Cobham Under 17A—Match Report vs Old Albanians—28th March 2010
Result: Cobham 18 pts Old Albanians 7 pts
The final of the regional section of the U17 National Cup tournament took place at Grasshoppers RFC and saw Cobham come out on top and win the cup. It was certainly not a vintage display by Cobham against an Old Albanians side that were well organised and, on occasion, unlucky. But for their excellent defence and a moment of magic Cobham just about deserved the victory.
Both sides started nervously with both sets of backs thwarted by solid defence and a good battle at the breakdown. Playing against the wind it took Cobham a while to get into the OA half but when they did a flat pass to Flynn from 30m saw him take off and into the waiting OA midfield. Tackle we thought but the OA defenders went for the ball and with Flynn’s legs still pumping he broke through to score at the posts—brilliant! Sharpe converting.
For the next 15 minutes Cobham began to exert an element of control though it was never absolute. Too many mistakes were made to be comfortable. However from a period of pressure, the OA line-out failed to deal with their throw and Koep charged through the score in the corner.
Half-time 12-0
Playing with the wind in the second half should have made the game a bit easier, certainly in terms of territory. However OA upped their game and attacked well for long periods. However the Cobham defence held firm and were able to clear. With 15 minutes remaining OA did score after prolonged pressure near the line finally told.
Game on and Cobham carried on playing well at the breakdown and earned a penalty from 45m out. Tough call but Powlson made a brilliant contact and the three points added. Soon after another penalty at the breakdown to Cobham and an additional 20m for ill discipline saw Powlson add another three points to make the game safe.
OA attacked again for the last 5 minutes but were unable to break down a Cobham defence where everybody had run themselves into the ground.
At full time Cobham received the Under 17 London and South-East Cup and received their medals. They now go onto the National semi final against Newquay or Matson on 18th April.
Men of the match in their different ways were Flynn and Coutts, both were outstanding defenders. Special mention to Mead, Peacock, Thurstan and Powlson for their performances, and thanks to the bench of Nic Heard, Laurence Bolton, Mathew Jones, Eddy Jones and Andrew Mathews. It was an impossibly close intense game and therefore difficult to introduce reserves into the fray.
Our thanks to OAs for providing a very good contest and to the supporters for making the day trip.
Well done team.
NM
