Gary Swift in action v Ditchling in the Cup

Cinque Ports 6 - Ditchling 49

The score implies that this was a one-sided match, this was certainly not true. Admittedly Ditchling started well and dominated the opening play resulting in a converted try within three minutes of the start. However Cinque Ports have developed a reputation for never giving up and they lived up to it. Defence was desperate at times and Ditchling were denied another score for 20 minutes. Cinque Ports forwards led by props Tony Lawlor and Rob Tritton were strong in the ruck and maul making life hard for any Ditchling player unfortunate enough to be caught by them. The backs led by Paul Smart and Shane Potter were quick to get in their oppositions faces and restrict their options. A couple of times CPRinvaded their half but very good defence and technique in the ruck meant that ball was turned over and CPR came under pressure once again. Ditchling moved the ball wide and were stopped by a good tackle by Dean Dedman, CPRforwards Tim Gough, Mark Wright and Gary Swift all piled in to force the turnover but Ditchling were very quick to recycle the ball and it travelled back across the pitch to their winger who took it at pace and scored in the corner. A few minutes later another try was scored when the ball came out of a maul and the Ditchling three quarters switched and ran it in. So CPRfound themselves 3 scores down 30 minutes into the match, did they give up? Of course not. CPRcontinued to make what they could of the possession they had and showed that they were not there to make up the numbers. Strong running from Greg Stokes and Michael Dangerfield supported by Craig Barningham and the forwards gave Ditchling problems, but no score was gained. The half ended with a breakaway try for the visitors when their centre ran onto a kick which bounced favourably for him.

CPR started the second half with a penalty scored by Paul Smart and this seemed to galvanise them. Ditchling found themselves under extreme pressure especially in the scrum. The CPR pack started to push them around and as a consequence began to get better ball. Another penalty 10 minutes into the half saw CPR increase their tally to 6 points. Cinque Ports took heart from this and started to take the game to Ditchling forcing their way into their half. Unfortunately they weren't rewarded for their efforts due to the efficient defence put up by the opposition. Ditchling counter-attacked and were stopped in their tracks by Mark Wright. As the ball was shipped out to the blind side a blur attached itself to the Ditchling winger and hauled him to the ground, ending the move. The blur was Chris Eastwood the CPR scrum half, who is never afraid to take on people larger than him (unfortunately for Chris, most people are larger than him!). Carl Malthouse was solid at the back, as ever, and linked well with Luke Price (playing his last game for a while).

Tim Gough was replaced by Chris Perry and Gary Swift by Dave Butcher, these were the only changes. CPRcarried on with their fighting defence and looking for that elusive try. Ditchling scored two breakaway tries. This was a very good performance, despite the final score line, against a very well drilled team. We wish Ditchling good luck in the final.

Man of the match has to be shared between two players, but it could have gone to anyone of the team for the hard work put in by everyone but Shane Potter worked hard all over the pitch, he led the backs and organised the defence really well. Mark Wright may have seemed to have a quiet match but he tackled like a lion and at every opportunity carried the ball forward spurring on CPR. Special mention goes to Tony Lawlor and Rob Tritton who with Mark made the Ditchling scrum look very ordinary indeed. CPR travel to Crowborough next week.

Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Grove School in Darwell Close at 7pm. Everyone is welcome whether a beginner or experienced. We are looking to form a women's team as soon as possible so anyone wishing to join please come to training.

WHAT A DAY FOR CINQUE PORTS February s" 2010 will go down in Club history as the day we put out 2 teams for the very first time. Our 1st team lost to Ditchling in the Plate semi final and our 2nd team, with the help of a few Heathfield players lost to Heathfield s". It may seem strange to celebrate two losses out of two matches but the fact that Cinque Ports fielded two teams represents a truly major step forward in our clubs development.

To grow as a club we need to field two teams regularly. Not only will this provide everyone with a chance to play, it will encourage improvements in the skill sets players posses. This can only lead to progress in the leagues and therefore foster club stability and longevity. Throughout the rest of this season we are looking to get two teams out whenever possible. This can only happen if you, the players, step forward and commit yourselves. I am sure you won't let our club down and, in turn, the club will not let you down.
Come on Cinque Ports!!