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Home  Reports 2007
Match Reports 2007
15th December 2007
OCs in Winter Wonderland
Worth
Old Boys 17 Old Cranleighans 34
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
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