Match Report: Cranfordians vs Newbury 2XV

Sunday 13^th October 2024

Cranfordians hosted their first home league game of the season at Wildwood Lane, facing off against a formidable Newbury 2XV side. With a full squad and six substitutes available, Cranfordians were well-prepared for the challenge, while Newbury arrived with only 15 players and no substitutes, adding an extra edge to the contest.

Cranfordians kicked off with strong intent, showing promise early on. The scrums were tightly contested, especially against Newbury’s powerful loosehead prop. Cranfordians’ Lou Dempsey and Ashleigh “Smash” Tungate made some solid gains with their powerful runs, while Colette Webb at scrumhalf ensured quick ball from the breakdowns. Despite some handling errors in attack, Cranfordians defensive pressure forced multiple knock-ons from Newbury, keeping the game balanced in the opening 20 minutes.

However, Newbury managed to capitalise on some lapses in Cranfordians’ defensive line, with their inside centre slicing through to score the first try, successfully converting it for a 0-7 lead. In response, Cranfordians backs, led by captain Hannah Regan at fly-half and Mel Anderson at inside centre, executed several sharp moves, but their efforts were thwarted just short of the try line.

As the half progressed, a penalty for Newbury allowed them to push Cranfordians back, but a well-timed line break from Anderson put the home side within striking distance. Despite an unfortunate knock-on just meters from the line, Newbury’s scrum collapse gave Cranfordians a penalty. “Smash” made a quick decision and crashed over the line for Cranfordians first try, though the conversion went wide, bring the score to 5-7.

In the final moments of the half, Newbury’s pace and quick decision-making led to another try from their fullback, successfully converted, stretching their lead to 5-14 as the whistle blew for halftime. 

Halftime: Cranfordians 5 – 14 Newbury XV

Cranfordians emerged from the break with renewed energy, with the forwards leading the charge. Despite their efforts, Newbury’s speed at the rucks proved challenging, leading to several turnovers. Cranfordians continued to press, earning a penalty just outside Newbury’s 22-meter line. A well-executed crash ball follow by a pop pass saw Eloisa Hill dive over for Cranfordians second try, closing the gap to 10-14 after another missed conversion.

The game remained highly tightly contested, but Newbury responded with a quick counterattack, snatching the ball from Becca and breaking through our line. Despite a valiant chase and tackle by Regan, Newbury score another try, extending their lead to 10-21 after again a successful conversion.

Cranfordians continued to battle, with Rebecca Francis making crucial defensive plays. However, Newbury’s sharp decision-making saw them add another converted try, widening the gap to 10-28. Although Cranfordians kept their opponents pinned in their half for a solid 10 minutes, a penalty allowed Newbury to break free and score from deep within their own territory, making it 10-33.

In the closing minutes, Newbury’s relentless pace saw them score on final try, though the conversion missed the mark.

Fulltime: Cranfordians 10 – 38 Newbury XV

Despite the loss, Cranfordians showed significant improvements from their previous outing against Didcot, with a determined effort in both attack and defence. They kept up a strong fight, showcasing their developing skills and team spirit throughout the game. With more games under their belt, the squad is eager for a rematch with Newbury later in the season, looking to build on the lessons learned. Next up, they face Camberley, aiming to continue their progress and put in another spirited performance,

Report by Tabitha Macey