A hard-fought game where Cranbrook had almost parity in possession and territory was decided by the fine accurate and pacey team play of the visitors allied to a well-controlled rolling maul which brought their early scores.
On a reasonable day with no sun, wind or rain on a firm pitch it was in fact Cranbrook that started the best with some nice attacking phases but crucially no score. When Alleynians got into the Cranbrook half a penalty was kicked to touch and from a few metres out the visitors scored easily from the lineout catch and rolling maul. They were not having things all their own way as on their own lineout ball Josh Parkes made some good catches in this phase of the game which helped put Cranbrook back on the attack. But when Cranbrook kicked from their own half the still conditions made catching easy, save one long kick by Fabian Rimmer which made the fullback turn, so the back three were excellent in running the ball back, then linking with teammates to produce a wave of attacks. Cranbrook therefore had plenty of tackling to do and generally stood up well to this challenge. Alleynians were also adept at quickly recycling the ball at the breakdown.
The second try after 25 minutes was the best of the day and clearly demonstrated the team work of the visitors as from deep in their own half the ball passed through many pairs of hands for a pleasing score. Worse was to follow as soon after lineout ball was collected 25 metres out and the efficient rolling maul did the rest. A further score in the same manner but from much closer produced a halftime score of 0-24.
Cranbrook got the lift they needed with the next score as from a tapped penalty from near the 22 the ball was moved left for supporting fullback Theo Rimmer to use his speed to score in the corner. Alleynians responded with a move at pace to score in the left corner. When Cranbrook regained field position a training ground move put wing Luke Lafferty straight through the centre to score untouched which Theo Rimmer converted to leave the score at 12-29.
There was no further score until about 10 minutes before full time but the intensity of the match remained high. Cornwallis did well to gain a turnover as Cranbrook continued to have a good share of possession, both he and Fabian Rimmer were prominent in midfield tackling as were many of the pack. After several well controlled phases Cranbrook were within inches of scoring but robust defence kept them out. Eventually after more quick ruck ball good handling produced another try on the left, then with a big lead the visitors strangely took a successful kick from a penalty in front of the posts. Back came Cranbrook and when Alleynians tried to run more ball from deep Fabian Rimmer intercepted to score.
The last score came from a clearance kick run back, this time the home defence, understandably tired, was not able to stop a 7th try towards the corner for a final score of 17-46.
Although the scoreline was strongly in the accomplished visitors favour, this was a match which also said much about this Cranbrook team which showed considerable heart, skill and organisation and the Alleynians coach was complimentary afterwards.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.