4th November 2007

Cobham B 5 - Old Rutlishians A 26

League Two

Another lovely day to play rugby and a league game versus Old Ruts who we just pipped for the title last year. We knew it was going to tough and therefore important that we tackled hard and competed aggressively at the breakdown. Unfortunately despite a decent warm up we started poorly, got out rucked, didn't compete well at the breakdown, didn't come up quickly in defence and got outpaced wide. This allowed each of their wingers to score tries early and we were 12-0 down.

To the credit of the boys we learnt some lessons and playing down the slope started to compete better at the breakdown. Gradually we forced our way into their half and a couple of incisive breaks by Ivan Jones and Max Peacock took us close to their line. Unfortunately having gained the field position we were unable to come away with any points. (We must become more clinical in these areas)

We reached half time 12-0 but now at least in the game. Some strong talking from Rob Saunders at half time and with the challenge of playing up the slope the boys starting the second half in the way we wished they had started the first. We competed aggressively, we pressurised their wingers and half backs and following some aggressive driving play Max Peacock was able to drive over and score.12-5

We now started to believe in our ability and for the following 10 minutes we won enough ball to move the ball wide on a few occasions and both the Seb's Isherwood (one very mazey run, remember to off load) and Sharpe nearly got away. Our forwards worked very hard in this period with Rich T , VarVar, Dom Booth, Gilly and Max Mayhew really putting the effort in. Unfortunately we were unable to score any further points.

Ruts using the slope and their very strong forward pack (The number 8 had a very good game) forced us back. Joe Cooper showed great skills and deft running from defence on several occasions to stop on-rushing Old Ruts. However slowly the tide turned and Old Ruts finished the stronger. Firstly the centre was allowed to run and after a couple of too weaker tackles and scraped over and secondly the number 8 scored the try he deserved for his all round performance following a pick up and driving run.

Final score Cobham B 5 Old Ruts 26.

Well done to Old Ruts. Good luck for the season and hopefully we will play you again next season.

A few key learning points lads. We must start to compete from the first whistle. When we do compete and play with full commitment we can do well. First up tackles matter (It’s all in the mind)

Steve Heard