Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 17th September 2005
Score: 0 - 10
The Islanders made their way across the estuary to face Kent based side Medway, in the first round of the Powergen Vase.
Canvey started well from the kick off putting immediate pressure on the Medway pack, pushing them back deep into their 22. The home side managed to clear the ball from the boot of their fly half, the first of many kicks he would make all afternoon. Throughout the first half Canvey continued to pile on the pressure, but were frustrated by a series of hands in the ruck area and offsides from Medway. In fact Medway set out their stall very early on. It became obvious that their forwards would be content to 'kill' the ball whenever possible, whilst their backline showed no ambition in running or attacking, preferring the kick and chase option. The first half was quite uneventful, with Canvey going into the break with only a 3 point lead, courtesy of the boot of Brett Smith from a penalty.
After a half time 'shake up', the visitors came out determined to break their opponents 'stifling' tactics. However, Canvey were still finding it difficult, with hardly any decisions going their way, after a series of very questionable interpretations of the laws of the game. This trend was to continue with the Islanders frustrations ever growing, especially after having a possible try ruled out with the 'grounding' of the ball in question. That was until the introduction of 'legendary' club No.8 Steve Murphy. After a substitution and re shuffle of the pack, Murphy had an immense twenty minutes. His strong running inspired the Canvey forwards as they drove their opponents back up the pitch, leading to a well deserved try for Prop Lee Brumwell. Smith was on hand to add the conversion. With Canvey tails up, again pressure was applied from a series of phases from both backs and forwards. With Medway pinned in the corner of their 22 they were unable to stop the powerful Brumwell going over for his second, only for it to be ruled out in another debatable decision. With the game at 10 vs. 0 , the final whistle was a welcome one for the islanders, happy for the win, in this potential 'banana skin' of a game.
Man of the match: Steve Murphy
