Cinque Ports RFC 28 v Crowborough III RFC 40

Once again Cinque Ports travelled with only 14 men, but you would not have known there was a difference in numbers. This was a hard fought match with both sides showing determination and skill. Crowborough had the best of the scrum but failed to use it to the best advantage. This was due to strong defence and rucking by CPR. Crowborough broke the deadlock first to score under the posts, quickly cancelled out by Christiaan Brandt for Cinque Ports. This sequence was repeated when Crowborough again scored after a move dragged too many Cinque Ports players across only for the ball to go from hand to hand to the weak side and over the line. CPR's reply was soon coming in the form of Dale Whittington cutting through the Crowborough lines as if they weren't there. A period of aggressive attack and spirited defence by both sides followed but neither could cross the line again before half time. The President of Sussex RFU Roger Edmondson watched the start of the second half and commented on just how far the club had come in just its third season.  
 

The second half saw Cinque Ports suffer a period of 20 minutes where they lost their way. Lack of concentration and missed tackles allowed Crowborough to score 3 tries to put the game seemingly beyond the reach of Cinque Ports players, but they rallied and started to play the simple but effective rugby they are familiar with driving the game back into the Crowborough half. Strong support and good off loading in the tackle gave a ruck 5m out. Steve Crump took the ball from the back and dived over to score. Then an altercation between two forwards meant a Crowborough player and the open side prop Dave Butcher (CPR) were yellow carded and sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. CPR immediately put the pressure on and almost scored when winger Rob Fink was held up close to the line after a fine darting run. Crowborough took advantage of tired CPR legs and broke away for a try 5 minutes from time. This caused Cinque Ports to put even more pressure on Crowborough which eventually allowed Brandt to cross for his second . A 100% conversion rate by kicker Carl Malthouse had kept Cinque Ports in with a chance but there was not enough time for CPR to score the tries needed but this was a very tough encounter, which is another step in CPR's progress.

Man of the match was a hard decision. It could have gone to Rob Fink who was slippery in attack and strong in defence, or Christiaan Brandt for his strong running and 2 tries, but it went to Craig Barningham for his outstanding work in the ruck, scrum and support play.

Coach Bill Langley said "This was the best performance by the team this season, the hard work on the training fields are beginning to give the players the chance to create the opportunities for scoring good tries. We just need the injured players to return to strengthen the playing squad on the match day, so that we have three or four substitutes  to give the team the options needed to overcome the oppositions."

Next week 18.10.08 @ 3pm CPR play Rye at home (The Grove School) in a friendly. All are welcome and support CPR. If you would like to give Rugby a try come and talk to the Cinque Ports XV on Saturday or come to training – 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Grove. Everyone, whether you're returning to rugby or a complete beginner, is welcome.