Sat 14 Dec 2024
So, the final home game in 2024 for the CABs resulted in a fairly comfortable five point win against a struggling Chew Valley squad. Despite Chew achieving their first win of the season, there were several changes which no doubt disrupted them more than the changes that CABs made. Regular props, Mitch Hawken and Charlie Short, were both injured along with Jose Luis Juarez, Lloyd Duke and captain, Tom Sandercock (although the latter has resumed training), so Castle captain, Ollie Martin made his first start for the CABs and fitted in like a glove, particularly at scrum time. The CABs set out to dampen any hope that Chew got from their win last week and got off to the perfect start; within 30 seconds Brandon Rowley and Cam Fogden powered through some tackles to put Ollie Bebbington away for his first score of the day. Hillson continued his point scoring with his first conversion of the day 7-0. However, a soft offside penalty gave Chew the chance to close it to 7-3 after 5 minutes. The CABs' game plan was very simple this week, to play as many phases as possible (primarily to draw penalties from Chew) and this duly came on a regular basis in the first half. One penalty proved fatal, with a 5 metre catch and drive with captain, Brandon Rowley, being the beneficiary 14-3. Another catch and drive, for Fred Bulut, extended the CABs lead to 19-3 and it really was looking like a big score was on the cards. This was further confirmed when serious pressure on the Chew line, gave Hillson the opportunity to send out a huge pass for an unmarked Bebbington to get his second. The final score was a pushover scrum, for Rowley's second and a 33-3 lead. Chew were never given the opportunity to get into the game with the work-rate across the team, not giving Chew a sniff, even from the kick-offs where Player of the Match, Tom Bottoms, cleaned up in the air.
The main focus, at half-time, was to really push home the advantage and enjoy the second half as much as the first. However, a couple of frustrating penalties and a slightly misfiring lineout gave Chew some footage and possession. No.10, James Tucker was yellow carded and Chew quickly took advantage with two scores to close the gap to 31-12 and the game was starting to have a different complexion to the first period. However, a slight tweak to the game-plan and some probing kicks put the pressure back on Chew. Two scores, by the ubiquitous Cam Fogden pushed CABs to 45-12 and despite some late pushes, they couldn't get over the 50 mark. Chew need to take a fair bit of credit, in the second half, their defence was very connected and they didn't miss many tackles.
The CABs finish the calendar year at the top table. Exmouth didn't win this week, along with a home defeat for Barnstaple, means that the top four (including Brixham) are now separated by just 5 points. For the Castles, they head off to St Ives, for the Storm Darragh affected fixture. We all wish, everyone, involved at the Club and within the local community a wonderful few weeks with family and friends and look forward to seeing you in the New Year, for the visit of Ivybridge.
