcy sat the OB right wing on his backside, and galvanised Cranleighans once again. For the second successive week, Flying Dutchman Dennis Kwist showed great pace in a surging break, but this time found no support, but by now, as the final quarter opened, OCs were pushing hard. The OC back line had a mixed day but finally found form, the fly-half executing a swift loop move, and finding Dom Hammond who had taken a brilliant line to carve open the defence. The fly-half looped round the full back and capped a fine move to score again.

With the game now gone, Blues rallied, but were met with some determined resistance, Tim Roles to the fore, as OCs fought to maintain a clean sheet. Mike Darcy can consider himself unfortunate to carry the can to the sin bin, singled out for what the official called "persistent team infringement", but despite the man advantage, Blues could not break through.

Honourable mention should be made of Club Chairman Tony Price appearing in his 28th consecutive season for the OC 1st XV. Price is a direct contemporary of William Webb Ellis, who as we recall founded the great game at Rugby School when he picked up the ball and ran??before passing to TP who dropped it?.

A good win for Cranleighans, and a place in the 3rd Round of the cup. OCs face Stoke Park at home in the league this week. They will know they can be more direct and exact in approach play, but can view this latest victory as another step in their drive to eclipse last terms third place finish.

Man of the Match: Mike Darcy
Old Man of the Match: Tony Price

15th September 2007

Rusty OCs steer to opening victory

Old Cranleighans 37 Woking 6

Old Cranleighans narrowly missed out on promotion last season, and began this campaign with an emphatic points victory. Bearing all the hallmarks of an early season blowout, the game lacked structure, yet despite the rustiness, OCs had far too much in reserve for a limited Woking side.

Six tries spread across the duration of the match reveal the slow but concerted evolution of the OC effort. Dave Shaw finished off a sweeping move in the opening minutes, but then a combination of Woking pressure and sloppy OC decision making saw a turgid first-half flounder round the half way line, before Charlie Clarence-Smith scored near the interval. Woking had a kicking stand off and a number two jumper and little else. Time and again though, OC attacks foundered and were pushed back up the touchline by the Woking fly half, who deserved his two first half scores, OCs penalised relentlessly for holding on the floor.

The second-half improvement began prior to the interval, with a swift, direct score. Al Lawson won quick ball off the top of the lineout, Shaw took a strong line, Harry Jupp did much of the hard approach work and found centre Clarence-Smith in faithful support. Incisive and direct, OCs had found the key, and Woking had little response. A ponderous half ended 13-6 and OCs realised the need to channel this faster game. Thus far slow to support dynamic open side Simon Steer at the breakdown, Cranleighans required more urgency, and switched the back line positions around, as well as bringing on strength in the back row.

Immediately the tempo changed, four unanswered second-half scores evidence of the improvement. The final forty minutes opened with a somewhat pedestrian trundle to score in the right hand corner, before the best try of the match direct from the restart. Dave Shaw swooped on the low kick, his fine pick up giving momentum to a move that substitute Dennis Kwist galvanised with a fine burst. Who should be in support but prop Keg, to touch down leaving the visitors trailing in his wake. Woking were a team in retreat despite the best efforts of the official to keep them in the game and their stand-out player, open side Nick Franchino. OCs attacked with more purpose and following a succession of close drives, Baz Anayi neglected to showcase his customary shoulder charge or delicate chip, instead revealing a looping single hand lob which gave left wing Jon Glover enough space to finish well, away to the left of the uprights. Glover's kicking was less assured, the conversion sprayed to the left, but he was successful with two second-half conversions to add to the penalty in the first period.

Finally the increasing dominance of the OC front row produced a scrum turn over, and though Shaw's reward for excellent approach work was to be poleaxed in passing, he made time and space for right wing Jamie Woollams to saunter over. Sam Langmead all but made the line after a fabulous run, his scoring pass knocked forward by anonymous Dutch hands, to deny the hosts further points before the final whistle.

OCs will be well aware of sterner tests to come, and the need to play with more clarity and direction, but can take heart from the margin of victory, achieved without ever really playing to full potential. The improvement was evident throughout this game, and bodes well as Cranleighans bid to go one better than last year and win the division.

Man of the Match: Simon Steer
One Armed Bandit: Baz Anayi