30-12 setback despite bright start...
Cobham headed to Beckenham making a number of changes again due to injuries and unavailability and gave a full debut to youngster Murray Shepard on the wing, Mat Hahn made his first start of the season at 8 and the bench saw Marc Lockwood coming into the squad. Cobham had a first for the season having 3 brothers in the same team Dave and Luke Flower on the bench and Andy starting on the wing. Luke joining Cobham from Basingstoke this season.
Cobham again for the 4th week running started brightly against their opponents Beckenham who have won 4 games on the bounce and are 2nd in the league.
Cobham again dominating the scrum and for someone so new and young to senior rugby Joe Goddard was excellent again leading the line out.
Cobham took the first points a move involving forwards and backs sent another youngster fullback Charlie Mortimer over the line for the 1st points of the game. Cobham 5-0 up.
Again Cobham attacked the Beckenham line and a break by Murray shepard from midfield almost took Cobham further ahead with one man to beat but the ball slipped from the youngsters hands in the wet conditions.
In a 10 minute spell against the run of play Beckenham collected a loose ball in open play to score in the corner. 5-5. Beckenham then came on the attack again just before half time scoring in the opposite corner.
2 injuries before half time saw replacements coming on with a hamstring injury to Billy Bates saw a debut for Luke Flower. Then a high tackle on Mat Hahn saw him leaving the pitch and Marc Lockwood coming on.
Cobham again started the 2nd half brightly and taking the first points, Luke Flower making an impact in the centre intercepting the ball to run in for his debut try. Charlie Mortimer converting Cobham 12-10 and all to play for.
Cobham were well in the match and playing well until the momentum swung back Beckenham's way, 2 penalties kicks in succession making the score 16-12.
Cobham were getting the rough edge of the decisions from the ref and after giving away a number of penalties, Cobham were down to 14 men for 10 minutes. During this period Beckenham camped in the Cobham half they came away with 2 converted tries to take the score to 30-12.
Cobham spent the final 10 minutes in the Beckenham half applying pressure on the home side but could not get over the white line.
Despite the loss Cobham again improved from the week before and new combinations are slowly coming together. For a side with so many new faces and young players going through a tough period the spirit in the Camp is excellent and they all believe the corner will be turned sooner rather than later.
Cobham have a big match at home to Thanet Wanderers next Saturday all support is very welcome
Cobham Team
1 Andy Alexander
2 Chris Gibbons
3 Richard Nunn
4 Tristan Lee
5 Joe Goddard
6 Josh Brown
7 Simon Ackroyd
8 Mat Hahn
9 Rob Kennard
10 Arran Cowell (Captain)
11 Murray Shepard
12 Chris Moreton
13 Billy Dates
14 Andy Flower
15 Charlie Mortimer
16 Marc Lockwood
17 Luke Flower
18 Dave Flower
