Sat 3 Feb 2024, 14:00
Rugby can be a cruel game at times, and especially when a scoreboard doesn't reflect the game that was played out in front of a decent Barnstaple crowd. Barnstaple deserved to edge the game (and avenge the defeat at Polson) but were pushed all the way, particularly by a dynamic and physical CABs pack and it took an interception try, a fortuitous hack through try and then a final pushover try when the CABs were down to a 6 man pack that enabled the home team to take a full five points and put themselves back in the promotion hunt. For the CABS it is now a case of securing a top four finish (no Champions League qualification though!!), attempting to get into the knock-out stages of the Papa Johns Cup again and then take on Camborne in the Cornwall Super Cup Final.
The day didn't start off well with George Bone and Ethan Pearce Crowley both being injured before the game kicked off; leaving the CABs short on the bench - which eventually led to the CABs running out of puff in the final ten minutes. Just like the Exmouth game, captain Tom Sandercock won the toss and the CABs opted to play into the strong breeze and manage the scoreboard. Barnstaple put real heat on the CABs in the opening 10-15 minutes, with much of the play in the CABs defensive third. They were able to take advantage of the lineout not functioning and some unnecessary penalties being conceded, however, they weren't able to breach the visitors line and one lineout maul defence, in particular, shifted the momentum. The CABs lineout had worked out the best places to go, the scrum was looking solid and the forwards and backs were running with purpose. Penalties were starting to come the CABs way and it was now the Barnstaple lineout that was looking uncomfortable. With 30 mins gone it was 0-0 and Barnstaple hadn’t made any use of the wind conditions. Then the first killer blow; an interception try from nowhere gave the home side a 7-0 lead. The key now was to make sure that Barnstaple didn't score again and have a comfortable first half lead, which they succeeded in doing.
The half-time focus was on maintaining the high workrate, keep penalties to a minimum and take every scoring opportunity. Within 5 minutes, the CABs earned a penalty for James Tucker to slot over (7-3) and it was properly game on. The next passage of play was the crucial period; a yellow card for CABs 9 (Adam Collings) for persistent chat took the heat off Barnstaple and they managed to score two scores. The first from chasing a penalty kick that failed to hit touch and a fly hack through moved the score to 12-3. Towards the end of the yellow card period a sharp pick off base of scrum by the replacement 9 gave Barnstaple a comfortable 19-3 lead and the CABs were now well behind the game. But, this CABs team would not be cowed, or bullied, by their larger and more experienced opposition and a catch and drive gave Brandon Rowley a score (19-8). Unfortunately, the penalty count was really hurting the CABs by handing possession and territory to Barnstaple. By the final few minutes the CABs were camped on their own line trying to stop Barnstaple getting the final fourth try and two more team yellow led the CABs to have a 6 man scrum and give Barnstaple the chance to get the last score and take all 5 points.
So, the scoreboard reads a painful 26-8 defeat, but for the CABs it was another strong showing and for the youthful pack it was a real test to go toe to toe with such a powerful and well-drilled opposing pack. The CABs have a weekend off (much needed to rest some bruised and battered players) and enjoy their monthly awards ceremony on Tuesday.
