Cranleigh RFC 1st XV vs Streatham & Croydon RFC

The result indicates a reasonably comfortable win for Streatham. With the unfortunate very late two tries scored by the Streatham backs the result could have been quite different. 

First from the 19  Cranleigh selected players the game for 55 minutes played with 14 men. Two crying off Friday-, Fin White injured a knee in the warm-up, then they lost the two props -Liam Kennedy injured with a bad head cut, and Ben Terson with injured ribs. quickly followed by George Disley with a suspected concussion, all within  25 minutes of the first half. This meant Coach Ross had to deputize.

The first half started with Cranleigh defending in their half for the first 20 minutes but the injuries and players playing out of position, with an odd missed tackle allowed  Streatham to score, well converted, Streatham added another try halfway out again well converted by their standoff. Cranleigh had very little chance of attacking, but one excellent run by  Pierre Goodwin lifted the side. With two props out of action, the Referee agreed to no no-contest scrums and the score remained at halftime 14-0 to Streatham. 

The second half was amazing. The 14 from Cranleigh right from the start took their game to Streatham. The no-contest scrums and the penalty count against Streatham helped Cranleigh use their quick backs and make good ground. Max Bracewell showed real pace and awareness in weaving through the Streatham defence to score under the posts duly converted.  Cranleigh kept up the attack and after going through several hands Nick Sutton charged from 15 yards out to score his first try for Cranleigh.- unconverted. Score 14-17. 

Streatham does have pace, especially at outside centre and right-wing and it was the winger who finished off a classic backs try, outpacing the Cranleigh defence.

19-17. With only 8 minutes to go, Streatham added two more well-worked tries, and a few tackles were missed, leaving the final score 33-22.

The game was lost due to the cry-offs and injuries. The 14 guys however can hold their heads up high. They showed great energy and determination throughout the game. Zack Hebron playing his first game at stand-off showed what a good addition to the side he can be. Captain Goodwin had a splendid game and coach Ross kept the side’s spirits high. The Cranleigh supporters left wondering what the result would have been had they played with the selected side.   

Let’s hope the injuries heal quickly and get the sides out that were selected. The 14 that played deserved better. 

Report by,

John Bailey