Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 1st October 2005
(home vs Ilford Wanderers)
Score: 30 - 5
Canvey saw the return of some of their key first team players, ready to take on the challenge of Ilford, in their first league home game.
The Islanders started brightly straight from the off, determined to put last weeks disappointing result behind them. The Canvey forwards confronted the Ilford pack head on. A lively Darren Smith took a quick tap and go penalty inside his own 22, and broke away attacking the visitor's flanks. With good support from his forwards, the ball was kept alive through a string of good passes and determined runs. With the run brought to an end, Ilford found themselves under pressure, penned in only 10m from their try line. Canvey tails were up, and a well worked line out move resulted in Flanker Brett Smith hitting the ball at pace, and going over to score the opening try.
From the restart Ilford attacked with a deep kick into Canvey's 22. The ball was recovered by No.8 Martin Ewins, who single handedly took charge of the situation driving the opposition backwards with an awesome series of charges and hand offs, before delivering a near perfect kick to touch. Ilford then found themselves with possession and were keen to impose themselves on the game. The ball was spun out to their backs, and the Canvey back line pushed up applying pressure. As the ball worked it's way along the line, Canvey Centre Alex Breading intercepted and raced away to score beneath the posts for his 6 th try of the season.
With the end of the first half nearing, a high ball from the Ilford fullback bounced awkwardly 5m out from the Canvey try line. In a moment of confusion the ball rolled away from the Canvey defender allowing the Ilford winger to go over for the score.
The second half saw a drastic change in the weather conditions, resulting in the game becoming far more Forward orientated. Canvey frustrated their opponents with an excellent defensive line, and managed to put Ilford firmly on the back foot. With the pressure beginning to tell Canvey found themselves with a scrum 5m out from the visitors try line. The ever alert scrum half Tony Gould saw his opportunity and picked up from the base of the scrum, making a darting, sniping run to score Canvey's 3 rd try.
The wind started to pick up in the second half and Ilford found it difficult to get out of their 22. A powerful drive from the Canvey forwards, containing 1 st team debutant Nick Edwards, resulted in a second try for Flanker Brett Smith. Smith managed to convert 2 of the 4 Canvey tries, and also managed to add 2 Pens.
The final score ended 30 vs. 5 in favour of the Islanders, pleased with the result and their improvement, but also realising there is still room for more
Man of the match: ?
