Match Report
Match reports 2006/7: 1st XV | Stacks | Gnus
1st Team Match Report - 14th October 2006
(Home against Chelmsford)
Score: 16 - 5
This week Canvey played hosts to Chelmsford, looking to take some revenge on the side that put them out of the Essex Cup.
The Islanders got a massive lift before this game, as they welcomed back wing forward Kevin Cooper. It is true that one man does not make a team, but no one can argue just what a difference his presence on the pitch makes. When Cooper combined with his wing forward partner James Breading, they wreaked havoc on Chelmsford and totally destroyed their back row game.
Coopers presence raised everyones game and the forwards were superb. Canvey managed to win plenty of opposition lineout and dominated their own. Scrummaging was solid with the old guard of Lee Brumwell and James Saunders returning to Propping duties. The attitude and determination was there in abundance for all to see, as Canvey returned to what had worked for them over the past couple of seasons. This included the classic 'rolling' mauls.
The Islanders bullied the heavier opposition and were rewarded early on with a try for 2 nd row David Gillespie, as he smashed his way through the Chelmsford defensive line from 5m out. The try went unconverted.
Some great tactical kicking from fly half John Breading put Chelmsford on the back foot, with wingers Stefan Lay and Mickey Young both promoted from the second team looking sharp.
Canvey maintained the pressure on Chelmsford and upfront it really showed. Canvey's back row continued to frustrate and torment, which eventually led to another try. No.8 Martin Ewins stormed forward to close down an attack, forcing a dropped ball from Chelmsford. The first to react as ever, was none other than Kevin Cooper. He kicked forward and outstripped the defence and touched down for Canvey's second.
A first half penalty from the boot of Brett Smith meant Canvey went into half time 13 nil up.
The Islanders now had the wind against them, so a tight tactical game had to play in the second half.
Amazingly Chelmsford still played more with ball in hand. They still tried to get the back row going, but Canvey allowed them no ground. They then tried moving the ball up through the midfield, but the centre pairing of Luke Smith and Jason Carter stood firm.
Chelmsford managed a try late in the second half, when their live wire fly half realised he could not get through the Canvey back line, he decided to run across it before a well placed grubber kick for himself, caught Canvey unaware and the visitors got their only points.
Canvey attacked again in response, with winger Young going close. This passage of play, earned Canvey a penalty.
Skipper Brett Smith showed his maturity and opted for the 3pts. That he duly converted.
Canvey won out 16 vs. 5
They are starting to see the return of some of the injured players now, and in the next couple of weeks hopefully a few more. A vintage Canvey forward display, coupled with the Canvey dogged spirit and determination was there for all to see.
The man that epitomises all that......
Man of the match: Kevin Cooper
