Sat 12 Oct 2024, 15:00
On a glorious autumn afternoon, at Polson, the CABs welcomed Marlborough for the very first time in any form, at senior level and what a thriller both sides produced. The CABs managed to prevail in a 43-36 game and grab another 5 points to keep themselves in the chasing pack. The CABs were boosted with the return of Polson favourite, Jose Luis Jaurez to their ranks. However, he wasn't the only southern hemisphere representative; Marlborough with their Pacific Islander connections and nearby military base were able to field nine islanders in their squad!
The CABs came roaring out of the blocks and continued where they left off against Ivybridge. Two quick tries from Charlie Short and Mitch Hawken put them 14-0 up after 8 minutes. The first after an impressive catch & drive and the second from a super running line from flanker, Lloyd Duke. A further Hillson penalty was added, when a Marlborough back was yellow-carded for high tackle. The Polson crowd were hoping for more of the same and the CABs coaching team, were hoping for a comfortable afternoon. However, some frustrating handling errors, balls being ripped from ball carriers and tackles not sticking in collisions (allowing Marlborough to offload to support runners). This resulted in Marlborough pulling a try back to 17-5. The CABs then went on the attack and another catch & drive gave Cam Fogden the opportunity to power over, from a couple of metres for a 24-5 lead. Frustratingly, another spilt ball provided the Marlborough 10 with the opportunity to hack the ball through and dive on it for a 24-12 half-time lead; all this with influential 9, Hillson off the pitch for a cynical yellow card.
The half-time focus was very much on keeping the ball for several phases (to take advantage of the wearying bulk of the Marlborough pack) and to also ensure that all tackles stuck, rather than allow the Marlborough players to stay on their feet and offload at any opportunity. However, an early score from Marlborough reduced the score-line to 24-19, before some thrilling footwork from Hillson, for his first. The conversion hit the post, but CABs had maintained their lead. In fact this toing and froing was the second half in a nutshell. The CABs knocking on, or having balls ripped from their carries was the chief culprit for handing possession over to Marlborough and forcing them to defend for unnecessy periods meant that they couldn't ever build on their lead. A penalty try and a brilliant solo effort, from Hillson, down the blindside eventually got the CABs through a tricky game, against a very combative and physical opponent (not to mention arguably one of the biggest front rows seen a Polson for many a year).
The defeat of Exmouth saw the CABs move up a spot and next weekend, they visit the current league leaders, Lydney for waht promises to be another cracker. For the CABs, they are playing well in spurts, but not putting a whole game performance as yet. One team that does seem to managing this is the Castle; who had another wonderful win (19-60) on their travels to Saltash and sitting atop the Cornwall III league. If you fancy some more good rugby, the Castles will be at Polson next weekend.
Man of the Match - George Hillson - presented wioth his award by Susan Jamieson, President. George is sponsored by the VPs.
