Latest Match Reports
The Magnificent Ten!
The Mighty 10 Spartans…
Last Sunday, the Croydon under 18’s took to the field to face the might of Raynes Park. The side had been decimated
due to injuries, work commitments, school matches, school work and bone idleness, 2 failed to show up on the morning
of the match with out even the courtesy of a phone call. Attempts to procure some bodies from the under 17s also
proved fruitless as they had a home match with some 5 substitutes to call upon.
Undaunted, the 10 left for South West London determined to give it their best and boy did they. RP were kind enough to donate 3 bodies so some sort of match could take place. RP kicked off, Sean Golding caught the ball and tore into the opposition pack with a determined drive up to the half way line, quick ruck ball was won and spun to the back line, as Croydon took to the
field with only 2 forwards the game plan was to get it wide at every opportunity. RP in their anxiety strayed offside at the break down, Croydon took territory with the impressive Jamie Smith making 40 metres with his touch finder.
Croydon obviously struggled in the line out with Jamie having to throw in for the first time and no specialist jumpers to aim at, RP were able to hoist their tall second row at number 2 and dominate that area, however Croydon made up for that by tearing in to the tackle and driving the bigger RP forwards backwards. Croydon were enjoying greater territory and the fact that the scrums were uncontested allowed them to launch their hungry back line at every opportunity. Some good handling by Jake Henderson and Carl Shrimpton in the centre and from Harry Warsop was creating a little bit of space for winger James Lyell to use his pace and only some desperate last gasp tackling prevented from making to the try line. From thrust up the middle, great week from Neil Thornton secured quick ball at the ruck, an intelligent kick into space from Jamie smith and an even better chase was not able to charge the full backs kick down but was also first to the loose ball, the cover just got to him 8 metres from the line but a great off load to Golding in support allowed him the chance to canter over the line for the first try that was converted by full back Steve Hawkins. Croydon immediately took control from the restart, the pressure put on forced RP to stray offside, Croydon this time opted for the points and Hawkins easily converted again. Again from the kick off Croydon were able to use the superior back line and take the ball into the RP 22, an error from RP gave Croydon an attacking scrum, Jamie Smith picked up from base and was able power through the cover defence and touch down, unfortunately the conversion was narrowly missed.
Half time came with Croydon 15-0 ahead. RP changed the 3 players they lent Croyson and came out determined to use their bigger forwards in the second half, with their fly half kicking at every opportunity for territory, a succession of penalties allowed the home side in to Croydon half spirited defence kept drive after drive out, the penalities kept coming the way of RP and finally resistance was broken when their prop dived over in the corner, conversion missed. From the restart Croydon were again penalised at the breakdown, the home side kicked to 25 metres out, they won the line out and there scrum half was able to dance thriough a few tired tackles to touch down, the conversion was good. RP really fancied this now and came hunting for the try to take the lead, after another drive by the forwards, despite 2 big tackles by Ben Smith they were able to touch down near the posts the conversion was missed but was good enough for a 2 point lead. Croydon refused to say die and tore back at them, after a rare penalty decision went their way, the ball was moved through several pairs of hands for Ben smith to make a surge towards the line only to be snagged just short. There was time for one more thrust, again the backs made the dent, the ball came back to a guest player who surged to the line only be stopped by a neck tackle yards short, the Croydon support waited for the ref’s decision will it be apenlty try will it be a penalty, but no it was a scrum...the ball was won and put to the back line only to be fumbled. There was time for another Jamie Smith drive only to be stopped in the 22 then the final whistle sounded, final score 17-15 to RP.
Coach Ian Golding said, I cannot say how proud I was of the boys, they all stood up to be counted and gave 110 %, played all the rugby, carnival stuff just fell short in the end. The mighty 10 deserve to named, they are, Neil Thornton, Sean Golding, Ben Smith, Jamie Smith, Will Curtis, Harry Warsop, Jamie Henderson, Carl Shrimpton, James Lyell and Steve Hawkins.
They deserve whole hearted praise from everyone, especially their missing in action team mates, well done you made an old coach very proud.
VICTORY AT LAST!
After a series of disappointing results, Croydon earned their first League win of the season with a fine all round, structured, team performance which will hopefully galvanise the rest of the campaign and see them move up the table.
Croydon started confidently, driving aggressively through the forwards and handling crisply in the threequarters and after 15 minutes of domination they took the lead when scrum half, Ben Maynard seized on scrappy ball at the back of a Farnham scrum and drove for the line before lightning hands in the backs put wing Xola Kalipha over on the right.
Craig Bond converted from a difficult angle but Croydon’s injury jinx continued as Kalipha limped off with a thigh strain.
Farnham responded with a penalty but 8 minutes later, Croydon crossed again. Fly half, Alex Warsop cut through twice to set up the position. The forwards drove for the corner before centre Jabs Zulu was released through the middle to cross unopposed.Bond again added the conversion.
2 more chances went begging. First No 8, Jon Wright, back after a long injury absence, burst clear but couldn’t find Maynard with the scoring pass, then Dom Plum put away wing, Toru Higushi, who was stopped by a dangerous high tackle. This resulted in a sin-bin for the Farnham wing but, more importantly, the departure of Higushi with a head wound.
Croydon eventually scored their third try with a set line out move which put Nick Ray over and should have been home and dry at half-time but Farnham held on with penalties either side of the break.
Farnham took advantage of the extra man to score in the corner when Maynard was sin-binned mid-way through the second half but Croydon continued to play good expansive rugby with Warsop dictating position with some astute kicking.
Man of the match for Croydon was Craig Bond, more at home on the flank, who showed what a versatile rugby player he is by forming a devastating centre partnership with Zulu.
Bond was at the centre of the action all day and it was fitting that, have missed an earlier attempt, he made the game safe with a penalty from in front at the end.
Croydon Girls 35 Vs Central Wield Dragons 0 at Crawley
Croydon turned out to play Central Wield, eager to continue their wins. The team was in good spirits and seemed prepared, but Central Wield hadn’t planned on going down without a fight.
With Croydon girls receiving the kick off the game had begun to a slow start, with the Central Wield girls chasing the ball right from the kick and holding up the Croydon attack with good defence. Croydon unable to break through Central Wield with use of its forwards, started to spread the ball wide and stretch the Dragons defence. With some good handling and spreading of the ball, Croydon managed to break down the wings and score their first try.
This became the game tactic with two more tries following. Central Wield finally wised up and kept their defence spread out and Croydon were now unable to break down the wings. But with some words of wisdom, Croydon now instead, started to utilise their forwards and started running close to break downs and finally punch through leading to another try. Croydon repeated this process in which another try was put down against the Dragons.
At half time the score was 25-0. Croydon proving their dominance in the scrums meant that the Dragons went uncontested. This in turn allowed our scrum half much easier ball to pass out to the backs attacking from good depth and pace, through good running lines and well timed passing Croydon managed to get another two tries down. Through fierce defence of Central Wields try line they managed to hold up three more tries. With the final score being 35 – 0 to Croydon.
Croydon played from start to finish with the determination they needed to win, and Central Wields made sure they worked extremely hard for every try Croydon managed to ground, keeping their heads up right to the final whistle.
I would like to thank Ian Golding for coming out of retirement to ref for us, as we know, no game would be possible with out the officials to run them.
Girls U18 Tour Match
Tour Match
Croydon Girls vs Oakmeadians RFC 46 – 0
Early on a miserable Saturday morning, 27 superheroes travelled in the bat mobiles to Oakmeadians RFC.
Oakmedians got off to a good start pushing Croydon into their own 22 in the first 5 minutes but after some super tackles and some excellent rucking, Croydon managed to save the early try. Croydon then worked the ball up field by passing down the lines and out to the wings. The pack were consistent in winning ruck ball and Lindsay repeatedly stole opposition ball in the scrums. The hard work of the back line was rewarded when fly half Kat, broke the defence and put down a try directly under the posts making the conversion kick easy for the former fly, Helen.
After the restart, Croydon were quick to get back to work with the wet ball moving well from wing to wing. This provided Lauren with the chance to set down another try under the post. Helen again succeeded in converting the kick. Helen also managed to score her first try as a forward (after being moved to No. 8) as she broke through the line after a ruck.
After a brief half time stop, Croydon were on their backs doing “dead ants” much to the amusement of the opposition and their supporters.
Oakmeadians started to warm up in the second half, managing to win possession from lineouts and break the line but newbie fullback Emily managed to land a crucial tackle and prevent Oakmeadians from putting down the ball over the line. Croydon switched back on after this threat and got straight back to business with Lauren, a first timer, on the wing outrunning her opposite number and scoring again. Unfortunately this left an oblique angle for the kick and Helen was unable to convert.
Croydon continued to overpower the opposition with Becca Ryan also scoring on the wing. Helen’s boot was on form as she managed to convert yet another kick. There was reward for the forwards as Helen and Row both managed to put the ball over the line after driving hard from rucks. Helen successfully converted her own try but after a bet made with the referee she hit the post for the final conversion and earned herself four drinks in the bar afterwards! Lauren won our Lady of the Match after a stunning debut performance and we presented the Oakmeadians lady of the match with a medal and tour t-shirt.
Saturday was the first match for several of our players and their influence was really felt on the field up against several regional players. After a lot of reshuffling the team has finally settled and the efforts of the coaches really paid off as Croydon were able to give a brilliant display of what they can do.
Croydon Girls Vs Chobham
The Croydon team was reshaped following the first league game, away at Worthing where the ladies were beaten 40-0. This wasn’t a reflection on the players but the team was short of four regular players through holidays, illness and injury. The opposition Chobham was also down on numbers and it was agreed that the game would be played as a 14 aside match.
In the first half Chobham quickly out ran the Croydon defence and placed the ball dead centre on the try line but they were unable to convert the try. Having conceded an early try Croydon held the middle ground with determined tackling and good use of the scrum. With Kat playing fly half for the first time and enjoying the role, particularly the tackling, it looked possible that Croydon might break through. However, two further Chobham tries in the first half meant that Croydon were 15 -0 down at the break.
Chobham went on to score two more tries in the second half. As in previous games Croydon’s pack dominated the scrums. However, Chobham’s fly half was like a cat waiting to pounce on to the mouse (in the form of Ginge, Croydon’s scrum half) that was about to be let loose. Whilst the two were equally matched she was often too quick of the mark and a number of penalties were awarded to Croydon as a result. For a brief spell Croydon were down to 13 as Roe spent twenty minutes on the “bench” in order to conserve her strength for next week’s tour.
Although the game ended with the score Croydon 0 – Chobham 25, Despite the poor weather it was good to see families and friends out supporting the ladies.
Whilst the Croydon ladies have yet to score a competitive try in the league, the performance was very credible against quality opposition. With Kat in her new role and with four players on the side today things can only continue to get better. Needless to say Kat was awarded “lady of the match” in the bar afterwards.
RASH DECISIONS PROVE COSTLY
Croydon skipper, Rob Beard, must be wondering what he has done to upset the rugby gods. For the second week running he saw his side dominate the game for long periods only to return empty handed, this time the refusal to accept 2 simple penalties from in front of the posts being the difference between success and failure.
The incessant rain being driven down a significant slope meant that most of this match was played in one half and all 35 points were scored at one end.
Croydon started into the wind and a good drive by Nick Ray set up an early penalty for Alex Warsop which crossed the bar before being blown back into play.
Croydon’s scrum and line-out worked well and for 35 minutes they restricted their hosts to 2 penalties and midway through the first half they should have converted a simple penalty themselves but a quick tap was taken and the chance lost.
Late in the first half Bec took advantage of 2 defensive errors to cross for tries which gave them a commanding first half lead.
Playing with the elements in the second half, Croydon were immediately on the offensive and after 47 minutes, Jabs Zulu burst through the midfield to set a platform for the forwards and Ray was driven over to start the comeback.
The tactics were clear - Play in the home 22 and the points will come.
Warsop converted an easy penalty and should have put over another but another quick tap came to nothing.
After 63 minutes Croydon scored the try of the match, Zulu and Craig Bond combining to put Beard over at the posts. Warsop converted to set up a frantic last quarter.
Several good chances were created but 3 successive line-out were turned over in the increasingly difficult conditions and Bec held on for a narrow victory.
There is very little to chose between the teams in the League this year and surely Croydon’s luck will turn soon and they will begin to climb up the table.
SO NEAR YET SO FAR
For 60 minutes of this match, Croydon were the dominant side but a sluggish start allied to two breakaway tries by the visitors was enough to ensure another narrow defeat.
The first 15 minutes was spent entirely in the Croydon 22 as Ironsides, with the wind at their backs, established control, helped to a degree by some poor Croydon handling and decision making.
They inevitably took the lead on 8 minutes with a penalty and ironically increased it on 18 minutes when, with Croydon on the attack for the first time, a speculative pass was intercepted by winger James Smith who sprinted home from 75 yards.
By now Croydon had endured their customary disruption with injuries -full back James Griffiths off with a twisted knee and his replacement, Scott Nurse, sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Croydon now began to establish control of the game. The set scrum with Dave Goddard and Keiran McGourty included was very solid and drives through the loose particularly by Tom Brown and Dom Plum set up good pressure from which Jabs Zulu kicked 2 penalties.
Only 4 points adrift at the break and now with the wind, Croydon looked a good bet for victory in the second half but they were rocked after 43 minutes when Ironsides No 8 Dave Gull broke through the centre inside his own 22 and raced away for a remarkable solo try.
Thereafter it was nearly all Croydon. Jabs Zulu punched many holes through the midfield and the effort all round was commendable but there was a lack of composure at critical times leading to several guilt edged chances being wasted.
Fly half, Alex Warsop eventually wriggles through after 69 minutes to close the gap and only desperate tackles on wings Dragos Stoica and Dan Snadden stopped them scoring.
But Ironsides defence held out and Croydon were left ruing another match that just got away.
Croydon Cup Crash
Croydon made a disappointing exit from the EDF Energy Junior Vase on Saturday, Streatham’s better finishing seeing them home in an open entertaining match.
To make matters worse, an already massive injury list was increased by 2 - Gareth Phillips coming off in the first minute with a damaged shoulder and Nick Ray departing in an ambulance just after half time with neck problems.
Croydon made the better start, Alex Warsop and James Griffiths prominent in broken play, but much of the running was too lateral and dealt with by a competent defence.
After 16 minutes a long kick to the corner set up a dangerous position for the home side and 2 drives through the forwards set up the space for a text book score by their centre.
Another try followed 4 minutes later when quick Streatham hands and weak defence by Croydon saw Streatham’s right wing accelerate away to score by the posts.
Nick Ray’s injury lead to a delay and transfer to the adjacent pitch. Immediately play restarted, skipper Rob Beard drove through from a set scrum to feed scrum half Bradley Warboys who forced his way over.
The momentum was now with Croydon and, with Tom Brown and Sam Gleig, prominent they set up a series of drives through the forwards to create room for Sam Clarkson to touch down in the right corner.
2 minutes later Streatham extended their lead. Croydon kicked out of defence but failed to nail the counter-attacking full back and good hands saw Streatham’s left wing through to score by the posts.
With time running out, Croydon threw everything into attack, held up twice over the line and brought back for a knock on with the line at their mercy.
Eventually, Sam Gleig crashed over in the corner for a well deserved consolation try but Streatham held on for a well merited victory.
Disappointed to lose, Croydon must take heart from a good performance in adversity and the blooding of more young players who will serve them well in years to come.
Another points mistake.
For 30 minutes it looked like Chipstead would grind out a fairly comfortable victory in this local derby.
Stronger & better organised in the set pieces they had dominated possession & field position to build a 9 points lead with 3 penalties from their excellent kicker, Daniel Martin.
Croydon had competed well in the loose but had played predominately on the back foot with their defensive kicking game creaking.
But after 33 minutes, the game turned on it’s head when second row, Gareth Phillips stole a lineout 30 metres out and fed colleague, Toby Boatwright who charged through for a fine try.
4 minutes later, centre Alex Warsop turned bad possession into good with a deft pick up to scorch through and put wing Xola Kalipha over on the right.
So Croydon turned round a point to the good and for most of the second half looked likely winners.Warsop showed what a dangerous broken field runner he is with a break out from defence and then nearly scored in the corner after a quick tap penalty.
In the forwards, Boatwright added much needed stability to a young pack and flanker, Sam Gleig was at his marauding best at open side.
The decisive score came on 65 minutes when,from a lineout on half way, Chipstead made a clean break throught the centre and kicked to the corner. Croydon winger, Dragos Stoica, thought he had got back to ground the ball but the referee ruled a knock on.
From the ensuing 5 metre scrum, Chipstead scrum half, Simon Day drove over in the corner.
The conversion kick was missed, one lines man raised his flag and the referee awarded the extra points.
From then on the Chipstead pack took a stranglehold in the set pieces particularly the scrums. Even so Croydon still manufactured a number of chances to nick the game. A burst through the centre by Jabs Zulu ended in a knock on, a 5 metre penalty was lost due to overexuberance and a final thrilling run by Warsop was cut down just short of the line.
So Croydon again ended up empty handed but a bit more work on the training ground should see things turned round as the current back line is the most exciting the club has had for years.
Who won?
CROYDON 29 LONDON EXILES 28 or 31
A hugely entertaining match sadly ended in chaos on Saturday with both sides claiming victory in a crucial League encounter.
With a massive injury list, particularly in the forwards, Croydon, understandably,started sluggishly and Exiles made good use of a strong following wind to race to a 10 point lead in 6 minutes.
The Croydon backs had no ball for the first 10 minutes, but,from their first meaningful piece of possession, they worked an overlap for winger, Xola Khalipha, who skinned his opposite number to score in the corner.
Exiles continued to dominate territorially and their scrum half dropped a clever goal to stretch the lead, but on 23 minutes, Khalipha was away again, this time scorching home from 75 yards.
After 33 minutes, Exiles added another converted try but just before the break, Croydon forced a 5 metre scrum from which scrum half, Ben Maynard muscled his way over in the corner.
The first 30 minutes of the second half saw stalemate with neither side able to work any space, but on 70 minutes, Khalifa found a gap in his own half and shot away to complete a memorable hat trick. Craig Bond added the conversion.
This heralded a frantic last 10 minutes.
Croydon failed to deal with the re-start and Exiles drove through for a soft try to regain the lead.
On 79 minutes Exiles failed to deal with a rolling ball and substitute fly half, Sam Clarke pounced to score by the posts. Bond again added the conversion.
Exiles came back strongly and 2 minutes into injury time earned a penalty close to the Croydon line. After consulting the referee and to the surprise of the spectators, they opted to kick the goal which appeared to leave them still 1 point adrift.
The final whistle sounded and the referee announced the score as 31-29 to the visitors.
So the game ended in confusion with the neither side prepared to sign the results card and an interesting decision for the League authorities.
Croydon Girls V Crawley / Dorking
Match Report Sunday 21 September 2008
The Croydon Ladies team took part in a triangular match on Sunday at Crawley RFC. The event consisted of two 20 minute games against teams from Dorking and Crawley. The first of which was against a Crawley team included 4 players from Dorking to make the squad of 15. For Crawley’s match against Dorking, four girls from Croydon stepped into the breach to make up numbers.
Croydon spent the first 10 minutes of the game camped in the middle of Crawley’s half of the pitch but were unable to make much progress towards the try line. Following a short drink break the game resumed from another Croydon scrum and the Bam, Mel and Helen combo broke through and Helen was able to touch down not far from the corner flag. This left a rather oblique angle for the goal kick which Helen was unable to convert. Crawley made a swift break for the Croydon line but they were unable to get through. The game ended with Amy taken off following an injury after a collapsed scrum. Amy was taken to A&E at Redhill and is now back at home looking forward to pizza instead of training this week.
Whilst the first match was dominated by Croydon’s scrum, the strength of Dorking’s wingers exposed Croydon’s defences. Three quick tries were scored with the Croydon girls left in the shadows as Dorking touched each ball down in the centre of the posts leaving them an easy kick to convert each of the tries. Having regained their composure Croydon held firm in the centre of the pitch for the next ten minutes but were unable to get within 10 yards of the Dorking try line. The game was completed by a further two tries by Dorking who again outran the Croydon girls on the right wing.
Having completed the triangular tournament, a scratch barbarian game was started with two teams made up with players taken from the three teams. This game was soon stopped when Roe managed to knock herself out following an excellent tackle (by Roe) but somehow ended up base over apex and out for the count. Roe quickly recovered but went to A&E as a precaution.
In the bar after the game, Crawley provided a pasta buffet and Ginge was awarded the manager’s play of game from Croydon and Valerie from Crawley. In the traditional way the two competed to see who could down a glass cola the quickest. It seemed to be a tie which nicely summed up the day.
Pheasant Plucks Croydon
This was a much improved performance from Croydon who can count themselves unlucky to have been beaten in the last minute of a match in which the lead changed hands 6 times.
The worry now is the extent of injuries to key forwards Jon Wright and Chris Palmer who both spent the second half on the touchline holding ice-packs to their respectively damaged shoulder and knee.
Paulines dominated possession early on but Croydon defended aggressively and the only scores in the first 20 minutes were a penalty apiece, Morgan Clements on target for the visitors.
Right wing, Alasdair MacGregor scored a try for Paulines when his pace caught out the Croydon cover, but minutes later Croydon’s best player, Craig Bond, charged down a kick and sent his own winger speeding away for a try at the posts.
MacGregor’s pace again split open the visitors as he put fly half Tim Morris over but Clement responded with another penalty for Croydon.
Croydon’s aggression in the loose was now producing better possession and 5 minutes from the break, scrum half, Ben Maynard whipped round the back of a scrum 40yards out and showed a clean pair of heals to score a magnificent solo try.Clements added the conversion.
Croydon now lead by 5 points and it should have been 8 if they had kicked an easy penalty on 40 minutes.instead of running.
The injuries to Wright & Palmer brought a reorganisation to Croydon’s pack and Paulines immediately took advantage with a drive and try by flanker, Hilton Williams.
Prop, Steve Griffiths chipped through for winger, Dragos Stoica who won a thrilling kick and chase to score in the corner.
Another Clement penalty gave Croydon a 6 point lead and that looked enough for victory. But Paulines launched a last period of pressure which lead to a try by wing, George Aird in the 79th minute.
The magnificently named,No 8, Somerset Pheasant, calmly stepped up to kick the conversion & take the points.
Croydon Under 21s win Bowl Final
CROYDON U 21s shone in Surrey Bowl Final by beating Cobham by three tries to one on a cold blustery day. Croydon fielded a strong squad welcoming back both James Griffiths and Nick Ray who have been side-lined by injury throughout most of the season. It was a good all round performance by Croydon with a strong disciplined pack creating attacking opportunities launched by the half back combination of Bradley Warboys and Tim Gleig who released centres Ben Maynard and James Griffiths on numerous attacks which created second phase ball leading to two tries.
Croydon started the first half with the benefit of the slope and a strong cross wind at their backs and soon settled in the Cobham half. Cobham conceded a penalty under pressure which Tim Gleig kicked to the right hand corner. Captain Jamie Pecorella called a front of the line-out set piece which led to Chris Elmes scoring wide out which was not converted. There then followed a closely fought period in the game when the Croydon front row, spiritedly led by hooker Jamie Pecorella, got the better of Cobham but the latter’s line-out threatened to undo this advantage and some early missed tackles by Croydon could have proved crucial. Fortunately centres Ben Maynard and Jamie Griffiths and the back row defended well against the strong running Cobham backs .The difficult wind led to several “not straight” line-out throw-ins from Cobham which gave turnover ball to Croydon in the set scrums and on the half hour, after two phases of open play, the Croydon pack secured the ball and drove over the Cobham line allowing Anthony Abou-Zeid to score. Tim Gleig converted.
With half time approaching a twelve point lead did not look enough to compensate for playing up the slope and against the wind in the second half. Fortunately the Croydon forwards and backs combined well to drive deep into Cobham territory and loose ball was picked up and driven over the line by the Croydon forwards for Nick Ray to touch down. Tim Gleig converted to increase the lead to 19 points.
In the second half Cobham staged a spirited recovery and soon scored a fine try in the left hand corner after a period of sustained possession. There followed a long period of play with Cobham applying pressure from an improving forward performance supported by some good running by their backs but Croydon’s defence held firm and gradually the Croydon pack secured more possession and good touch kicking by Tim Gleig gradually moved the game into Cobham territory. With five minutes remaining Croydon were awarded a kickable penalty on the defenders 22 but the swirling wind saw Tim Gleig’s well struck kick drift wide of the left hand post.
The final whistle went with Croydon running out winners by 19 points to 5 following a good competitive game which was a credit to both clubs’ coaches and players. Next season Croydon will be establishing an Under 21 Academy squad formed of most of this teams players, who have progressed through the younger age group teams, and the Under 17s squad which capped a fine season with good wins in a junior tournament in Rotterdam, Holland held over the Easter holidays.
The Club’s policy of running junior squads playing competitive rugby for each age group over 11 years old and tag rugby followed by coaching in basic rugby skills for the 8 to 11 age groups should pay good dividends at senior level in the future.
Croydon Girls level the field after half time
Sunday 30th March
Croydon Girls vs. Beckenham RFC- Beckenham Ground
After a late start a referee was eventually found and Croydon went to the field ready to show Beckenham all their worth.
In the 1st quarter Croydon had a strong start pushing Beckenham into their own 22, until right at the end on a Beckenham scrum, their experienced flanker was able to pick up the ball and ran the length of the field to score the first try for Beckenham. Fortunately for Croydon they were unable to convert.
With second quarter under way and Croydon determined to score a try, with great forward work to keep the ball secure the back line was able to receive good ball and keeping pushing up field. With a break from the wing running the length of the field and just falling short of the try line, Croydon unfortunately lost the ball and Beckenham with good ball handling were able to run the length of the field and score another try, but were still unable to convert.
At half time with Croydon on the back foot they went back to the field with renewed determination to level the playing field. Croydon was now starting to apply great pressure causing Beckenham to give away penalties allowing Croydon to keep kicking to touch and winning easy line-outs. Croydon now having secured the ground moved the ball out into the back line showing good handling and skill work, the Fly-Half was then able to smash though Beckenham defence and score a try in the corner. Unfortunately for Croydon they were unable to convert the try but it filled them with a sense of new hope.
With the fourth quarter now underway and Croydon seeing that potential they were slowly starting to work up field again, yet again securing great forwards work. Unfortunately poor handling in the back line allowed Beckenham to collect the ball and run the length of the field where a try-saving tackle was made, yet again the forwards were quickly able to secure this ball allowing the Fly-Half to clear Croydon’s 22 with a kick to touch. Croydon then went and won this line-out and quickly passed it out to the back line with a chip over the defence from the outside centre who was then able to pick up the ball uncontested in Beckenham’s 22 and score between the posts. Unfortunately Croydon were unable to convert this try, the final whistle went with the game ending in a 10-10 draw.
Croydon Girls Play their first ever games
Sunday saw the newly formed Croydon Girls team take on experienced
opposition from Beckenham RFC and Mitcham RFC in a tournament at
their Addington Road ground.
In their first ever games of rugby a large crowd saw them go down
gallantly to a strong Mitcham outfit, showing improved form in the
second half as the shock of competitive rugby wore off.
Croydon 0 Mitcham 20
While coach Chris Pecorella talked them through this experience their
next opponents, Beckenham, fought out a tough battle against their
conquerors.
Beckenham 5 Mitcham 10
The final match produced the game of the tournament. After going behind
to a well worked try from Beckenham the Croydon girls posted their
first ever points with a determined run and dive over the line from
Alice Eastwood.
Turning round all square they realised they were capable of more. A
half of determined running, fierce tackling and end to end play from
both sides saw Croydon score more tries through Kellie Preston who, with
dynamic fly half Helen Harris, was awarded “man” of the match.
Croydon 15 Beckenham 5
The sportsmanship, skill and commitment of all three teams thrilled the
spectators and silenced any sceptics who turned up expecting to see
rugby that was somehow inferior to that played by men and boys.
The girls intend to carry on training and are looking forward to more
matches with their opponents and other teams in the near future.
Croydon Girls are looking for new members.
Join the fun on Mondays from 7.30pm. Give it a go!
Contact Chris at:
Or through the club web site: http://www.croydonrfc.com
Croydon Cruise through Cranleigh
Croydon at last began there league campaign with a home fixture against Cranleigh. The match began a little late,
with the opposition held up by late cry offs and traffic problems and took the field with 14 men. The first 10 minutes
were very even with both sets of forwards evenly matched. Any ground Croydon made was counteracted by giving
away stupid penalties for not being behind back foot or in at the side and were promptly kicked 30 yards back down
the field.
The breakthrough came when Cranleigh tried to run a Croydon attacking kick from their own 22, the home pack
were quicky there to force a ruck and 2nd row Billy Simons emerged with the ball to crash over in the corner, the
conversion from the touchline was narrowly missed.
From the restart, Croydon 2nd row Crozier caught the ball and charged into the opposing forwards, quick ruck ball
was popped to the flanker Jay Blake who stood in at captain on the day, another direct thrust took him to the 10 metre
line, his back row colleague, number 8 Salvidge was on hand to take the pop pass, beat 2 tacklers and out sprint the
cover to touch down under the posts, Woodhams easily converted.
The next 10 minutes were very even, the home teams thrusts were undone by poor discipline and penalties were
conceeded. Croydon finally managed to put together 4 phases of play with the forwards managing to win quick ball,
which allowed speedy number 8 Salvidge to tear away from just over the half way to score again under the posts, the
conversion was good. This score seemd to take some stuffing out of the away team and Croydon at last began to get
territory. From a lineout 12 metres out, Croydon secured their own ball, drove on, tying in most of the opposition pack
allowing hooker Bayford to peel off the side, dance around a couple of backs, similar to Fred Astaire in his heyday at
dive in at the far post, Woodhams again converted. Half time score 26-0.
The second half began as the first, with a reinvigorated Cranleigh showing further determination, they spent some
time in the Croydon half but determined defence and fierce tackling forced them to kick for space, from one of these
thrusts, full back Curtis put a superb cross kick in, the chase from replacement winger Earl was good, tackeld his man,
got to his feet and popped a superb pass to Woodhams to race way and score under the posts, he easily conveted.
Crodon now dominated with the backs making bigs holes in the opposition line and only a combination of bad handling
and last ditch tackling prevented the backs adding to the score. As Cranleigh tired Croydon bagan to find more space
and quick ball moved through several hands allowed centre Woodhams a stroll over the line for his2nd try and added
his conversion. It was nowone way traffic and Croydon should have scored further tries before substitute number 8
big Dave Thornton picked from an attakcing scrum and took 3 opponents with him over the line to score, a welcome return
to action for Dave who has missed 3 months with an ankle injury.
Cranleigh rallied for last 5minutes and maybe were unlucky not to score a consolation try as the home defence determidly
kept them out. Final score 47-0. Cranleigh deserve credit for keeping going all way through as one man down.
Coach Ian Golding said, a good team performance, a lot of guys had their best game of the season and at last are
starting to possess a more cutting edge with some of the work we have been working on in training paying off. We are
still conceeding too many penalties for stupid things like back foot offences which better sides will punish us harder.
Thanks to Blake for captaining the side, do not like to single individuals out particuarly when the team played so well
but Blake and Woodhams had outstanding games and replacements Thornton and Earl had very strong games.
Do hope Woodhams and Crozier can sort out their employers so can be available for our next league match, feb 3rd
away at Raynes Park.
