Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 18th March 2006
Score: 36 - 0
Both sides had defeated London 3 N.E opposition in the quarter finals, to reach this round of the competition. Wanstead had beaten Westcliff, and Canvey had scalped Campion. The question this time however, was could Canvey produce yet another Giant Killing act, and humble the travelling London 4 N.E outfit?
On a bitterly cold and windy afternoon, yet another large crowd attended to see if the Islanders fairytale would continue. The answer became apparent within the first five minutes of the game. Canvey won some good line out ball and drove the ball on, wise to the fact that conditions were not in their favour. As the backs received the ball on the next phase, inside centre Kevin Cooper mounted a charge through the heart of the opposition. As he broke through, his pass released fullback David Dennis, who drew in his man before off loading to outside centre Alex Breading who sprinted home to score.
The opposition were reeling. In no mood to stop, Canvey continued the pressure. A barnstorming run from second row James Saunders, took the Islanders half way down the pitch. His run was supported by scrum half Tony Gould, who pinned Wanstead into the corner of their 22, with a run of his own. The supporting forwards cleared the ruck, allowing No.8 Martin Ewins to surge forward and off load expertly in the tackle to flanker Brett Smith who dived over for another 5pts.
Canvey's third try came from a delightful 'show and go' from the back of a ruck from scrum half Gould. His dummy provided enough space for the 'live wire' No.9 to race away untouched under the posts. Brett Smith converted successfully and Canvey went into the half time interval 17 vs. 0 up.
Wanstead had not made the best of the wind advantage in the first half, and their attacks were not strong enough to trouble the Islanders awesome defence. Now that the conditions were in Canvey's favour, the home side continued to turn the screw. Yet another break from man of the match James Saunders, left a trail of bodies in his wake, as he terrorised the Wanstead back line. His one handed pass found the supporting Tony Gould, who's quick hands found the ever running fullback Dennis, who rounded the visitors backs to score under the posts. Again Smith converted.
Quite simply Canvey's forwards dominated the opposition. More good forward play eventually led to No.10 John Breading seizing a wayward pass, kicking it past the up rushing defence, before winning the sprint to score an excellent individual try. Wanstead were dead and buried, and Canvey were in full flight, playing their typical exciting, attacking brand of rugby.
Canvey were awarded a scrum on the half way line, which their forwards won giving scrum half Gould the opportunity of quick ball from the base. His pass allowed the two Breading brothers in the backs to combine, with John hitting Alex on a switch, cutting an inside line. A quick change of direction allowed the centre to scythe through the field, racing away for his second try of the game and Canvey's sixth. Smith again converted leaving the score 36 vs. 0.
Again Canvey had beaten opposition from the higher leagues, and have amazingly now made their second cup final in two years. They now play Rochford on April 2nd at Westcliff RUFC in a mouth watering final.
Again Rochford, two leagues above in London 3 N.E will be a tough test for the Islanders, and will go into the game as favourites. Can Giant Killing Canvey continue this amazing run?
Man of the match: Jamie Saunders
