Match report – Cranleigh V Haslemere

Cranleigh did have chances of winning this game against a strong Haslemere side, unfortunately they let  in two tries in the last ten minutes.

Unlike Cranleigh in the last few games they started, they came out  brightly driving Haslemere for the first fifteen minutes back on their twenty two unfortunately without scoring.

Haslemere got themselves together after twenty  minutes  and were first to score direct from an excellent  lineout move to the outside centre, duly converted. 

They then, within five minutes, followed this up with another try from a maul ten  yards out  12-0.
The Haselmere lost their dangerous fly half due to a leg injury and Cranleigh reacted by charging up the field  with Charlie Pankhurst in several moves .On 30 mins from a maul 10 yards out Titch Macey burrowed  his way over the line  to score, well converted by Harry Crabtree .

Half time 12-7.

Cranleigh started the second half brightly, pushing Haslemere up the hill and gaining two very kickable penalties .But rather take the kick they attacked and from the second penalty  Graham Benton scored  ,converted  12-14.Losing two of our lineouts and a dropped pass put Haslemere on the attack from which they scored ,converted. Haslemere had two players yellow carded  ,one for lifting within 10 minutes. 

Harry Crabtree converted a penalty 19-17. Pierre Goodwin was unfortunate to get a yellow card having a disagreement with the Haslemere number 7 as the referee had the card out for a previous offence.

The last 10 minutes was hectic with Charlie Pankhurst scoring and converting 19-22, but unfortunately downhill Haselmere scored two tries one converted which was the result of lack of concentration and energy.Final score 31-22.

Cranleigh played two hundred  percent better than last week. The forwards were far more aggressive and together. Charlie Pankhurst was outstanding and his energy enthused the rest of the pack. Marcus Dangerfield played all the  game and will improve the side  once he has played more games. Scrum half Mikey Arlett looked excellent.  All 5 substitutes were used  during the game and you could see a game plan being put into operation. A good game to watch, from a predominantly very young side. 

Report  John Bailey