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Cranleigh RFC I - 12 Chipstead - 27
02/05/2010
Imber Court (TBA)
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Match Report
Cranes Come Up Short In Final
Spectator's View by Toby Eves
A brave yet ultimately losing performance saw an initially off the pace Cranleigh step up their game to win the 2nd half 12-5. However having been 0-22 down at the restart they had given themselves too big a mountain to climb. Chipstead were good value for their win on a wet & slippery Imber Court pitch. A large Cranes travelling band of supporters did their best to lift the spirits on a cold damp early May day, but ultimately the boys efforts over the course of the season will be remembered for the triumph of promotion back to Surrey 1 - bring on 2010/11!
Pictures by Vic Heritage: http://vicheritage.fotopic.net/
Player's View by Dave Eve
The final match of the season did not produce the result Cranleigh were looking for. Atrocious conditions did not help either team but it was Chipstead who took the trophy with a balanced and effective performance making the most of their opportunities. A mention must be given to the numerous supporters from both sides who braved the wind and rain to cheer their teams on.
A cagey start was not unexpected as players got used to the autumn like conditions. Neither side could establish any kind of rhythm early on as the ball slipped around and players frequently lost their footing. Chipstead got on the board first as a Cranleigh offence at a ruck allowed the Chipstead hooker the chance to convert a penalty for a 3-0 lead after ten minutes.
Both teams were fully committed but Cranleigh were guilty of missing too many first up tackles. Chipstead were noticeably sharper at the ruck and their offloading game got them in behind the Cranleigh defence and the Chipstead inside centre wriggled his way through to score the first try of the final. Minutes later from a scrum on half way Chipstead moved the ball wide effectively and gave the right wing the space he needed to burst up the pitch. The scramble defence took him down but the damage was done and the ball was kept alive and Chipstead's outside centre was on hand to score a fine second try.
This double try barrage knocked Cranleigh out of any kind of game plan they were trying to develop. Some decent play in the forwards took Cranleigh into the opposition 22 with Russ Shayler and Rob Ambler prominent. But all too often Cranleigh turned the ball over when in decent positions. A yellow card for punching by prop Phil Moore robbed Cranleigh of their momentum and Chipstead added a third try in the left hand corner as their inside centre scored his second of the match. A 22-0 half time score line was a fair reflection of how poorly Cranleigh had played and how well Chipstead had taken their opportunities.
Cranleigh have produced some stirring comebacks this season but they were determined to play the second half with a great deal more heart and purpose. A three try deficit soon became four as an interception in the back line gave Chipstead a cushion. The substitutions made a real difference for Cranleigh as fresh legs took the game to a relaxed Chipstead. Replacement lock Pete Barraud scored from a rolling maul and together with centre Dwayne Parkington gave Cranleigh some real impetus. With nothing to lose Cranleigh looked to attack as much as possible but Chipstead dealt with all Cranleigh could throw at them. A period of pressure in the Cranleigh half ate up enough of the remaining time to make Chipstead safe but Cranleigh held firm and had the last score of the match as Barraud again showed his worth by barging over in the eightieth minute.
As the referee ended the match and the season Chipstead celebrated their deserved victory and Cranleigh were left to reflect on what might have been. The disappointment of the day was lessened by the achievements of the team this season. Promotion to Surrey 1 with only two league defeats all season is a fantastic achievement and all players, coaches and supporters should be rightfully proud of their team.
