Canterbury 46 - Old Colfeians 20
Sep
So some bright spark decided that it would be a good idea to play the first round of the Glorious Kent Cup before the league season had even kicked off!... as it turned out, both sides used the game as a productive pre-season warm-up.
Due to county rules, Canterbury were unable to play any 1st XV players but in true Kent Cup fashion, they decided to ignore the rules and play their strongest available team.
To be fair, I was more than happy with that; it meant we got to play against a very well organised and fit Canterbury side who are clearly relishing their National 2 season, and let’s be honest, who wants to go out and play a team’s ‘weaker’ side? It also meant we got to play a very hard competitive game (played in a great spirit) which I believe will be far more beneficial to us ahead of our first league game this coming Saturday.
Despite a host of Bank Holiday unavailabilities, spirits were high on the coach on the journey down – forwards were going through the line-out calls one more time for young John Muir’s benefit (bless him) – the backs... well, were sleeping.
One horrifying fact became evident that I was the oldest player in the matchday squad. In fact the average age of the squad was a sprightly 24yrs... the future is clearly bright at OC’s!
The warm-up was good, an air of nervousness was around which isn’t a bad thing before a game. Nerves were clearly getting the better of Walshy who decided to ‘twist’ his ankle whilst doing a run through. He must of caught sight of the Canterbury winger who would have clearly been our biggest forward (by some margin) ...if only Laser Davey had been playing, he would have marginally evened the size difference up.
Anyway, on to the game itself...
We played up the mountain in the first half. The opening exchanges were played at a quick pace. Defence was initially good against a barrage of attacks from Canterbury. Unfortunately, one Canterbury attack down the blindside after a strong lineout drive led to a score in the corner to give them a flying start. Big Alan was complaining to the referee about something in the build up to the try, but the only person to understand him south of Yorkshire was new boy scrumhalf Dan who’s almost as northern as Alan. Unfortunately Dan didn’t have a whistle so the try stood.
Canterbury extended their lead by a couple more tries, but it has to be said that at all times our defence was working extremely hard, and their tries were only scored by us running out of men out wide, or from excellent execution of turnovers on Canterbury’s part – something to be learned there.
At this point we could have easily capitulated, but everyone rolled up their sleeves, lifted their heads (as we did all game) and worked our way back into the game. From a scrum just outside their 22m we went wide, and off first phase ball Jake Mallen finished a nice backs move (I was told it was more complex than a ‘miss one’ but I still had my head wedged up Haggis’s backside from the previous scrum – not pleasant).
We all clearly knew that we were up against a stronger team on paper (and in the gym) but we probably finished the half the stronger (biased?...why not) and a great kick chase from Charlie led firstly to the Canterbury Fullback sustaining a nasty knee injury (we wish him all the best) and secondly a great try scoring chance for new boy Jon Toy who got held up well just short of the line.
The second half meant we had the slope, but the outcome was very similar to the first half – a lot of effort on our part, but ultimately skill levels and fitness told especially in the last 10-15mins when Canterbury scored a couple of relatively soft tries, one straight from a restart.
Despite the lack of gas at the end, we did manage to score three excellent tries in the second half, two from youngen Gallagher playing at Flyhalf and one from Herman the German (who’s not German). It was a pleasure to see young Gallagher’s floppy hair breezing through the Canterbury defence for both his individual tries – maybe HE is OC’s saviour?... god knows there’s been a few that have come up short over recent years... where is Chapman nowadays?
So... Alex Gallagher deservedly took our MOTM award for his two tries, but mentions must go to new boys Dan Needham and Jon Toy for fine all round debuts, and Johnnie Mac who had to step up to hooker at the last minute and who also had a fine game. I would also like to say the backrow worked their socks off all afternoon (there you go Suduko).
So, on reflection, no-one likes to lose, but I think we did ourselves proud and have a lot to take forward into training this week and into the first league game this Saturday where a number of extra players already making themselves available will cause the selection committee many headaches. I don’t believe rain is forecast for later so hopefully everyone should be at training tonight... see you there.
Now... Man, Bear, Gun for those leftover beers anybody?
Author: Luke Walden
