Sat 6 Jan 2024
So the CABs started 2024 with a bang and a seven try show of dominance in every aspect of the game. Unlike the last game of 2023 , at Lydney, the CABs showed a real edge and physicality to their game which the Matson team struggled to deal with. The return of Daniel Goldsmith, to run the lineout, Glenn Coles to manage the game at ten and an enforced change in Alex Bartlett, starting at tighthead for the first time, made some clear differences. In fact, the scrum was from the outset an absolute weapon for the CABs and enabled numerous attacking opportunities and pretty much nullified the key threats of Matson (namely their 8,9, 10 & 12 combination). Right from the off, the CABs were causing problems for Matson out wide and an early break nearly resulted in James Tucker going in down the right hand side. It wasn;t too long before the CABs took the lead. Some strong carries and the ball came to Ollie Bebbington who burst through the space (5-0). The lead was quickly doubled when Brandon Rowley broke through the ruck, again some super interplay and strong forward carries led to captain Tom Sandrcock squeezing over from close range for his first of the game (10-0). The one area where the CABs weren't totally secure was kick-off receipt and from a dropped ball, Matson gathered and played a series of phases. Eventually, they won a kickable penalty and the scoreboard was reduced to 10-3 (which turned out to be their only score of the game). This only kick started the CABs back into action and the direct, powerful running of the forwards and then sharp passing and running lines by the backs led to further scores for Lloyd Duke, Cam Fogden (with a cheeky chip and gather in the Matson 22) meant the CABs left the field 27-3 up at half time. The only negative was a knee injury to league top points scorer Daniel Pearce.
The key focus at half-time was to make sure that Matson had no in-roads into the game, show the same physicality in the first 40 and most importantly keep the discipline (especially in defence). The CABs showed this right from the off; a clean kick off receipt and then some strong carries gave Coles the opportunity to kick the ball into touch just outside the Matson 22 and took any wind in the sails Matson may have had. Matson were now starting to become ill-disciplined and some niggle was starting to come into the game. Referee, Chris Hobley, called the two captains together on numerous occasions to keep the game flowing and players on the pitch. CABs started to use their set piece advantages and a yellow card for the Matson prop soon followed. This enabled the CABs to extend their lead with further tries from Duke and Sandercock. However, the pick of the tries was a length of the field move which saw Fogden dive under the posts. By now, both teams were struggling with injuries and CABs ended playing with 14, but were able to hold out Matson's last attack and finish the game 46-3 victors, and Fogden named Man of the Match.
A great start to 2024 and also wonderful day at the club, with a community day being held and numerous mini-junior games being played before the main even, a great win by the Colts and away by our Castles, and the performance of the CABs hopefully inspiring some of the youngsters. Next week sees the CABs make the short journey to Okehampton's Showground, for the Tamar Derby. Once again, we hope as many of the Polson Posse will be there to help the players get a crucial win on the road.
