Sat 4 Feb 2023
One point in it and as always, with matches like this small margins and key momentum points end up making the difference. Both teams were disrupted going into the fixture (naturally the case with re-arrangements) - although the CABs were not affected until the final hours before kick-off, with two late withdrawals & within 15 minutes of the game commencing losing another two players. However, it was a delight to see the CABs new Plymouth Albion loanee, Conrad Burne and the signs of him and Dan Pearce linking up and working well together is going to be really going forward over the next few weeks.
The CABs started the game with the plan to keep the ball moving, have lots phases and build up lactic in the legs of the heavier, powerful Brixham forwards with the aim of profiting as the game worn on. Within the first few minutes the plan worked almost to a T, with Dan Pearce being put into a little bit of space, however some strong scramble D, from the Brixham back three managed to prevent the first score. Some early penalties enabled the CABs to maintain the pressure and go for the lineout and drive - an area which has been a significant strength in recent weeks. However, the lineout wasn't executed (which became a bit of an Achilles Heel as the game worn on) and the first scrum was awarded. The CABs knew the Brixham scrum would start off strong, but tire and a powerful drive back game Brixham an easy exit. A few plays later and Brixham slotted the first points. The next few moments proved tricky for the CABs - a huge gap appeared between the first and second defender (as a few defenders pushed across too far) and Brixham were able to go 0-10 up. Straight from the kick-off the CABs were into a proper re-shuffle with Adam Collings doing his best impression of Bambi on ice as a head on knee, resulted him leaving the field and a couple of weeks HIA recovery & Brandon Rowley moving into the centre and not looking out of place. The CABs also lost high energy flanker George Bone a few minutes later. However, the CABs showed the spirit and fight that the Polson crowd has been used to and skipper, Lloyd Duke broke through the middle of a ruck and dotted down just by the posts. 10-7 and game was showing a real competitive edge and a clear clash of styles; Brixham playing the territory and using one out runners, whereas the CABs were trying to play more of a high tempo game and maneouvre the opening with handling and running lines. A penalty, from not releasing the tackled player (again, a bit of an Achilles Heel in this game) left the half-time score as 7-13.
The main message at half-time was clear and obvious; keep attacking Brixham as their forwards were tiring and the line speed was getting slower and also, avoid the frustrating penalties (none came from desperation defence). The re-start proved one of those small margin occasions; a chaser in front of the kick resulted in a Brixham scrum, which was followed by some power play and an unfortunate collision, between two CAB defenders gave Brixham the opportunity to go over into the Lanson Suite corner; 7-18. By now the CABs had nullified the Brixham scrum and the lineout was also becoming a problem for Brixham. The CABs worked their way back into it with some power play by the home forwards and a series of lineout and penalties resulted in Brixham losing a player, to a yellow, and Brandon Rowley barrelling his way over and the game was now 17-18 (with an earlier Pearce penalty). Brixham lost another forward to yellow, right from the re-start and the momentum was now with the CABs - any kind of score and it would've been difficult for Brixham. However, the home side lineout was also operating a little disfunctionally and to make matter worse it was in crucial areas eg in the Brixham 22 and some pressure was able to be relieved. The CABs were also looking sharp with Burne and Pearce being able to stretch the Brixham defence and it was only some outstanding over defence that prevented Pearce from scoring and Brixham were able to hold on.
The image of the two sets of player, at the final whistle, told the story; Brixham celebrating uncontrollably (knowing they'd been in proper contest) and the CABs players lying on floor absolutely devastated that one had got away from them.
