Sat 23 Sep 2023
The CABs set off for their third away game in four games to newly promoted Matson. The CABs knew they were in for a challenge on the pitch, but weren't quite expecting to see the bizarre sight of a flock of sheep, happily roaming around the pitch (which was located in the middle of a huge Council Housing estate)!
A return of the creative Glenn Coles and Cam Fogden, in midfield, and George Bone on the flank gave the CABs a stronger feel to the squad. The key message all week had been about control; control emotions, control the ball and territory and control the tempo and right from the get the CABs set about implementing this. The pack, fresh from mauling Lydney off the park last week, did the same here. A couple of catch and drives gave Brandon Rowley the opportunity to crash over, with Pearce adding the extras (0-7 after 5 mins). Unfortunately, Matson responded immediately with a penalty of their own, following a charge down, straight from the kick off. The CABs pack were also showing their power difference, at scrum time, and a Pearce penalty followed to restore the lead. Midway through the half and the CABs were continuing to show their control and solid defence. In fact, the only issue the CABs were having was in the contact zone (high tackle area and dipping in contact) which enabled Matson to get another penalty and be a man up (Lloyd Duke receiving a team penalty).
Matson were able to take the lead and at this juncture a clearance kick run back, by the Matson 10, through a couple of weak arm tackles gave their winger their first home try of the day (13-10 after 30 mins). The scrum and driving lineout, for Launceston, was really starting to pay dividends and a series of scrums, in the Matson 22, with each one moving closer. Eventually, Rowley picked off the base and fed captain ,Tom Sandercock, to flop over and give the CABs a half-time lead of 13-15 and an opportunity to play down the slope, with slight breeze to their backs. The main message at half-time was to rectify the contact area height, as that was the only area that was causing problems for the CABs.
Right from the off the CABs went on the offensive and a flowing move almost brought Pearce a try. The narrow pitch and excellent cover defence doing their job. However, it wasn't long before the CABs were able to extend their lead. Again, a penalty to the corner. A driving maul and eventually Lloyd Duke charged over and Pearce added the extras (13-22). The CABS were keeping the Matson attack, at arms length, and also profiting from the Matson players getting ill-disciplined and argumentative with each other. A couple more penalties (from Pearce) and the CABs were now two scores in front. However, a clearance straight into touch, put pressure back on the CABs in their 22. Eventually it told, with the Matson 8 (who caused problems all game with his power running) crashing over (20-28 after 71 mins). This could have been a tricky last period for the CABs, but they have very much a different mindset and mental strength compared to last season, and instead they forced the issue with their defence, their pack and the brilliant attacking play from Coles, Fogden and full-back, Ben Bryant. Pressure told and half-time replacement, Tom Bottoms, broke through and scored by the posts (Pearce converted 20-35 after 77 mins). Overall, a really, really impressive away showing which turned out to be a very successful one as results around the league, fell in the CABs favour, leaving them as the only unbeaten team in the league and now a large target on their backs.
Next week, the CABs return to Polson for the first of two 'derby' games on the bounce. Visitors, Okehampton, fresh from their first win of the season and return of several stalwarts will be welcomed. It is likely to be the biggest crowd of the season and hopefully another humdinger between these two clubs. The spectators will get an added bonus of Launceston ladies v Okehampton ladies straight after.
