After a recent run of tough league games Cinque Ports were pleased to find themselves playing a friendly against the newly formed 1066 Conquerors RFC side from Battle. A new look Cinque Ports saw four debutants, Kiwi prop Nick Villeperieux, two second row's Wayne Dedman and Bob Earle and hard running centre Shane Potter. Despite the very heavy conditions under foot CPR tried to play an enterprising running game, but 1066 took first blood with an opportunist effort from short range after Carl Malthouse had clearly been tackled into touch. It didn't take long for CPR to fight back. 1066 struggled with the running in broken play of Christiaan Brandt, Colin Whyte and Shane Potter, and Dale Whittington ran an excellent line to split the defence and collect his third try of the season. Carl Malthouse's conversion struck the post. The strong 1066 pack most of whom started the season in the division above CPR with the disbanded Robertsbridge RFC, took control again and they scored with a break away by their number eight despite a very clear knock on in the build up. Playing rugby more akin to the grassy fields of the Pacific with numerous off loads and missed passes Cinque Ports came roaring back, Dale Whittington again slicing through the defence and trotting under the posts for Carl Malthouse to easily convert. On the stroke of half time 1066 scored their third try again relying on a big forward rumble. The second half started in the same fashion, 1066 scoring again after their pack trundled their way up the field. CPR seemed to be missing the final pass each time, Carl Malthouse, Colin Whyte and Luke Price all missing good scoring opportunities when the ball was spilled. CPR did score again, prop Steve Crump taking the ball strongly from a ruck, offloading to Colin Whyte who linked up again with Steve Crump before Whyte offloaded to Luke Price to score a good try in the corner. Carl Malthouse brilliantly converting from the touchline. Another try from 1066 meant CPR could not find the winning score, but an excellent entertaining 80 minutes of rugby saw some promising performances from Steve Crump, Shane Potter, Colin Whyte and Dale Whittington. Steve Crump was again named man of the match, an achievement of being so honoured three times in the last four weeks. Team manager Gavin Thomas was very pleased "We played with invention, pace and most of all enjoyment, we gave a very well drilled side numerous problems to deal with and scored three excellent tries".

CPR entertain Heathfield & Waldron IV at home at the Grove, Kick off 2.30pm in a League Match on Saturday.

Team: Crump, Wright, Villeperieux, Earle, W.Dedman, D.Dedman, Whittington(Smart), Barningham, Salmon, Brandt, Price, S.Potter, Whyte (Davies), Thomas, Malthouse