This well contested match had a joyous outcome for a Cranbrook team that has been struggling recently because of a long injury list, playing a fine running game to convincingly beat the third placed visitors who had been on good form.
On a cool grey day with the northerly wind mercifully light, many were fortified by a fine club lunch in the presence of Kent Rugby President Doug Hursey, a glass was raised to long serving Beccs President Clive Putner who had recently passed away and the players and spectators stood for the traditional silence before kick-off.
In front of a decent number of spectators including a good turn out from south London, Beccs soon demonstrated why they have done so well with a pleasing and accurate style of a variety of support runners taking the ball on in midfield, offloading well to keep momentum. Cranbrook therefore had to tackle well and generally did so to good effect while normally both teams secured their own lineout ball whilst the scrums also did not provide any significant advantage to either team, though occasionally Cranbrook were under pressure here. George Robertson though, at scrum half, was efficient at getting the ball away and Cranbrook looked dangerous with the ball particularly when full back Theo Rimmer joined the line.
The first try came after 7 minutes when Beccs were offside in front of their own posts. A scrum was called, and the ball was efficiently moved right to create an overlap for returning right wing Guy Kennedy who scored comfortably even having the presence of mind to move infield to make the kick easier. For the next 20 minutes both teams had their moments as play went back and forth, an Alex Cornwallis chip looked promising but was knocked on whilst eventually Beccs broke through but Tom Humphries got back to haul the runner down with what was deemed a high tackle. The card was inevitable, some thought a penalty try should result, the tap penalty was messed up but at the lineout the Cranbrook throw was not straight and soon Beccs capitalised with a converted try and the lead.
In reply, another Cranbrook foray looked promising as Kennedy looped round to join the move going left but a knock on ended it. Soon Cranbrook were for once able to turnover a lineout, after phases Josh Pankhurst, today unusually playing No 8, was, after breaking tackles, smart enough to offload for the supporting Cornwallis to score under the posts, converted by Fabian Rimmer for a 12-7 lead. Rimmer then executed a fine 50-22 kick but another knock on meant no further score at half time.
Cranbrook were now beginning to believe in themselves and added to their score after 8 minutes as Fabian Rimmer gained ground with a fine long touch finding penalty, Theo Rimmer after phases and from close range was able to sidestep and score. Beccs replied five minutes later when their own penalty was kicked to touch a few metres out, the lineout safely taken was confidently driven over the line for a converted score.
Cranbrook were playing well and had the better of the last part of the game as perhaps Beccs high-energy off-loading game lost some of its sting. The next score was pleasing as from a lineout there were some good offloads as Fabian Rimmer found enough of a gap to score, though again failing to convert his team now lead 22-14 having now collected the 4try bonus point.
The game was secured on 32 minutes when another Theo Rimmer break was ended by a high tackle, and a card, after the penalty was kicked to 5 metres Tom Hamplett was able to collect the ball about 8 metres out and get over the line for his first try of the season, taking over the kicking, Cornwallis impressively converted.
Beccs did regain field position scoring in the left corner and numbers were restored to parity as the returning Jack Lamb was binned.
Cranbrook had the last word with one of the best tries of the season as turnover ball on the far left was moved accurately right through many pairs of hands, including supporting forwards, for Guy Kennedy to round the last cover to score and Cornwallis to convert for a final score of 36-19.
This was an enjoyable game as both teams sought to play expansive rugby in their contrasting styles. Having Lamb and Kennedy back in the team certainly helped as they are both accomplished and influential players, now Cranbrook will look for more of the same as the season runs into the spring.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.