Cranbrook completed the first half of the season in ultimately fine style with a good second half performance after an awkward first half as Thanet proved to be decent opponents looking to build on a win last time out.
On a grey early winters day with a chill in the air but little wind, a Cranbrook XV with several changes particularly in the backs took time to settle. The returning wingers, Elliot Barbour and Anthony Andrews were in the game early as the Thanet scrum half chose to kick most of their possession. Andrews in particular took one high ball under extreme pressure, he and Barbour, though not getting much space to run in had very sound games defensively.
Thanet scored first after Cranbrook were penalised at the breakdown, a fate that was to cost both teams several penalties through the game as the ref sought to secure quick release of the ball, a policy which he implemented fairly and consistently throughout. From the penalty Thanet kicked to 5 metres and executed a controlled catch and drive for a score in the corner. Cranbrook responded with a good backs move gaining ground which ended with a penalty against them again at the breakdown. Otherwise, there was plenty of kicking with Thanet preferring to put height on the ball whilst Cranbrook fly half Ollie Allman was looking for space but too often found a defender in the early part of the game. Midway through the half an incisive break on the right by Fabian Rimmer cut through the defence but there was just enough cover to haul him down, quickly recycled ball was fed left and centre Alex Cornwallis did not need the overlapping Cranbrook players as he scored near to the posts, converted on seasonal debut by Sam Holden-Crauford.
The slender 7-5 lead Cranbrook now held did not last long as after a break by the Thanet fly half was ended by a high tackle and penalty, a kick to 5 metres and another catch and drive with a variation almost led to a prop scoring, but from recycled ball the speedy outside centre picking up at the base of the ruck was too quick off the mark for a static Cranbrook defence to score under the posts unopposed for a 12-7 lead after 22 minutes.
Both sides had opportunities as the half moved on, for Cranbrook No8 Lewis Stone made the first of a number of telling breaks in his best game since replacing the concussed Captain Josh Curtis, but the move broke down with a knock on. Thanet got close to the Cranbrook try line again but were again penalised for slow ball release. As the half neared its close Cranbrook levelled the score taking a quick tap penalty well inside the 22, George Robertson, today playing fullback, scored comfortably.
Thanet lost a prop injured near halftime and in the second half Cranbrook were able to put the Thanet scrums into reverse and several times they were penalised enabling Cranbrook to retain good field position. The influential Thanet 13 was carded for interference at the breakdown, but the resulting penalty hit the post. A second chance was, however, taken shortly after, as Thanet were again penalised at the scrum. Back came Cranbrook as Allman, now finding space with his kicks, followed up well to pressurize the recipient into a poor kick to touch. Another penalty was kicked to 5 metres and on the crash ball Rimmer, at pace brushed off tackles to score convincingly, the conversion giving a 22-12 lead. Cranbrook were now playing with confidence and in a move left a well-timed pass by Allman put supporting hooker Josh Pankhurst clear to score midway out for the bonus point try. As pressure mounted on Thanet another penalty for offside was converted, and finally Rimmer, picking up a loose ball 5 metres out unselfishly passed to the rampaging Captain Hamish Gillanders to score in the corner, well converted by Holden-Crauford, who had a good game at 9.
This was a much improved performance by Cranbrook, reminiscent of some early season displays. George Robertson seemed to enjoy his day at fullback as he is a fine broken-field runner. The forwards collectively were hungry and the back row of Stone, Gillanders and Jack Lamb were particularly influential. Mention also of sub Josh Forknall, who had to play hooker for the last quarter of the game, being able to comfortably play in several positions reflects well on him, the club wishes him well as he looks to further his rugby career with a spell in New Zealand.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.