Match Report
Match reports 2006/7: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 11th November 2006
(Home against Stowmarket)
Score: 6 - 26
This week the Islanders played host to Stowmarket, who were sitting at the wrong end of London 4 NE. Canvey welcomed back two long term injury players, in the form of Matt Lay at back row, and the return of Captain and centre Alex Breading. Jay Bedford also returned at fly half in place of the injured John Breading.
Stowmarket started off the quicker of the two sides, and within minutes slotted home three points. Canvey were not put off by this and attacked hard, looking to release the runners in the new look back line. Unfortunately when the ball broke loose Canvey got punished by the 'flying' Fijian quartet in the Stowmarket backs.
Canvey again looked to get something back and were rewarded with a penalty of their own. Brett Smith got the home side 3pts. With 20mins of the first half gone, injury occurred again to the Canvey skipper, damaging the knee he has had problems with all year. Veteran Jason Carter stepped into the outside centre position, and Brett Smith took the captains armband.
Stowmarket again struck as the Fijian 13 ran in a neat kick and chase. Again unfortunate breaks, and some lethal finishing from the visitors, kept Canvey on the back foot. Late into the first half Canvey went close on a few occasions, but just could not get the ball down. Half time rang a few changes, with injury to Dave Dennis, meaning Luke Smith went to fullback, Brett went 9, and Nicholas Edwards came on for Russell Wright. The ever reliable Lloyd Miller came in at tight head, and Canvey looked to get back in the game.
The second half saw a great contest with both sides constantly going close and cancelling each other out. Winger Stefan Lay impressed for Canvey with some hard hits and determined running. There was no score throughout the second half until the last 6mins of the game. And yet again it came courtesy of Stowmarkets Fijian connection, as the athletic No.8 and rapid No.13 both ran in tries of their own.
Canvey played well, with all the usual guts and determination you expect to get from the Islanders, but Stowmarket had five or six players of real class in their side and it showed when it mattered.
Man of the match: Stefan Lay
