Cranleigh Men’s XV v Effingham & Leatherhead Men’s XV  30/11/24 – result 36-12 

Cranleigh put out a side for this friendly, a mixture of young and seasoned players. Effingham had to borrow two  Cranleigh subs each half to make up their numbers. The game turned out a decent afternoon on a sticky pitch on the Simon Cambell ground. Cranleigh looked from the start a far brighter side, attacking but losing control by dropped passes. After 17 minutes, they put together a simple move to break through the Effingham defense, and  Pierre Goodwin scored. Effingham replied with a similar move breaking through a wide gap between the Cranleigh centres. Pete Barraud, Ben Terson, and Tom Teltley enjoyed driving up the pitch. Tom Tetley finished off a good drive from a lineout and a maul. Still, some of the play from both sides was sloppy, but Cranleigh ended the half 12-5.

Right from the start of the second half, Ollie Watkins outpaced the Effingham defense to score. Good control in the set scrums and lineouts gave Cranleigh plenty of possession, and they added another three tries from Pierre Goodwin, Micky Bartlett, and Tim Berges. But after 30 minutes, Cranleigh relaxed and had to put themselves in defense mode for the rest of the game against a determined Effingham pack. Thankfully, Mickey Artlett broke away to run 80 yards to score under the post.

It was played in good spirits, and everyone, as did the spectators, helped by the excellent Scranleigh refreshment van,  enjoyed the game.

Back next week to a League game against Harlequin Amateurs at Wildwood Lane. 

Report John Bailey