Cranleigh RFC 2nd 29 – Lightwater RFC – 5

Cranleigh hosted top of the table Lightwater in the knowledge a win would see them move into the No1 spot of the much-coveted and world-renowned short titled league of Surrey Combination 1 South League 5B . The boys were still buzzing after a thrilling destruction derby of Guildford As the previous week with the tase of victory still sweet in their mouths. Lightwater started strong, feeding the ball to their menacing centre who had modelled his look on a young Duncan Goodhew. His strong powerful run targeted the only obvious weakness in the Cranleigh backline, their 10, James Moore. A player well know for is aversion to physical contact and mud.

Luckily the vibrant and graceful Mozza glided across to repel what seemed to be their main attacking option. It was not long before the Cranes pack started to apply it’s dominance, both in the set piece and the loose. With standout performance from Josh Barraurd who was making his senior debut and Dan Cast who wasn’t. Beautiful forward interplay and aggression eventually culminating in Peter Lawrence driving over in the corner. Lightwater 10 kept them in the game through targeted kicking combined with strong pony tail with and leg tight look. Cranes however always looked the more threatening, running the ball back through the ever destructive Jake the Snake Shayler and the Crow Ben Hearsum. Kurt Richardson almost claiming another try to his growing tally mid-way through the half but was denied. Post video analysis the referee deemed there was a double movement, noting Kurt should have passed the ball to supporting Mozza for an easy score.  Cranes second try did come from a simple scissors which released the power house Jason Quick who side stepped and powered through the Lightwater defensive line.

The second half saw Cranleigh further apply their grip on the game. With a solid platform allowing Andy Wright to manage the play, feeding the back line via a range of passing techniques never seen before. 

Moore was able to release new player David “Chuck Norris” Brook to cause untold havoc, later to be awarded Man Of The Match and also dick of the Day for being too flash and giving Lighwater their only points through an interception. More tries followed for Cranes in the second half with the six supports and one dog relished the high quality rugby being played. The mighty Cranes now ride high at the top  of the table. With Two league games left to play for them it’s a position they will fight hard to hold on it. In the post match press room captain Moore said he was as always immensely proud of the lads. Players of all ages and abilities combining to create a squad that will be talked for many decades to come, across the UK if not Europe. Legends one and all. 

Match Report – James Moore