Cranfordians v Dorking II – Result 24-12

What a day for Cranfordians! The match day started with the first women’s league day lunch which was a roaring success with about 60 people sitting down to an amazing meal made by Kev! Great speeches and a great moment for our team and club. 

Both teams headed out to the pitch for a muddy game of rugby before Storm Bert set in! Dorking showed they meant business from the kick off with a breakaway, making it over the line for a quick first score.

0-7

The Cranfordians realised this isn’t going to be an easy game and switched into gear ready for the fight. Dorking tried to rinse and repeat but our strong forward pack are having none of it, stopping them in their tracks. Play continued in the middle of the pitch with neither team showing any sign of letting up.  After a great play from our backs Eloisa Hill broke through the line only to be brought down 10m out. Hannah received the ball from the scrum and flew down over half of the pitch heading straight for the try line, only to be taken down in the 22. A frustrating set of play followed from the forwards with Anna and Bex taking the ball closer to the line, they were so close to the try line without being able to get the ball over on numerous occasions. Dorking were shown a yellow for high tackles. A series of play lead to a Dorking scrum in their 22 a quick ball out of the scrum lead to them storming up the pitch to secure another try.

0-12

From the kick off Dorking shipped the ball out to the wing and before they even have a chance to get moving, Smashleigh had taken them to the ground stopping them in their tracks to almighty oooss from the sidelines. After spending time in the centre of the pitch a loose ball has quick thinking Hannah off and sprinting under the posts for Cranfordians first try! Roars and cheers from our many supporters! 

5-12 

Half time and with a rousing speech from Captain Cath, Cranfordians scoring towards our club and our supporters and they were ready to make them proud! 

The second half started with the 6,7,8 combo of Crabbers, Cath + Dempsey making loads of ground with strong carries, pick and goes. Colette had a tough day digging through the rucks for the ball but kept Dorking’s scrumhalf at bay. A storm up the left wing Grace led Sophie Stevens to go over the line, unfortunately the ref called it back for a forward pass. After a quick scrum Sophie smashed a Dorking player out of the way and the turn over was secured. Dorking were penalised for not getting back 10 and Crabbers smashed it up, again a penalty was called and Cranfordians were awarded the penalty try.

12-12

With the game now even neither team were backing down and Cranfordians were not giving any chance for breakthroughs despite attempts from Dorking, even in the slippery conditions.  After a series of scrums the ball is shipped out and the backs get the ball in motion,

Sophie not being satisfied with her first try getting called back, her second attempt secures the next try and on her debut! 

17-12

Both teams were starting to look tired, and they were letting silly mistake in. Cranfordians were unfortunate to not get back 10 and a penalty was called in their 10. Luckily with a turnover we were back in their half and were pushing them back hard. The wind has picked up and dark crowds were looming over Wildwood Lane, but it seems nothing can stop our Cranfordians!  Set pieces from the forwards and backs led Cranfordians into the 22. Crabbers smashes through the line to get under the posts, conveniently missing the puddle waiting for her. In tough conditions Mel beautifully converts the ball through the posts.

24-12

The last play was spent with both teams tiring and remaining in their 22. A mistake by Dorking lead to a turnover and the ball kicked out to end the game.

Final score: 24-12

A very happy Cranfordian team and what a show! Bring on Andover!! 

Report by Lizzie Beeby

Forward of the match: Sophie Crabtree.
Back of the match: Eloisa Hill 
Minge of the match: Cath Day-Smith – for throwing the ball to the opposition