Sat 7 Sep 2024
The Polson crowd witnessed the first league game of the season and also a first victory over Brixham since the club returned to Tier 5 rugby. The pre-season preparations had been very much focused on improving the CABs points scoring record and the pre-season games were arranged with this fixture in mind. Saturday also saw debuts to a number of new recruits; Dom Ellery, Zerren Hammond, Cohen Larsen (unfortunately he was an unused replacement), George Hillson and finally Jose Luiz Juarez; who is fast becoming a Polson favourite!!
The CABs kicked off and unfortunately in the first few moments conceded a couple of penalties to put themsleves under some heat, from Brixham. A few plays later and a lapse in defence, enabled Brixham captain Jordan Watson to burst through and score and unconverted try. The CABs have shown, over the course of the pre-season games, how much they have developed and hit back pretty quickly. A chip & chase by Jose Juarez was collected by him and offloaded to Ben Bryant. The ball was shipped quickly on and Zerren Hammond powered over for his first score (Hillson converted from the touchline to make it 7-5). The game was physical and abrasive and referee, Ollie Parsons, warned both captains about their focus. A few minutes later, lock Daniel Goldsmith infringed at the lineout and was shown the anticipated yellow. Brixham took advantage of the power play and worked the ball to their 12 and he powered through a gap (7-12). Again, this did not affect the CABs too much and within a few minutes they were level. A training pitch move was executed to the T and Juarez cut a line, drew three defenders and put a perfect pass to Bebbington for his first score. By now Brixham were down to 14 and the CABs were now starting to play and cause issues in most areas; scrum was solid and the CABs lineout was virtually faultless. The CABs defence was also causing Brixham to have no real go forward and resulting them in having to play a kicking game. One loose kick, from the Brixham 10, gave Hammond the opportunity to show his power and pace and from the CABs 10m line he powered down the wing for a superb score. More pressure was telling, on the Brixham squad, with the CABs retaining possession and carrying with really intent (none more so than Mitch Hawken and Charlie Short) and in the final play a 5m lineout ended up with Hawken helping Brandon Rowley to drive over and extend the half-time lead to 26-12.
The half-time focus was very much about managing the game ie not give away any unnecessary penalties in defence (eg offsides or hands in breakdown) and in attack really ensure that the ball carrier and his support mates kept the ball and not enable Brixham to jackal and turnover possession. The rain was also getting heavier, which was making handling more difficult, and making the CABs lead even more precious. This was made even more harder ofr Brixham when a turnover ball was neatly volleyed to Cam Fogden (from Lev Bulut) and a few passes later Ollie Bebbington dived over in the corner to take it to 31-12. Brixham were now chasing the game and some strong carries from their main guys of Watson Crosscombe and Simonetti were making the CABs defence really work. Eventually the pressure told and Brixham scored to bring it back to 31-19. Changes in the pack (Ethan Pearce-Crowley and Lloyd Duke) were making the scrum an uncomfortable time for Brixham and a series of penalty scrums resulted in Hillson picking the ball and diving over to make it 38-19, with 15 minutes to go. The CABs were now looking to go for the kill, but started to get on the wrong side of the referee and Brixham were able to take advantage with two late tries and come away with a couple of bonus points.
Overall, a super game of rugby which lived up to its billing as a tasty opener between two very good sides. Next week both teams have equally stiff challenges; Brixham host Barnstaple and the CABs make the journey to Chew Valley. Next week the Castles will be playing at Polson following their super 10-20 win at Roseland.
