Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 8th October 2005
Score: 29 - 19
Canvey travelled to the Capital for their first game under new head coach Carl Wakefield. Again Canvey were forced to field a different side, losing both centres to injury and also the influential Jamie Saunders, out with broken ribs. However, fresh off the back of a good win in their last game, the Islanders start was nothing less than exhilarating.
From the kick off Canvey were dominant, with East London left wondering just what had hit them. After some excellent phases of forward play, the ball was released to Canvey's new look back line, where born again inside centre Kevin Cooper was waiting to pounce. As Cooper burst on to the ball inside East London 's 22, the home sides defence failed to deal with his speed and power, allowing him get his first try of the season. Straight from the restart Canvey forwards charged up field again, mounting more pressure on East London . With the Islanders camped in the oppositions half, a second try seemed imminent. With good ball secured, the backs were fed well again. As Fly Half Jay Bedford received the ball, he exploited the chinks in the oppositions armour. As gaps appeared in East London 's defence, Bedford continued on a jinking run before touching down for Canvey's second.
East London struggled to get out of their half, whenever they kicked it, Canvey ran the ball straight back at them, and whenever they tried to run the ball out, they were met head on with some crunching tackles.
Not to be out done it wasn't long before the Forwards wanted to get in on the try scoring acts. Prop Lee Brumwell, usually known for taking the more direct route, amazed onlookers with a try demonstrating his pace, before side stepping the opposition fullback to score Canvey's 3 rd try of the half.
Brett Smith was on hand to convert 2 of the 3 tries and the Islanders went into the break in the lead 19 points to 3. Canvey had quite literally dominated the first half proceedings.
What happened in the second half was agonising. East London raised their game, and Canvey struggled to get out of the starting blocks. The Londoners began to string a few phases together and mounted a comeback. Mid way through the second half as Canvey found themselves defending 5m out, the match official saw two instances in a passage of play, where he thought it necessary to sin bin two Canvey players. Now down to 13 men, in what is becoming a common theme in the Islanders season so far, Canvey defended bravely but it was to no avail. In a final cruel twist the Islanders really gave themselves a hill to climb, when Captain Daffyyd Gillespie was dismissed for stamping. Canvey's remaining 12 players did all they could, but the damage had already been done. The sin binned players returned too late and East London stretched their lead and emerged as victors.
Canvey came away bitterly disappointed, knowing they had given a game away that they really should have won. On the positive side the Islanders had managed to play the best 40mins of rugby they had all season.
Also teenage wing sensation Josh "nosh" Campagna made a promising start, after having been promoted from the 2 nd XV. "Noshua" delivered some kicks deep down the opposition's throat , and made some good thrusts forward. He was right at home whether going down on the ball, or along the lengths of the pitch. He was very effective cumming from deep , and despite the result left with a smile on his face. Young "noshy" was ultimately satisfied and looking forward to more of the same.
Man of the match: James "Skull Fracture" Breading
