Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 5th November 2005
Score: 48 - 0
What a difference a week makes! Over the course of seven days Canvey Island RUFC 1 st XV, had to make a total of ten changes to the side that had been making waves in Essex 1 recently. An amazing series of bad luck, consisting of players out through mumps, tonsillitis, impetigo, injuries through training, a player crying off on the morning of the game, players lost due to a club members wedding and the loss of the 1 st XV skipper for 6 weeks via an Essex RFU disciplinary committee. All in all Canvey were depleted, and had to call upon 2 nd and 3 rd team regulars to start in this important 3 rd round Powergen Vase tie. As a result the whole of Canvey RUFC suffered during the weekend, as all three sides lost trying to cope with the loss of players. How ironic that Canvey's hosts for the day in the Vase would be 'Old Paulines' of Surrey . A club steeped in history, founded in 1871 by former pupils of the famous St Paul 's School who were one of the founder members of the RFU. The Club own its own 15 acre sports ground at Thames Ditton, and amazingly run 6 teams Inc 1 veteran side. This truly was going to be a David and Goliath battle.
From the off it was clear to see the quality in the Old Paulines side. The forwards were well drilled and extremely physical, and the powerful No.8 would be a problem for Canvey all afternoon. Their backs were slick, hitting great lines and passed smoothly. Unbelievably after 10mins the Islanders suffered another loss, in the shape of flanker and kicker Brett Smith. However Canvey in recent games had only conceded 3 tries in their last 3 games and are always strong in defence. The Surrey side realised this early on. With Canvey hitting low tackles the home side were able to off load skilfully in the tackle, keeping the ball alive creating countless overlaps. Old Paulines were hitting 5 and 6 phases of rugby, constantly drawing in players trying to set up their fast backs against the relatively slower Canvey forwards. The Islanders found it difficult to get their hands on the ball, and starting tackling higher to prevent the offload. With this the case the home side demonstrated some strong rucking and recycled the ball quickly and efficiently. To add insult to further injury Canvey suffered yet another loss, where debutant Centre Paul Jackson promoted from the 3 rd 's was injured, after a gallant effort to stop a try. His resulting injury requiring the game being stopped and was taken to hospital via Ambulance. The first half ended 24 vs. 0 to the home side.
Forced into yet another reshuffle, Canvey fought on bravely in the second half, tackling relentlessly showing great team spirit. The Islanders refused to give up and players really were putting bodies on the line. Although the game ended 48 vs. 0 in favour of the Surrey outfit, Canvey came away from the game with heads held high. They were beaten by a better Rugby side on the day, and learnt many lessons from a well drilled opposition, consisting of players who have played higher standards. Congratulations to Old Paulines, in the forthcoming rounds, and thanks to the players who were called upon in Canvey's 80mins of need!
Although it may not seem it on paper, this was a respectable scoreline against worthy opposition, that has further forged the Canvey spirit.
Man of the match: Kevin Cooper
