Latest Match Reports
Croydon finish with a loss
Croydon finished their League campaign in a creditable fourth place in Surrey 1 despite this narrow defeat by Cranleigh, who were fighting like mad to maintain their status in the Division.
With a full squad to choose from, Croydon set off at a blistering pace, forwards and backs combining well in a number of promising moves. But the visitors gave as good as they got, strong in the tackle and committed in the forward battle.
The teams exchanged early penalties, Andrew Cook on the mark for Croydon, before the visitors scored the first try, catching and driving from a lineout - a move Croydon have perfected themselves over the past few seasons.
Cranleigh appeared to have made the game safe 12 minutes into the second half. Lovely quick hands in the centre manufactured a try in the right corner and a penalty in front of the posts gave them a 13 point lead.
But Croydon responded well, urged on by a large contingent of vice presidents who had attended a pre match lunch.
Good driving by the forwards and sensible kicking for field position set up a series of attacking set pieces and eventually scrum half Ben Maynard nipped round the blind side of a scrum 5 to touch down.
10 minutes later Croydon were back in the same attacking position. This time the scrum appeared to be lost but somehow the ball squirted out for fly half Alex Warsop to pounce and squeeze over in the corner.
Now only 1 point adrift Croydon looked the more likely winners but, to their credit, Cranleigh responded driving up field to force a number of penalties one of which secured them a deserved victory.
Coach Bill Maynard and skipper Craig Bond can feel satisfied with their team’s performance over the season, particularly in view of the plethora of injuries before Christmas. A number of young players have been blooded and done well and there are more developing in the club’s thriving junior section.
After a season of consolidation, Croydon can look forward to a strong push for promotion and a good run in the Cup competitions next year.
