Cranbrook 24 — Waverley 12
by “Anonymous Al”
In a lacklustre stop-start game that didn’t reach any great heights as a spectacle, Cranbrook did enough to post a 24-12 win over Waverley.
It was an unconvincing win, but a win all the same, and one which maintains Cranbrook’s undefeated record in the CAS competition.
First half
This was a scrappy affair with both teams giving away too many penalties and showing poor ball control. Some people may have blamed the referee for the penalty count but his arm must have kept going up for a reason.
Cranbrook, even though they had the bulk of possession didn’t look like the dominant team of the competition; they were being outgunned by the tough and determined Waves style of play. For the second consecutive game, Waverley’s strong defence repelled attacking raids, forcing the opposition into errors.
Even though Waverley couldn’t win a lineout in the first half, gave far too many penalties away (including one player being yellow carded) and found it difficult to control the ball—they still lead 6-0 at the half time break thanks to two penalty goals by #15 Dion Narayan and through their tremendous defence.
Second half
After the break the tough, grinding contest was still playing even, but as the half wore on Cranbrook had more possession and employed a strong running game. They controlled the ball well and built momentum to put Waverley on the back foot and under consistent defensive pressure.
Brook’s second rowers Will Stenmark and Langton McCombe both scored with sharp shooter Sam Renton converting both tries.
Waverley’s Narayan was on song with his kicking; adding two more penalty goals while Renton kicked one penalty goal.
It was still a contest at 17-12 Cranbrook’s way until scrumhalf Roy Harrison scooted away from a break down to cross for a five-pointer under the posts. That was the game breaker and put the game out of reach for the Double V. Waverley had defended valiantly.
It takes only one or two mistakes or lapses in defence to turn a close game, especially when you’re on the back foot, and that’s what happened. Cranbrook wore them down to win the prize.
Final score: Cranbrook 24 – Waverley 12.
The teams
Both teams had an opportunity to play disciplined rugby but fell short of the mark; their coaches will no doubt be looking for improvement next week.
Waverley
Their performance was greatly improved compared to the first Round (Cranbrook 43-3), but since they’ve raised the bar of expectation for themselves recently they will be disappointed.
Their discipline and ball control was excellent against Knox in Round 6; if they can regain that form they should have a rewarding and enjoyable run for the remainder of the season. If not, they’ll put themselves under too much pressure and do the opposition some favours.
They’re tough and courageous; no one could dispute that, but a team can’t win without the ball. No doubt their coaches will pay some attention to improving the lineout.
Cranbrook
They have plenty of muscle and talent in their side and looked impressive when they ran the ball; so it’s puzzling why they elected to kick possession away at times in general play.
They had a good ability to win the ball and clicked into gear in the second half when they improved their control of it.
The players
All Waverley players, especially the forwards were fully committed in defence against strong quality players, but stand outs were Carr, Cardassilaris, Bailey, Patterson, Bracewell and Bodkin. Narayan tried hard to spark the attack with his kicking game and impressed with his accurate goal kicking.
Sam Renton’s goal kicking was a big plus for the home side. Strong games from Summerhayes, Makas, Stenmark, McCombe and Harrison.
The wrap-up
Three conclusions could be made at game’s end: Waverley can no longer be tagged as underdogs; Cranbrook is no sure thing of remaining undefeated; and the last three rounds of the CAS Competition should be interesting.
There’s little doubt that Cranbrook has deservedly sewn up the Henry Plume Shield, but there’s still plenty of interest left in the competition. The improvement of the Waves and Aloys teams in particular has added an element of unpredictability and more interest to the remainder of the season.
The scoring
Cranbrook 24 (Will Stenmark, Langton McCombe, Roy Harrison tries; Sam Renton 3 cons, pen) def. Waverley 12 (Dion Narayan 4 pens)
Photos: Cranbrook v Waverley courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/waverleysport
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