Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 10th September 2005
Score: 15 - 25
The Canvey side travelled away to South Woodham, for their first league game in Essex 1 since being promoted. Within a few minutes of the kick off, it was obvious to see that both sides were quite evenly matched. Canvey opened the scoring with a penalty from flanker Brett Smith. South Woodham responded in the best way they could scoring two tries, but were not able to convert either. The mobile Woodham back row were starting to impose themselves on the match, forcing the Canvey pack to raise their game. Most noticeably through man of the match Matt Lay.
Continued Canvey pressure resulted in a scrum 5 metres out from the oppositions try line. With the scrum beginning to 'wheel' the ball came loose, with Brett Smith first to react, pouncing on it to score. Smith then promptly converted.
South Woodham then started to apply some pressure of their own. The Canvey defensive backline, lead by Mark Colville held strong throughout the game. With no gaps in the Canvey defence, a forced pass from the Woodham fly half, lead to an interception from centre Alex Breading, who accelerated away to score Canvey's second try.
At the end of the first half the score stood at 15 vs. 10 in favour of the visitors. Canvey lost prop Lee Brumwell due to injury, so the experienced Kevin Cooper came in as his replacement, putting in a sterling performance.
In the second half both sides were playing well in a keenly fought contest. South Woodham attacked well putting over their big inside centre from 5m out.
It wasn't until mid way through that the islanders found themselves with a real battle on their hands. Canvey were in trouble, going down to 13 players, after losing fullback Dave Dennis for improper use of the feet and also scrum half Tony Gould to the sin bin. This signalled relentless pressure from the home side, for a long period of the second half. However no matter how hard they tried they just could not break Canvey's superb defensive line. Canvey's remaining 13 players fought passionately, and managed to force Woodham back up the pitch. This drive resulted in Canvey being awarded a penalty on the half way line. Smith rose to the challenge and amazingly managed to make the kick, taking the score to 18 vs. 15. Canvey had relieved the pressure on themselves, and it wasn't long before they were back to full strength, with the two sin binned players returning.
Canvey now decided to apply some pressure of their own. A good backs move saw fullback Dave Dennis release winger Luke Smith, who topped of a good performance by spinning out of two tackles before running the ball under the posts to score the islanders third try of the game. Older brother Brett was on hand to convert, ending the game 25 vs. 15 to Canvey.
Man of the match: Matt Lay
