Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 10th December 2005
Score: 14 - 0
Eager to keep the pressure up on league leaders Upminster, both Canvey and Billericay took part in a bruising encounter at Tewkes Creek this weekend. Both sides came into the game locked in second place, with only the Islanders superior points difference separating them. The game started brightly, with Billericay making their intentions clear early on.
Their large pack looked to pick and drive at every opportunity and bully Canvey's forwards. However just as Thames did the week before, 'The Bees' had under estimated the Islanders pack. Canvey matched them for physicality up front, and overwhelmed the visitors around the ruck area. A period of early pressure from Canvey pinned Billericay into their own 22, after surging runs and good support play, with both forwards and backs combining.
Billericay defended strongly 5m out, still slightly shell shocked and surprised at the strength of the Canvey pack. As the deluge of Red and Blue continued to press on, scrum half Tony Gould spotted an opportunity to score. Just a metre out, Gould picked up and dived over the line, through a mass of bodies. With his view obscured, the man in charge was unable to see the grounding of the ball and so opted for a scrum 5m out to the Islanders. Although disappointed, Canvey tails were up and felt a try was imminent.
This time it was the turn of the backs to impress. Fullback Dave Dennis found himself in the line and floated a miss pass out to oncoming winger Jay Bedford. Bedford 's run onto the ball took him past the up rushing fullback, before side stepping his winger to get the only try of the game. Flanker Brett Smith was unable to convert.
Billericay mounted a comeback, but Canvey weathered it well. Both sides fought hard throughout the first half, constantly cancelling each other out. The home side again lost Prop James Saunders through injury, and saw the introduction of replacement Simon King. Some big hits were given and taken from both teams, not least of all from King and No.8 Martin Ewins, as each team looked for an advantage.
Canvey found themselves slowly gaining the upper hand and Billericay were on the back foot again. This time, the visitors gave away a penalty after illegally bringing the Islanders progress to a halt. Smith stepped up to kick successfully putting Canvey eight points in front, with half time fast approaching. Again Billericay came back, and were rewarded with a penalty of their own. Player/coach and Billericay fly half, Dave Harries stepped up to try and scrape back at Canvey. His kick went wide, leaving his side with much to do in the second half.
Billericay changed tactics and hoped for more success by using their backline more. The 'Bees' used their big winger who wouldn't look out of place in the forwards, to try and punch holes in the centre of Canvey's backline. Each time he did he was met with a wall, with no way through. The Islanders defence was awesome and they continually frustrated the visitors. Frustrations began to tell and Canvey were awarded two penalties in the second half. In such an important league game, Smith's nerve held, slotting them home with ease. It was no less than the Islanders deserved.
A gritty and determined Tewkes Creek side out muscled and out tackled a well drilled and competent Billericay side. This was the third game in a row that Canvey have gone without conceding a single point. They now go into the Christmas break confident and determined, keen to make more ground up on Upminster and push for promotion into the London leagues.
Man of the match: John Breading
