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Cranleigh RFC I - 17 Old Walcountian - 5
20/04/2010
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Cranes Fly Into Final
Cranleigh produced an utterly convincing performance against Surrey 1 side Old Walcountians in front of the largest crowd seen at Wildwood Lane for many a year to progress to the Surrey Shield Final on 2 May at Imber Court versus Chipstead.
A first minute try from the ever dangerous James Moore, duly converted by Luke Edwards saw the home side lead 7-0 at the break. Long periods of Cranes pressure either side of half time failed to yeild more than an Edwards penalty, after which the threathening OWs backline finally got over in the corner to put the game in the balance at 12-5 with 10 minutes to play, although they could not add the conversion.
However the home side responded magnificently to once again set up camp on the visitors try line as the boistrous crowd bayed for blood. With the final play they got their wish as Pete Barraugh forced his way over the line & Edwards once again added the extras to put a nice gloss on the final scoreline & send everyone off to the bar full of good cheer.
See here for a full set of images from the match & to purchase copies - www.vicheritage.fotopic.net
Full report from Dave Eve to follows:
Cranleigh 17 – 5 Old Walcountians
Surrey Shield Semi Final
Tuesday 18th April 2010
Cranleigh's first match under their new floodlights was a suitably dramatic affair as the teams fought for the chance to play Chipstead on May 2nd. The well numbered supporters witnessed a thoroughly entertaining match that ebbed and flowed and was not settled until the final minutes.
The home team made the early running and from first phase ball fly half Luke Edwards fed centre James Moore who carved straight through the OWs defence to score under the posts. The simple conversion put Cranleigh 7-0 up after barely two minutes. OWs looked to hit back and gradually established some possession and territory. The home defence was secure and snuffed out the obvious danger presented by OWs broken field running. The breakdowns were fiercely contested with Cranleigh's back row of captain Christian Morris, Russ Shayler and Mike Stacey proving a constant barrier to OWs progress.
OWs were camped in Cranleigh's 22 and Cranleigh were lucky to keep fifteen players on the pitch as numerous penalties were conceded. Eventually the siege was lifted and Cranleigh went on the attack. Powerful bursts from prop Phil Moore and second row Pete Barraud advanced Cranleigh into the OWs 22. OWs were conceding numerous penalties close to their line and the referee's patience was tried to far and one of OWs second row was yellow carded for coming in from the side. Cranleigh kept up the pressure but could not quite force their way over as the OWs defence held firm. The half time whistle blew with Cranleigh 7-0 ahead.
The second half was mainly played between the twenty twos as both teams were fully committed in attack and defence. OWs had another player sin binned for throwing a punch right in front of the referee at a ruck. From the ensuing lineout Cranleigh attacked through the middle and OWs conceded a penalty at a ruck. Edwards kicked the three points to extend the lead to 10-0. OWs came right back and after some time in the Cranleigh 22 some slick handling gave the right wing just enough space to evade the last man and score the try out wide. The difficult conversion attempt was wide and with ten minutes to play Cranleigh led 10-5.
The nerves on the sideline were obvious as both sets of supporters cheered their teams on. OWs looked to attack from all parts but despite some dangerous surges could not find their way through. A loose ball on the floor was gathered by prop Rob Ambler and with possession secured Cranleigh stretched every sinew to seal the game. Replacement centre Jamie Cambridge played a key cameo role with his strong direct running requiring at least two tacklers to take him down. The match winning try came from the forwards as a rolling maul proved unstoppable. As the referee confirmed the try Barraud was last man up with the ball. Edwards added the conversion to put some gloss on the scoreboard and Cranleigh's celebrations could begin.
Both teams had contributed fully to a fine match played in an excellent, competitive spirit. The final on May 2nd at Imber Court gives Cranleigh the opportunity to round off what has been a tremendous season with some richly deserved silverware.
More pictures available here: www.vicheritage.fotopic.net
