Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - Wed 8th March 2006
Essex Intermediate Cup Quarter Finals
(Home game played at Thurrock against Campion)Score: 13 - 0
After the quarter final being delayed for several weeks this eagerly awaited clash commenced at a neutral venue at Thurrock Rugby Club. On form Canvey were very optimistic going into this match, knowing that a good performance should enable them victory. A wet night meant that it was going to be a tight game, with the ball rarely being able to be spread wide.
Canvey kicked off the match and straight away put pressure on the Campion side. The ball remained in the Campion half for a good 15-20 minutes, except for a few penalties awarded to Campion, Canvey dominated possession early on. This possession turned into points after about 20 minutes when Canvey's forwards drove deep into the Campion 22 before the ball was shipped out to Bret Smith who drew a defender and passed to prop James Saunders who did the same, before popping inside to wing Josh Campagna who touched down to claim the first 5 points of the game. Bret Smith slotted over the conversion from out on the touchline, making the score 7-0.
Campion upped their game and managed to gain more possession and started playing in Canvey's half, however Canvey's defiant defence stopped everything Campion had to throw at them. Campion managed to get around the Canvey backline, however a great covering tackle by scrum-half Tony Gould stopped what would have been a soft Campion try. Canvey managed to then gather possession and worked their way back up the pitch before the referee blew for the half-time whistle, 7-0 to Canvey.
The second half began with Canvey maintaining the same determination and direction as in the first half, and started playing rugby in the Campion half. Huge pressure from the Canvey pack led to a penalty being awarded to Canvey, which was scored by Bret Smith, score being made 10-0 to Canvey.
Campion carried on trying to punch a hole in the Canvey defence, but Canvey's defence was unbeatable and they failed to find a gap. Canvey managed to make a few more breaks and worked their way back into the Campion 22, where they managed to stay for most of remainder of the game. The continued Canvey pressure led to 3 penalties being awarded to Canvey, Brett Smith managing to score 1 of these 3 kicks. Score 13-0 to Canvey.
With only 15 minutes or so until the final whistle Canvey knew they had to keep defending strong and keep possession and territory. Canvey maintained their discipline in defence as well as attack, keeping the ball in hand, taking valuable time off the clock. The frustrated Campion forwards were finding it hard to stop the ever-strong Canvey forwards. This frustration ended up in two of Campion's players being sin-binned.
Canvey held out with some hard tackling throughout, never letting Campion have a glimpse of the line. The final whistle blew and a well disciplined, tough tackling Canvey team progress into the semi final against Wanstead.
Man of the match: James Breading
