Perhaps a game too far for a team lacking so many players due to injuries, particularly in the forwards, that despite much endeavour in a feisty match, Cranbrook’s usual quality and skill set required at this level was disrupted despite plenty of possession and territory to beat a streetwise opposition who found some moments of conviction.
On a reasonable day without rain or wind that might affect play, Cranbrook played up the slope in the first half. Cranbrook were penalised at the first scrum and when more penalties were conceded at scrums, prop David Lock was carded after 10 minutes as he was blamed for repeated scrum collapses by way of not binding properly or slipping the bind. This created huge problems for Cranbrook as they struggled to get their own ball from scrum and were powerless to stop Park driving their own scrum on many metres, usually in the knowledge that they had gained a penalty advantage. Despite this Cranbrook had their moments particularly when the returning wing Beau Archer had the ball as his pace and evasiveness came to the fore.
Park opened the scoring after 12 minutes when a well-controlled rolling maul provided the position from which good handling resulted in a score in the left corner. Cranbrook did miss a penalty given for handling in the ruck and lock George Pay was held up on the try line, but towards half time another good run by Archer gained a lot of ground and was ended by a high tackle from the home fullback who was carded, and Archer had to be replaced with suspected concussion. This was a shame as soon after twice Cranbrook had chances on the right which Archer might well have finished, but a replacement playing out of position was not as quick as the more adept Archer would be. Cranbrook were now well in the game, but Park ran the ball from very deep in their own half finding veteran winger Reion Raybe with an overlap. He had the pace and skill to make it all the way to the try line for a splendid score which when converted led to a 12-0 half time score.
With the slope in their favour Cranbrook approached the second half with some belief that they could win. What happened was disappointing as Park were able to disrupt Cranbrook enough, by fair means and foul, so that no real flow could be achieved. Early on, Captain Hamish Gillanders did charge down a clearance and kicked through to score, converted by Alex Cornwallis but otherwise Cranbrook were not accurate enough when they had the ball and were not able to get fullback Theo Rimmer on the ball enough to utilise his pace and were clearly missing Archer. Several times Park slowed Cranbrook ball, being penalised for handling in the ruck, once blatantly, but a card did not come, this had much to do with the game becoming at times fractious and eventually scrums became non-competitive as Cranbrook had run out of front row replacements as injuries again took a hold. Despite this the Cranbrook lineout was working well all game, with several steals from the Park throw, Jack Lamb in particular being effective, also George Pay, having his first league game of the season, many times carrying the ball well. Park also had some moments and executed clinically on a couple of occasions to score, and their kicker made some fine conversions and a penalty. Another try occurred as the ref appeared to miss a knock on perhaps deciding the ball had been stripped by a defender, falling loose for a supporting player to collect and score. Otherwise, Park were content to clear their lines by kicking which sometimes worked to their advantage when they found space.
Park were not convincing despite running out clear winners by 32-7, but the Cranbrook players on the field, which included 5 Nomads, played their hearts out, but were not able to impose their preferred fluid style on this game, and will see this as a lost opportunity. They will hope for reinforcements for the final league game next week. Park having completed their league season are 4th but could be overtaken by Heathfield who complete next week. Cranbrook are 8th but could finish 6th.
Match report courtesy of Philip Rimmer.