Gravesend 15 Cobham 25
Cobham’s latest visit into Kent was never going to be easy. Gravesend have deserved their position at the top of the table, with a string of strong results to the name over the early months of the season, whereas Cobham have faltered on occasions, showing the best of their performances in patches, but mixing these glossy periods with a fair smattering of unfocused and occasionally ill-disciplined spells.
Forced to make two late changes after last weeks 23 point hero Tim Green turned an ankle in training, and outstanding flanker Simon Ackroyd failed to recover from the knock received in last weeks game, Cobham arrived at Gravesend to find a large and vociferous crowd in the hundreds, bolstered by the attendance of 160 or more ex-players at a pre-match lunch. Last season, Cobham managed to steal the corresponding game in the dying seconds after looking beaten for most of the match; last Saturday the crowd wanted and expected their revenge, and the atmosphere as the sides kicked off tense.
Cobham, however, over the past few seasons under Director of Rugby and lock Bill Davison, with his brother and no 8 Jack, have generally been a good “big game” side; and Saturday was no exception. Pressurising Gravesend up front from the start, Cobham’s big forwards were soon forcing Gravesend into errors, and when in possession, their miserly approach gave Gravesend little to play with; and it was no surprise when from a line out on the G’s 22, quick hands put winger Rob Smedley into space to score out wide for the lead after 15 minutes.
A penalty from Gravesend’s fly-half Grey reduced the lead minutes later, but further concerted forward pressure saw tries first for flanker Matt Johnson as the forwards battered the Gravesend pack in the loose, converted by fly half Arran Cowell; followed by a well taken try after quick recycling in the loose created space for the elusive running skills of full back Nick Sutton, filling in on the wing for the injured Tim Green, who added a fifth try to his tally for the season; for a fourteen point lead.
Gravesend, though, were not going to go down without a battle; and with little time to the break, tight head and Captain Jamie Forsyth drove determinedly over for a well deserved try after a lineout deep in the Cobham half, converted by fly half Grey; for a 17 – 10 score at half time.
Cobham’s response after the break was almost immediate. An impressive twenty metre driving maul saw hooker Heinrich DuPlessis score to open the gap back up to 12 points; and a further penalty from fly half Cowell extended this by a further 3 points with twenty minutes to go.
Gravesend then enjoyed their best period of the game. Cobham defended resolutely though, although perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty try on one occasion. Concerted pressure from Gravesend eventually had to tell, and with five minutes to go, Gravesend 8 “Sox” Stevens crashed over for a try, which Grey was unable to convert, for a final score of 25 – 15.
Cobham will have been delighted with the result. Gravesend are a well organised and highly combatant side whose presence at the top of the table is by no means unjustified. For Cobham, having slipped up at Chichester in the opening game, and then later at home to Dover; this result was essential to maintaining a credible challenge; and leaves them a well placed third behind Chichester and Gravesend, who keep the top slot on points difference. With the gap between the top four sides now only being three points, there is a great deal to play for over the coming weeks.
Next week Cobham entertain fifth placed Sidcup at Fairmile lane.
