25/11/18
Match report
Cranbrook ladies 29-5 NAG
Cranbrook's latest home game saw a return fixture against NAG Ladies. The last encounter Cranbrook came away with a 15-0 win but were under no illusion that this would be an easy game.
From the kick off Cranbrook came out all guns blazing and an early scrum made sure the forwards asserted their dominance in the pack, then quick clean ball allowed the backs to come alive with fantastic strong running from Pippa, who constantly cut through the defence and brilliant rucking from the forward pack ensured Cranbrook held onto the majority of possession. Unforced errors then gave NAG the ball but it wasn't long until pressure from Cranbrook ensured they had it back. A messy line out saw Tiff clear up the ball before simple rugby showed exactly how forwards gain ground before Pip utilised the broken defence and ran 20yards in to get the first points on the board, conversion just wide leaving the score 5-0.
NAG started their attack and managed to enter Cranbrook territory for the first time this game, however pressure forced unclean ball which was quickly cleaned up by Lyndsey. The captain then lead by example and a strong run saw her break 5 tackles before finally being brought to the ground by 3 defenders. Strong running from the back row saw a lot of ground swallowed up, forcing NAG to give away penalties in a desperate attempt to slow the Cranbrook onslaught. Tiff took the penalty quickly allowing the forwards to gain ground and work together to give Charlie her first try of the season. Try unconverted leaving the score 10-0
Panic started to show on the faces of NAG as a run of penalties allowed Cranbrook to gain more ground from the Kick off and some tactical changes saw some fresh legs in the Cranbrook pack. Good work from the forwards saw Pip released in space again but good cover defence from NAG held off another try. This wasn't to be for long though as great work from the centres put Jess E into a gap and there was no stopping her from there. Another unconverted try saw the score standing 15-0.
Just as Cranbrook seemed to be running away with the game NAG showed new determination and after Cranbrook gave away a lot of penalties, NAG finally found themselves over the try line, score line 15-5.
With not long left until half time Pip decided it was time for another run and broke through the staggered defence. Supported by the forwards Cranbrook retained possession and fantastic runs by Tara, Lyndsey and Emma S saw Fran take the ball over the line to score, this time the try was converted by Abbie. Score 22-5
Cranbrook came out in the second half knowing the game wasn't won yet, although NAG injuries saw Cranbrook having to drop numbers and this seem to unsettle them as the penalty count increased. A lack of discipline from Cranbrook saw NAG threatening the try line again, however strong defence put a halt to a driving maul and saw them awarded a scrum. Brilliant scrummaging from the Cranbrook pack and a shout from Tiff saw Cranbrook awarded a penalty and an opportunity to clear their lines. The next 10 minutes an exchange of unforced errors and penalties from both sides, then repetitively from Cranbrook, allowed NAG to threaten the try line again. This seemed to wake Cranbrook up and huge hits from number 8 Emma T and Lyndsey ensured NAG never got closer than 5 meters to scoring. Constant pressure saw NAG giving away yet another penalty allowing Pip to clear the ball out of danger. This was to be the last time NAG entered the Cranbrook half.
An unstraight Cranbrook line out gave NAG a scrum but the dominant pack turned it over forcing a penalty. However another forceful hand off by Shanie saw NAG rewarded with a penalty. But possession did not stay with them for long as Cranbrook turned over yet another ruck, forcing another penalty and another Cranbrook lineout. Executed perfectly the ball was shipped to the forwards who secured ruck after ruck and created space for the quick backs. Quick hands through to Pip allowed her to turn on the gas round the outside of the NAG defence, running in 70yards with a try under the post. Conversion was the last play leaving the final score 29-5.
Cranbrook came out worthy winners showing how far they had come.
The forwards demonstrated excellent pod work and dominated the set pieces.
The backs worked with each other, showed quick hands and utilised the spaces perfectly.
Forward of the match Lyndsey Posey (c) leading by example with strong runs and hard hits.
Back of the match Tiff Smith controlled the ball amazingly at scrum half and used her twinkle toes to run through gaps that weren't even there!
A huge well done to Laura who played her first game too!!
Next week Cranbrook travel to Hove hoping to finish the first half of the season on a high.