Match Report
Match reports 2006/7: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 2nd December 2006
(Home against Saffron Walden)
Score: 0 - 22
This week Canvey faced a tough test at home, against a side that had already beaten them by fifty points in the cup.
Canvey welcomed back Russell Wright, and Ben Chandler was promoted to the outside centre position. Darren Smith came back in at hooker and Brett Smith was back in at flanker. Canvey lost James Saunders due to a prior commitment, but regained the services of Lee Brumwell.
The Islanders started the brighter of the two sides, and put pressure on the visitors. A loose ball and some uncharacteristic missed tackles allowed the pacy backs of Saffron Walden to score an early try. Within minutes again some easy turn over ball allowed another 'soft' break away try. Canvey mistakes had put them 12 nil down early on.
Canvey built some momentum and dominated territory for most of the first half. Canvey forwards went close on a few occasions, with Saffron Walden using all their experience to stop the mauls and slow down the ball from rucks. Ben Chandler in his first game at outside centre was unfortunate on a couple of occasions too, hitting the gain line well, but lack of game time and familiarity in the position led to a couple of dropped balls.
With the tide seeming to turn in Canvey's favour, again lapses in concentration and more missed tackles lead to yet another break away try from the visitors backs. At half time Canvey were down 19pts to nil. As the second half started Canvey rallied. Lock forward James Breading, produced a 'dogged' man of the match performance, as did inside centre Joe Buckfield producing some uncompromising big hits in the midfield. Flankers Matt Lay and Brett Smith, produced some of the runs that made them so dangerous over last season, and throughout the half glimpses of the 'old' Canvey were there.
In terms of territory Canvey dominated and the visitors could find no way through. Unfortunately for Canvey the first half damage could not be undone. Winger Jason Carter went close, after a superb cross field kick from Jay Bedford found him in space, but could not keep the ball from spilling out. The impressive boot of Saffron Walden's fly half secured them another 6pts from two penalties.
The Islanders had improved massively from the last time the two sides met, and produced a dogged display of rugby. In patches the Canvey of the last two seasons had returned, they just need to start scoring again. Most importantly for Canvey there were no further injuries to the already long list at the club, meaning hopefully they may be able to turn out the same side for a second week running, something they have not been able to do at all this season.
Man of the match: James Breading
