Bromley won the game early scoring 2 tries in the first few minutes and another 3 before the half hour, as a Cranbrook team that had to make 3 late changes to the announced line up could not cope with the well organised and experienced opposition.
On a mild but dull day on a firm pitch made slippery by drizzle during warm up, Bromley playing with the slight slope were soon on the offensive, turning over the first scrum and winning a penalty. After phases the centre with a nice sidestep found just enough space to score. The second try was disappointing as several tackles were missed but from the kick off, Hamish Gillanders, today playing on the wing challenged well and Cranbrook gained possession. After a number of phases Bromley were penalised in front of their posts for offside, but Theo Rimmer mishit the kick to strike the post.
Both teams struggled to hold the ball in the slippery conditions with several knock-ons, Cranbrook struggled particularly in the scrums but also at lineout so Bromley had more ball with their deep lying backs able to put Cranbrook under more pressure. Lewis Stone at No. 8 did manage an effective pick up and carry from the retreating scrum but the move ended with another knock on. Soon Bromley recovered position and executed nicely to score in the left corner. Another penalty kicked to 5 metres resulted in a catch and drive try and before the half hour a 5th try was scored as more good back play produced enough of a gap for the centre to exploit. The kicker was in good form to, making 4 out of 5 conversions for a 33-0 scoreline.
Cranbrook now had their best spell of the match at last retaining the ball through a number of phases albeit not making much ground. Then a good kick into space by scrum half George Robertson and more phases followed, a break by Josh Pankhurst looked promising but a knock on denied further progress. Finally a scoring pass found Rory Goodger in space but he too knocked on to his immense audible frustration. There was a lengthy delay as prop David Lock was injured but he gamely carried on.
In the second half with the slope Cranbrook competed well, the game changed as both teams resorted to kicking. At full back Theo Rimmer was secure under the high ball and sometimes was able to make ground when the ball was run back, but the try line was not really threatened. Injuries caused more positional changes but Cranbrook continued to play with spirit. Half way through the half Bromley scored a push over try to complete the scoring at 38-0, although they nearly scored another when the big winger grounded but Cranbrook had done enough to get his foot into touch.
A difficult day where the experience and good game management of this Bromley team was too much for a scratch Cranbrook squad who nevertheless gained the respect of the Bromley faithful for keeping going in adversity.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.