On a dry mainly sunny day with a breeze as usual down the ground, this much anticipated match was played to a high standard in front of a very decent sized crowd. The match, always fiercely competitive particularly at the breakdown, turned decisively the way of Cranbrook with three tries in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Cranbrook kicked off into the wind playing towards the clubhouse, but soon found themselves 7 points down when the wind assisted clearance from the kick off found space deep in Cranbrook territory. A knock on, penalty, kick to the right corner and catch and drive from the lineout resulted on a blindside score, expertly converted.
A second try to Ashford was not long in coming as another long and accurate clearance produced a Cranbrook knock on in the lineout. From the scrum after a couple of phases, a strong forwards drive produced a converted score for 0-14.
At this stage Cranbrook were not really in the game as they rarely had possession of the ball, so when they did it was a surprise when scrum half George Robertson from midfield decided to kick rather feed the backs. The kick was good, found touch on the right and Ashford were penalised at the resulting lineout. Fabian Rimmer kicked to near the corner and as first receiver had enough momentum and strength to dive over half way out, converting well into the breeze.
As the game continued mid half the intensity seemed to increase as territory, possession, scrum and lineout were all pretty even, though the Cranbrook backs were looking increasingly dangerous. Theo Rimmer, the debut making fullback was assured under the high ball and getting more involved in attacks, just before half time one such run from him got Cranbrook close to the clubhouse corner, after recycled ball and a good run by Alex Cornwallis, more recycled ball left found Captain Curtis free to score in the corner.
A half time score with a deficit of 2 points playing into the wind would have suited Cranbrook particularly after the difficult start, but Ashford had the last word as from the restart Cranbrook were penalised and a familiar accurate touch kick, catch and drive produced the final score of the half in the corner for an unconverted try and a halftime score of 12-19.
If Ashford had started well Cranbrook bettered it with two new players playing starring roles. Half time sub Josh Forknall was put clear on the right after good play in midfield. Showing good pace and strength he scored impressively towards the corner. Then as the returning Guy Kennedy made a midfield break the supporting Theo Rimmer was able to kick through and with deft footwork was able to dive over near to the posts for a score converted by his brother.
Returning to the attack in midfield, Forknall was again set free this time on the left touchline, with plenty to do he made light of would be tackles for an impressive finish. At 31-19 to Cranbrook but with more than a quarter of the game remaining Fabian Rimmer sensibly attempted a long range penalty which would have put Cranbrook 3 scores clear but just missed. Although the teams still competed fiercely it was clear Cranbrook were in the ascendancy as Ashford tried to recover the situation. In general they never seriously challenged the deficit although one prolonged forward based attack to the clubhouse corner nearly produced a try but for the impressive Cranbrook defence particularly the forwards, but at the cost of a yellow card for Cornwallis.
Cranbrook also came close as another nice backs move to the left put Theo Rimmer in with a chance, his pacy run was thwarted by a last ditch tackle close to the try line.
A fine, skilful, entertaining game to which both teams fully contributed ended with a satisfying 5 try to 3 win for Cranbrook.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.