WILD CRANES VS. HORSHAM

1.Nabiha Noibi 2.Lizzie Beeby 3.Sophie Lilley 4.Jocelyn Barraud 5.Julie Sherlock 6.Cree Willis-Gregory 7.Louise Makepiece 8.Harriet Pelling 9.Cath Day-Smith (VC) 10.Tabitha Macey (C) 11.Colette Webb 12.Eloisa Hill 13.Harriet Williams 14.Rachel Cluskey 15.Hannah Regan 16.Claire Lewis 17.Anna Worthy 18.Louise Steele 19.Becca White 20.Jo Hockley-Andrews

The Wild Cranes hosted a very strong Horsham side on Sunday, many of which had represented their 1st team in NC2. We had excellent numbers as newly the formed Guildfordian’s team helped bolster our ranks. The weather was glorious and the pitch was in excellent condition. We had a few debutants starting their first-ever contact match, so this was going to be quite a challenge.

 However, we soon got into our stride straight from the kick-off. We forced a knock-on with great pressure leading to our scrum, which was solid throughout the match. The ball won and out to the backs. After a few phases Harriett Williams our outside centre found herself in a bit of space and turned on the after-burners down the left flank to score in the corner for her first try in Cranleigh colours. A great conversion effort by Sophie but unfortunately just a little short.

 Much of the play then took place between the two 22s with some very impressive ball-carrying and tenacious tackling. However, whilst attacking, Horsham managed to intercept and touched down under the sticks. 5-7.

The subsequent kick-off was received by their very talented fly-half who seized on our poor follow-up and raced to the line, chased the whole way making the conversion harder which was not converted.

The Wild Cranes regrouped and started pulling together some lovely phases. A knock on in their 22 was cleared but the kick didn’t make touch and was beautifully gathered by Colette at fullback. She ran into the open space and through some great handling ended up with Eloisa playing her first match. She knew where the try line was and wasn’t going to be caught, leaving several defenders in her wake. 10-12 at half time and this was very respectable with lots of positives.

The second half was much like the first, but the Wild Cranes were growing into the game. Another lucky break from Horsham along with a penalty try led to a score line of 10-26. Heads didn’t go down though, and our scrum was dominant and newbie Jos managed a couple of steals in the line out.

Captain Tabitha wasn’t going to miss out on the scoreboard as she picked up a loose ball at our 22 and snaked her way to the Horsham line. Converted by Sophie to make it 17-26. Several players were getting tired at this point given the heat and one more was conceded. With the final score at 17-33. A fantastic performance by all involved and a huge number of positives. Excellent team spirit and massive progress in our second season of contact rugby. Whilst not everyone gets a mention. Every player should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved and their contribution to the team.