Cobham recover from early Paulines try to gain solid victory

In this second fixture of the league against Cobham, Old Paulines were expecting a massive defeat, as they had previously lost at home by over 40 points. However Paulines performed strongly throughout, being surged on by a try against the run of play in the opening minutes.

Playing with vigour throughout the first half Old Paulines also defended so well that Cobham found it very difficult to perform to their exceptionally high standard that has been so impressive this season, and it was not until just before half time that Cobham took the lead 11-10 with a try from fly half Dave Flower.

Spencer Franks came on at half time and the introduction of Cobham's star player made an immediate improvement, Cobham upping the pace and achieving the quality of performance that has seen Cobham play so well this season. Cobham showed some excellent style of play with strong running by the mobile forwards to advance the possession at the rucks and there were many good Cobham moves in the second half, eventually resulting in two tries, one each from Gavin Hart and James Green.

There could have been more tries, but for some handling errors and above all strong and effective tackling by Old Paulines, but Cobham did well to recover from the early setback and maintain their unbeaten run in the league.

Cobham started the game with a vigorous attack in the opening minutes of the match, taking play deep into the Old Paulines half, and after winning a lineout attempted to move the ball across the threequarters.

However a pass was dropped and quickly picked up by Paulines centre Craig Oxby who sprinted downfield at great speed, outflanking the Cobham cover defence to score under the posts, Tim Morris converting to give Old Paulines an early lead.

Cobham responded well and as both sides were playing exceptionally well, Cobham scored two penalties and Old Paulines one to keep the visitors in the lead. Cobham attempted to increase the intensity of their attacks and with Imile Keyser, Tristan Lee and Jack Davision all making good ground, unfortunately some of the final passes were going astray and Old Paulines were able to defend extremely well. Towards the end of the first half Cobham forced a lineout in the Paulines 22, after Steve Burton and James Dampier had made good ground running in at tremendous pace. Having won good lineout possession Cobham spun the ball quickly across the threequarter line and Dave Flower scored an excellent try in the corner to give Cobham a narrow lead for the first time in the match.

After the interval Cobham started the second half with a series of blistering attacks, Spencer Franks on the field to make it more difficult for the opposition. Cobham had a lineout close to the Old Paulines line but having won possession lost control of the ball momentarily. Fortunately Gavin Hart secured possession and then ran into space on the blind side of the ruck and then charged up the narrow space near the touchline, beating two would-be tacklers to score an excellent try in the corner.

Moments later Cobham continued to attack the Old Paulines line forcing another lineout. Imile Keyser took a clean catch and the Cobham pack drove intensely for the line, James Green scoring the try and Dan Taylor converting. Having established a decent lead Cobham continued to attack with confidence, Steve Burton making an excellent break but Old Paulines managed to tackle James Dampier only two metres out from the line. Cobham were now playing in top form but only managed to score a penalty in the remainder of the second half and in the final minutes it was the visitors that attacked the Cobham line forcing Cobham to defend.

A good win, but a lesson learnt that should ensue a solid performance by Cobham against tough side Warlingham next week.

Cobham: N Sutton, J Dampier, J Oliver, S Burton, M Lawrence: D Taylor, (S Franks) D Flower; T Lee, J Green, Angus Darroch-Warren, B Pickett, I Keyser, J Davison, B Davison (Captain), G Hart

Report by Tony Maddocks