Cinque Ports 40 Hellingly II 12 (HT 14-12)

A very auspicious day for Cinque Ports despite the very inauspicious conditions. Constant rain and a swirling wind suggested that a forward orientated grind would be the story of the game. This wasn't the case as a confident Cinque Ports team bolstered by 6 replacements (Including the returning Phil Dempsey and Paddy Dargan) took advantage of a sluggish Hellingly defence. The imperious Christiaan Brandt and the barrelling Colin Whyte in the centre's particularly slashing through the defence almost at will, just the slippery ball letting them down. A well won lineout on the 22, was shipped out quickly and flanker Gary Swift tore through a large gap to score the first try of the game. Paul Smart converted easily. Soon after the defence was torn again, and Brandt deservedly powered home. Again Smart slotted the kick.

Despite their dominance a combination of missed opportunities out wide and a lack of discipline allowed Hellingly back in. A succession of offences at the ruck gifted Hellingly territory which they took advantage of, scoring two tries and converting one.
At half time if there were any doubts they seemed to disappear as a far more controlled Cinque Ports performance maintained an almost 100% territorial advantage. A dominant pack allowed club legend Andy Salmon control at the base of the scrum, he in turn released the outside backs and again Brandt slid through a static defence to score his second. Smart converted in deteriorating conditions. Hellingly's organisation seemed to disappear, Swift and his back row partners Craig Barningham and Dale Whittington winning ball at will on the floor, with wingers Rob Fink and Luke Price dragging the defence in all directions. It was Price who scored the fourth try after Hellingly defence panicked on their own line Price dived on a loose ball in the corner. Smart missed the conversion from the touchline.

Defensive panic again created the fifth try, a slippery ball was kicked loose into the hands of Whyte who cut through on an angle before touching down under the post. Smart again converted. Hellingly manfully defended, but a succession of scrums saw Cinque Ports within sight of their sixth try, and man of the match Barningham picked up and drove over for a try his outstanding performance deserved. Smart kicked his fifth conversion.

A series of firsts for the Cinque Ports, their first back to back wins, their first forty point score and Brandt's ninth try was a new Cinque Ports scoring record. Cinque Ports play a series of friendlies and cup games now till a league play off on December 6th.

Team: Doorey (Dargan), Wright, Crump, Gough (Amar), Parker, Swift, Whittington (Potter), Barningham, Salmon, Smart, Watts (Price), Whyte, Brandt (Dempsey), Fink, Sams