Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 15th October 2005
Score: 39 - 7
After the bitter disappointment of last weeks defeat, Canvey entered their game against Eastern Counties Division 1 side Ipswich YM, determined to win and win well. New head coach Carl Wakefield has installed a winning mentality in his players at Canvey, and from the very first whistle it showed.
The Canvey pack immediately imposed themselves on the game and throughout the first half were particularly dominant, especially in loose play and at lineouts. Continued pressure from the Islanders paid dividends 15 minutes into the game. After some good 15 man rugby, teenage winger Josh Campagna was released on the left wing to sprint away for Canvey's first try of the afternoon, the icing on his man of the match performance.
Canvey's forwards, eager to capitalise on the good start impressed again, after turning a well rehearsed line out move into a driving maul. Ipswich defended in vain as a tide of Blue and Red swept aside all before them. As the drive came to an end a metre out from the visitors try line, Scrum half Tony Gould was first to react going over for Canvey's second try of the game. Brett Smith was on hand to convert.
With the Islanders well in control and dictating the games pace, they looked to test Ipswich 's defence once again. After successfully drawing in the opposing forwards, Canvey's backs were supplied with quick ball. The ball worked its way along the back line, where Centre pairing John and Alex Breading scythed their way through the opposition midfield. A carefully measured pass from younger brother John, allowed Alex to hit a good line, carving the visitors defence in two and gave Canvey their third try without reply.
After the interval the Islanders came out for more of the same with the reminder of what happened the week before, lodged in the back of their minds.
The home side took the early initiative with a penalty, courtesy of the boot of Smith. With the wind in the Islanders favour they kept Ipswich penned in and attacked relentlessly at every opportunity. Again forward domination proved the key as No.8 Martin Ewins powered his way over for a try, after a neat three man lineout move.
With the game firmly in Canvey's grip the home side made some changes. The introduction of Russell Wright was effective and boosted the Islanders scrummaging performance. Winger John Campion found himself given another chance after his hatrick of tries in the second team the week before, and flanker Lloyd Miller impressed with a strong display when he came on.
The change to the Canvey personnel meant that veteran winger Jason Carter, moved to the outside Centre position, and literally as soon as he did he scored. Carter capitalised from a well worked backs move and dived spectacularly over the line.
It became obvious that Canvey had learnt from their past lessons, and didn't let up on the opposition. A counter attack from the home side led to Carter receiving the ball once again, where he fooled the defence with a classic dummy and exploited the space to score his second try of the game and Canvey's sixth.
Centre John Breading had taken over the kicking duties and successfully converted both of the Islanders last two tries.
With the game nearing its conclusion the visiting East Anglians scored a late consolation effort that left the scoreline reading 39 vs. 7 in favour of Canvey.
The Islanders now find themselves in the 3 rd round of The Powergen Junior Vase, and have given themselves the perfect build up for next week, when they meet league leaders Maldon in Essex 1 action.
Man of the match: Josh Campagna
