Under 16 Win: Edenbridge v Cranleigh

25/09/23

Under 16’s

The Cranleigh Under 16s were playing their first match of the season which in itself was a massive achievement, as numbers during the summer were low, the boys worked hard at recruiting and we were able to start the season with a team that was a fantastically tight.

With Toby starting the season as captain and the team sporting new kit from our new sponsor ‘Everyone Active’, we arrived at Edenbridge to face a team we had never played before.

Edenbridge had a big squad and with a big crowd, it promised to be quite a game.

Both teams had strong starts but it was Edenbridge who scored first from a excellent run from their strong and pacey winger. Cranleigh’s heads didn’t drop, and they came back. The forwards were everywhere and gave platforms for the backs to attack. With two ball players at Fly half and Inside centre (Rhys and Rufus) we were able to keep spreading the play.

A clearance kick soon turned into a chase and with the team flying up and putting pressure on the Edenbridge line, a penalty try was awarded. Rhys added the extras with a fine kicking display on the day. 7-5.

The wind was in our sails and Ryder’s clear thinking, alongside new addition to the team Finn, resulted in a move at the lineout which saw him charge over the line. 14-5. Debut try for Finn.

At half time no one was getting ahead of themselves, and the thinking was clear. Next score.

Ryan, new to rugby and making his first appearance, fitted in brilliantly and had some great ball carries along with another new member, the excellent Ellis, who was everywhere and added a great blend of strength and ball skills to the team.

With the new rule of competitive lines out this year, it was a sight to behold seeing Flyn soaring high and securing lineout after lineout with Dennis and the pack putting all the hard work at training onto the pitch. (Quick shoutout to Clive and Rob for time with the pack).

Hard runner Leo and Bertie at this point were breaking up attacks and this pressure led to a stray pass being intercepted by Torrin who raced away underneath the posts. 21-5.

With a small squad the injuries started to mount. Jack who started the season at scrum half and was like an absolute wrecking ball around the pitch, had to leave the field, with Peter soon to follow after getting a bloody nose for his awesome support play around the pitch. He was to have a try disallowed for a double movement. Rhys went to scrum half and Rufus slotted in seamlessly into flyhalf to keep the team playing.

The pressure started mounting and the structure became a little broken with numbers low. We had welcome relief from Raz and Evan’s awesome pace getting us out of trouble and carving up any gaps in the open field.

Edenbridge came racing back and with 8 minutes left and scored 2 tries and the score stood at 21-17!

Still calm but they had the numbers, the momentum and time. Could Cranleigh hold out? They didn’t. They went one better! With runners coming from all angles, we found ourselves with a scrum down near the Edenbridge line. Bertie off the back of the scrum, passed onto Rhys going over for a MOM performance. Brilliant calmness from Bertie in a tense moment.

28-17.

A massive thank you to Edenbridge for hosting us and a super exciting game, to our parents for getting the boys there and support and special mentions to the new lads: Ryan, Ellis and Finn.