Sat 16 Sep 2023
So the CABs returned from two away fixtures for their first home game of the season. The big question was whether they could continue their decent start to the season, or whether the previous opposition had given the CABs a false impression. At the end of the game, it was just about in the former's favour. A five point win, but a performance, especially in the first half, was very scruffy (at best). The CABs went into the game with a much changed spine of the team (8,9,10 & 12) , as a result of unavailabilities and re-shuffles and there's no question it affected the shape and attacking flow of the team. The other area that caused problems, with ball, was the failure to retain the ball for sustained periods of time.
The CABs were also very aware that Lydney were very much a territory team and also competed ferociously at breakdowns, therefore it was important that the ball was kept for long periods and the breakdown, particularly own ball, was looked after correctly. Within the first 3 minutes Lydney reminded the CABs of this and after several phases a crossfield kick enabled Lydney to score and go 0-7 up. However, the one ace the CABs had in their hands, this week, was the power of the pack and it was very apparent that they were a real force at scrum and driving lineout time. And it was the latter that enabled the CABs to draw level. Referee, Drew Meakin guesting from Hampshire RFU, awarded a penalty try following a power drive & a yellow card to Lydney No.5. The rest of the half seemed to follow this pattern with the CABs not retaining possession/struggling with game management and coughing up the ball to enable Lydney to move the CABs defence around, with their kicking game and the CABs scrum and lineout creating heaps of problems for Lydney. The game to & frow, with the scoreboard lead changing hands too often for the coaches liking, but not so for the large Polson crowd and Sponsors (who's allocated day it was). A penalty, from 100 cap Dan Pearce, and tries from drives for Brandon Rowley and Lloyd Duke gave the CABs a 24-26 half-time deficit and Lydney a worthy lead, for the way they managed the game.
So, once again a scruffy first half was followed up by a measured and controlled second half. The half-time discussion on controlling the ball, stopping Lydney be the more assertive and positive team at breakdown and in contact and really, really forcing home the difference in power between the packs was the foci. The first period of the second half was very much about which team could establish control and possession and it was becoming more apparent that the difference in the packs was beginning to tell. Lydney were frequently getting penalised thereby allowing the CABs to go to the touchline and eat metres and possession up with the mauling drive. Eventually, the pressure told and a catch & drive provided the slimline, Fred Bulut with a score (31-24 to the CABs). The next key moment was Lydney's No.5 receiving a second yellow for a high contact tackle, which further helped the CABs pack. A second catch & drive with recent century appearance maker Adam Collings being the beneficiary of the drive. A lead of 10 (36-26) gave the CABs a touch of breathing space for the final ten minutes and see the game out.
Not such an impressive performance, from the CABs, against a Lydney team that caused problems with their kicking game but a first home win ticked off and onwards to Matson and their very abrasive team and hostile, passionate crowd. Another real test for the CABs and their character awaits.
