Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 11th March 2006
Score: 26 - 5
After the mid week 'Giant Killing' of London 3 N.E Campion, The Islanders found themselves missing some key players through injury. Hooker Darren Smith (ankle), Scrum half Tony Gould (Hamstring) and Prop James Saunders (Shoulder), were all out as a result of Wednesday's game. Lloydd Miller rejoined the first team squad, as did Russell Wright. Brett Smith took over line out duties.
Under some blustery conditions, the game got started with Canvey attacking immediately as they usually do. South Woodham possessed a heavy pack and some youthful backs, and were fresh from a 29 vs. 0 drubbing of Bancroft the week before. The first try for Canvey came way of a cross field clearance from the boot of the Woodham No.10. His failed kick landed straight into the hands of winger Jay Bedford, who romped down the wing before cutting inside to put the Islanders in front.
The next phase of attack led to Canvey's second. A dummy switch in the midfield, gave centre Kevin Cooper enough room to break free of two tackles before floating a pass out wide to release fullback Dave Dennis. Dennis outstripped the covering defence, before sidestepping neatly round the defender to score his first of the afternoon.
With their tails up Canvey just mounted more pressure. The back row trio of James Breading, Martin Ewins and Matt Lay started to make ground and move the heavy S.W pack around. After sucking in the S.W forwards, Canvey were given some quick ball. Again the Canvey centres combined, but this time it was Alex Breading who found space, handing off two tacklers before rounding the fullback and the covering winger to score Canvey's third.
Towards the end of the First Half, Canvey received yet another injury blow, when flanker Matt Lay had to go off after damaging his knee. Josh Campagna was also withdrawn after injuring his back, making way for winger Ben Chandler to make his first team debut.
The loss of players and the rearrangements made, meant many of Canvey's set plays had to be changed, and combined with the blustery conditions the visitors always knew they were still in with a shout. After five minutes of the second half, a blind side run off a scrum led to a grubber kick putting in the S.W winger, to score in the corner.
This try led to a period of pressure from S.W, as the visitors tried to use the conditions in their favour to pin Canvey back. However as many have found this season at Tewkes Creek, there is very rarely any gaps in the Canvey defence these days and it wasn't long before the Islanders turned the tide again.
Again Canvey's centres drove the ball up field, and the forwards as ever were in good support to secure the ball. The forwards then kept the ball alive in hand with a series of passes drawing the S.W defence to the right hand corner of their 22. No.10 John Breading received the ball early from stand in scrum half Luke Smith, and executed a beautiful dummy, before shooting a long range pass off his right hand to Dave Dennis. Dennis received the ball at pace, with enough momentum to be able to bump off his opposite number, and muscle his way over to score his second and Canvey's fourth. Brett Smith converted 3 out of the 4 tries, giving a final score of 26 vs. 5.
After the busiest week of the season for the Islanders, which included two of the toughest games they have had to play, there is now a race for fitness for some players and a much needed rest for others. As next weekend they face another potential Giant Killing in the form of London 4 N.E side Wanstead, in the semi final of the Essex Intermediate Cup.
Man of the match: Lee Brumwell
