Match Report (archived)
Match reports 2005/6: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 28th January 2006
Score: 7 - 27
Canvey were away this week, in a tie that over recent years has left the Islanders coming away with nothing. This game certainly tested the maturity of the side, who have an average age of 23, going into the game without head coach Carl Wakefield due to work commitments. Club legend Richard 'Biff' Smith took charge of this encounter in the absence of Wakefield , and the powerful Kevin Hobart stepped in at prop after losing James Saunders to work commitments, as well as Simon King to a bout of flu. Luke Smith stepped in and provided a fine performance on the right wing, in the absence of the injury prone Jay Bedford and experienced Jason Carter off on holiday.
Canvey went into this game under no illusions of just how difficult this game would be. Despite a heavy loss to the Islanders earlier in the season, Maldon were unlucky to lose to unbeaten league leaders Upminster last week by a try in the final minute of the game. Canvey began well, Brett Smith stepped up and put over an early penalty after some good pressure and some hard yards gained.
The main emphasis on Canvey's game this week was to get back enjoying playing again, and to express that on the pitch. Unfortunately the strong wind in the first half would prevent too much expanding play, so passes were kept short and Canvey's strong runners were used. It was one of these runs from No.8 Martin Ewins, from the back of a ruck that punched a huge whole in the home sides defence. Ewins proved too much for them, powering over the line with three defenders hanging helpless from his jersey.
The last game against these two sides obviously had an effect on how Maldon shaped their defence, with fullback and both wingers sitting very deep, expecting kicks. The Islanders started to realise this and started to exploit the gaps that were there. Canvey's backs started running with the ball, pulling Maldon around the pitch. The forwards provided some great support, showing they too had good ball handling skills, keeping the ball alive at every opportunity.
This type of play continued from the Islanders and led to a try from fullback David Dennis, who supported another barraging run from centre Kevin Cooper who off loaded in the tackle to the on rushing Dennis for the touch down. Canvey ended the half 15 vs. 0 in front.
The Islanders could now look to play more 15 man rugby in the second half. However the away side were given a sharp reminder that Maldon were still in the game. A lapse in concentration from a scrum out wide, saw the home side run the ball down the blind side, with the Maldon No.8 freeing the winger, beating his marker and the fullback to give Maldon hope.
Canvey now began to really step up a gear. Canvey's props made their presence felt, destroying their opposite numbers in the scrums, 2 nd row Jamie Breading dominated the lineouts, and No.8 Ewins continued his one man demolition derby. With the Maldon back three still opting to sit deep, it was Canvey's backs that were able to make the territory. Some good interlinking play from Canvey's fly half and centres, allowed them to break at every opportunity, with both wingers and fullback in support.
The forwards mauling was also beginning to take shape, proving once again the training ground is really paying off. A drive over the home sides line lead to a try for the impressive Lloyd Miller, coming on at flanker. Maldon now had no answer to Canvey. John Campion was also introduced to the game, coming in at blind side flanker instead of his usual winger role, and put in a sterling performance of his own.
The up beat Islanders surged on, clearly enjoying the game and playing more 15 man rugby, with backs and forwards interchanging well. Brett Smith found himself on the left wing and ran in Canvey's fourth of the game. With the game nearing an end Maldon frustrations grew, having one player sent off and another sin binned. A great win for the Islanders, which leaves them playing with confidence, ready for the visit of London 3 Campion next Sunday in the Essex Cup
Man of the match: Kevin Hobart
