Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 14th January 2006
Score: 5 - 28
This tie was meant to have been played last week, but the home side called it off, saying there was too much snow on the pitch. This Saturday however, this was not the case, and the pitch looked in superb condition. Second placed in the league, Canvey were determined to carry on where they finished off in 2005, and kick 2006 off with a win. The home side also looked determined, eager to erase the memories of the 58 vs. 0 drubbing that took place, last time they met the Islanders.
Canvey were missing some key players in vital areas, that only a couple of years ago would have drastically affected the result of a game. It is testament to the current strength of the club at the moment that Canvey were able to shuffle their pack and bring in some quality players to take up the void. The Islanders gave starts to Lloyd Miller stepping in at back row, veteran Russell Wright added his presence at second row, Dave Gillespie returned as first team skipper after a lengthy ban, Nick Edwards was rewarded for some solid 2 nd team displays, and was introduced at No.8 in the second half. Brett Smith was moved from flanker to hooker, and took over line out throwing duties.
Through out the first half Canvey signalled their intent on the home side, mounting attack after attack. Both sets of forwards engaged in a dogged battle, with the visitors managing to get the upper hand. Strong running from man mountain James Saunders, posed problems all afternoon. Flanker Matt Lay put in yet another storming performance, with some great runs and excellent breakdown support. The ever reliable boot of fly half John Breading, kept Upper Clapton pinned back and it wasn't long before cracks began to show in the home sides defence.
After a series of promising attacks from Canvey, the Islanders continued persistence paid off. Canvey attacked the right wing, drawing the Upper Clapton defence over, before spreading the ball wide back across the other side of the pitch through a neat set of hands. The ball found its way to Prop James Saunders, who from 5yds out no one was going to stop. Smith stepped up to convert. Canvey again attacked immediately, and the home side were finding it hard to deal with. As frustrations grew, the Upper Clapton blind side saw it necessary to hit fly half Breading with a late tackle. This resulted in a sin bin for the No.7, a telling off for him via scrum half Tony Gould and cost his side three points, as Smith slotted over the awarded penalty. At the end of the first half Canvey amazingly were only 10 nil ahead.
As they came out for the second half, Canvey stepped up a gear eager to turn pressure into points. Again Smith increased Canvey's lead by a further 3pts with another penalty. The fitness of the Islanders forwards was beginning to tell, as the home side were pushed back again with a series of driving mauls. As Canvey secured more ball, the backs began to get in on the act. A classy backs move straight off the training ground saw the ball get passed through 7 pairs of hands. The angles of running confused the Upper Clapton back line, and Canvey were able to pass through with ease, resulting in evergreen winger Jason Carter touching down for Canvey's second try.
Again the forward dominance continued resulting in yet more ball for Canvey's more than capable back division. This time it was the turn of the Islanders other winger Jay Bedford to score, after receiving a miss pass from fly half Breading, he was able to out sprint his marker on the outside getting the Islanders 3 rd . Strong runs from inside centre Kevin 'Ram Man' Cooper allowed the Islanders to punch holes deep in the heart of the Clapton midfield. Canvey by now were well in control, especially in the scrums. Canvey were now winning balls against the head, and another try was only minutes away. The visitors were awarded a scrum 5m out. After winning the scrum, Canvey kept control of the ball at the base courtesy of the footwork of step in No.8 James Breading. As they edged ever closer to the line, shunting the Upper Clapton pack backwards, replacement scrum half Luke Smith seized the opportunity, plucking the ball out, and diving in dramatic style over the line, increasing the lead to 28pts.
With the game nearing to a close, Upper Clapton were given a soft try after a charged down kick resulted in 5pts they never really deserved. Canvey were never given a problem defensively, and at no time did Upper Clapton look like scoring.
A good win for Canvey in what could have potentially been a tricky tie, especially with key players missing. A good battle for the forwards, and a chance for the backs to get rid of any rust from the Christmas break. Canvey now look forward to entertaining Bancroft next Saturday as they look to keep up the pressure on league leaders Upminster.
Man of the match: Matt Lay
