Two tries each from Simon Mills and Dave Flower seal Cobham's splendid Cup victory

In the second round of the Surrey Cup, Cobham faced Camberley a side in the next highest league, and it was clear that the result would give a good indication about how Cobham would perform if promoted next season. Despite the pitch being changed to the second team ground because of the soggy surface caused by the mid-week snow, Cobham soon got into their stride, scoring three tries in the first half and then speeding up play in the second half with a further five tries to establish a magnificent victory.

Cobham were missing Nick Sutton at full back and Spencer Franks at scrum half but made a few interesting selection changes, Martin Green moving to full-back, with Dan Taylor the normal fly-half taking on the scrum half role, and Dave Flower coming in at fly half. Dave Flower had an excellent game, scoring two tries in the second half, one a brilliant individual effort, and slotting three penalty goals as well as five conversions.

As ever this season Cobham performed well in all the key areas, Angus Darroch-Warren providing strength in the scrum, skipper Billy Davison controlling the lineout, and the pacy three-quarters aided by the dynamic Imile Keyser, creating fast play in the loose. Consequently, the forwards and backs were equal in the scoring with four tries each, Simon Mills leading the way in the forwards scoring a try in either half, and overall it was an excellent result for Cobham which will add to their superb confidence for the rest of the season.

Cobham were soon on the attack at tremendous pace at the start of the match, having a penalty which took play deep into the Camberley 22. The Cobham pack won the lineout and then proved unstoppable in their formidable drive to the line, Mark Bennett scoring the opening try and Dave Flower converting. Moments later the style of play was repeated, this time the Cobham forwards driving a full 20 metres towards the Camberley line for impressive No 8 Gavin Hart to score the second try.

Cobham continued to attack, Martin Green taking play deep into the Camberley half, Camberly were then penalised following a solid tackle by Steve Burton and Dave Flower kicked his first penalty goal to give Cobham a 15 point lead. Camberley then had some more possession and put a few attacking moves together, but with good Cobham defence preventing any scores, and towards the end of the half Cobham were back in control with Pete Hinchcliffe almost scoring, being tackled close to the line.

Just before half time Cobham scored their third try, a break by Steve Burton was taken on by fellow centre James Oliver and the adventurous move was finished off in style by Simon Mills, diving over for a try in the corner.

At the start of the second half Cobham attacked with vigour forcing a penalty which Dave Flower kicked well to give Cobham a 23-0 lead. Cobham managed to increase the pace of the game being totally adventurous in their play and soon had a penalty in the Camberley 22.

Dave Flower picked up the ball convincing Camberley that he was about to start a tap penalty move out wide but gave a dummy pass to his team-mates, then sprinting through a gap in the confused defence to score a brilliant try under the posts. Cobham extended the lead with another penalty, and then continued to attack in the Camberley half, eventually creating space through the Camberley defence due to the excellent support play of backs and forwards. Simon Mills finished off the move spectacularly, breaking through attempted tackles on the half way line to sprint half the length of the pitch to score under the posts.

Cobham now dominated possession in the match, forcing the visitors to defend continuously a wave of Cobham attacks. From a penalty in the Camberley 22 the Cobham pack combined strongly in a relentless and powerful drive over the line, Angus Darroch-Warren scoring a well deserved try. Play was delayed a few minutes as the players had to rescue the balls that had been lost in the trees growing close to the second team pitch, but eventually two were found and the game re-started after a welcome rest break for the players. Camberley managed to force play into the Cobham 22 but Cobham captured the ball in defence and then the threequarters combined well to break through the Camberley defence, Steve Burton sprinting in for an impressive try to exceed the fifty points score.

In the final move of the match Simon Matthews did well to create space with a good break in mid-field and Dave Flower finished off the move with a try, also converting the try to score 29 points overall.

Cobham can be well pleased with their victory taking them forward in the Surrey Cup but it's back to the league next week in a home fixture against Old Paulines to consolidate their league position.

Cobham: M Green, P Hinchcliffe (S Matthews), S Burton, J Oliver (A Botton), J Dampier; D Flower, D Taylor; C Melton, M Bennett, A Darroch-Warren, B Davison (Capt), I Keyser (B Pickett), S Mills, J Davison, G Hart

Report by Tony Maddocks