Sat 7 Jan 2023, 14:30
So the new calendar year kicked off, at Polson, with the visit of Weston-Super-Mare (WSM) and their powerful pack. It was certainly a strange feeling - principally because no-one could remember the last time a game took place their without player-coach, Ryan Westren, in some capacity or other. Ryan underwent successful surgery, on a shoulder and bicep injury, in the week and it was more prudent for him to recuperate at home (he admitted after he was a total nervous wreck at home, watching the social media feeds! Not only were the CABs missing him but also half back pairing (Adam Collings and Glenn Coles) and also regular hooker, Lev Bulut were also unavailable - so the coaching team were a touch unsure how the team would fare without such a wealth of experience. In the end, they had little to concern themselves as the CABs applied themselves with a really physical and relentless dynamism in defence, allied to a highly impressive mature game management, when in possession of the ball and attack.
The conditions were as expected, for this time of year, and in all honesty probably suited the WSM style of player than the CABs ie windy, wet underfoot and showery rain meant there were likely to be lots of scrums and lineouts in which they could dictate the pace of the game. the CABs on the other hand set out to make sure that the WSM pack had to move around lots, have very little opportunities to slow things down and also get up off the floor, after being repeatedly tackled and tackled. The first half was very cagey and lots of play between the two 22m zones - with WSM having the slight edge in conditions. The CABs stuck to their task, relentless tackling and getting in position meant that WSM had very little gain line play and resorted to kicking - much of which was fielded well by the back three and also Tom Sandercock (filling in at 9). In attack the CABs were keeping possession well, amongst the forwards - although ball presentation was giving WSM opportunities to mess good ball up. It wasn't until 32 minutes that the deadlock was broken - several phases and then a lovely cut out pass put the WSM right wing away (10m out) and he dotted down. It was crucial that the CABs made sure that there was no increase in the scoreline and that play should be away from the CABs 10m line. This was achieved through excellent game management and committed workrate.
The second half was now all about the CABs taking advantage of their first half display and also weathering the second wind, that the WSM pack, would inevitably get. What was also crucial was the CABs scoring fairly early in the second half - Mitch Hawken obliged with a rapid pick and go after several other close contact forward drives and at 50 minutes the converted try gave the CABs the lead. It was now a case of can the CABs play the smart rugby and take any opportunity they could to extend their lead. The moment came with the clock on 65 mins and another set of relentless, disciplined defence meant that WSM had to kick under pressure and without a good kick chase. The ball landed in Dan Pearce's hands and he weaved his magic, from 40m out and went in next to the posts. The CABs now had a buffer of two scores and something to defend & defend they did. The spell of defence, for the last ten minutes will live long in the Polson crowd, but also the players memories. The WSM pack had go their second wind and a series of scrum pressure, allied to two yellow cards (for persistent infringing in the red zone) meant that the CABs had to defend with 13 players - every false pass by the WSM players was cheered and every tackle was cheered even more. You could also see, with every phase coming to nothing the CABs players visibly growing in confidence and stature and come the end the CABs were in control of the ball and able to see the final seconds out in comfort. 4 points and a home win, to build on the vital away win at Old Cents, meant the CABs started the year in a good place.
Next week, we see the visit of Devonport Services for what will be another mouth-watering fixture
