Sat 3 Dec 2022
Despite the setback, at Polson, last week against a strong and experienced Lydney the CABs made arguably their longest journey in a really good frame of mind. Primarily, this was due to having a full complement of props available -the only downside was losing player-coach Ryan Westren to a shoulder injury. The CABs were also fully aware of the environment they were due to play in and adjusted their pre-match preparations accordingly.
Playing down the slope the CABs got off to a fast start and within a few minutes Old Cents lost their first player to a yellow card. This enabled the CABs to be camped in the opposition 22 with a series of lineouts and scrums - the latter which eventually told with the CABs pack initially inching their way forward, which progressed into them marching the home scrum back for Brandon Rowley's first try of his afternoon hat-trick. The extras were missed and the CABs were able to start to keep possession and move the heavy, older Old Cents pack around. However, there were no extras and in fact, Old Cents were using their experience and playing a very simple game (one out runners, off the first receiver) to minimise the possession of the CABs - this was also compounded by the CABs kicking possession away (admittedly, this was the initial game plan, but it quickly became apparent that possession was more valuable than field position against this team). Eventually, the home side worked their way up field and burst over the line and they were now in a strong position of 5-5 with about 7-8 minutes of the half to see out. However, like some games this season a score at the death of half-time was significant. A brilliant kick and chase by Archie Dinnis forced Old Cents to concede a 5 metre scrum - it was not the turn of replacement props Andy Knight and Ethan Pearce-Cowley to ram home the good work done by Alex Bartlett and Mitch Hawken, which they duly did and gave Brandon Rowley another easy score.
In some ways, the half-time chat was pretty simple; stay tight and connected in D and keep the ball for long periods of time; especially make use of tip-ons from the main carrier rather than head down and carry. This was executed to perfection with the CABs keeping the home side at arms length and as the half progress much of the play was inching its way towards the home try-line. A series of penalties led to more pressure with line-out drives and scrums resulted in Rowley getting his hat-trick and a strong 5-15 lead with around ten minutes to go. It was now all about being disciplined in defence and making every tackle. A last minute consolation try made the final few seconds nervy, especially as the CABs were down to 13 men by now. Eventually, the whistle ended proceedings and the CABs had their first win, on the road, for 11 months. Games like this are exactly the type of group bonding that makes teams tighter and want to perform more for each other.
Hopefully, this can be taken onto the tough task of the Fisherman from Brixham, for the final home game of the calendar year. Hope as many can get down to the match and then enjoy a Sea Shanty group in the club afterwards.
