Barker v Cranbrook
by “rod skellet”
Expectation was high with Cranbrook hoping to put last week’s narrow loss behind them, while Barker was planning to recover from the Round 1 punishment at the hands of Knox.
First Half
Both teams put in a tradesman-like display in the opening 15 minutes. High balls were caught, passes stuck and tackles were made. Field position was the mantra from both sides early, but neither side looked like breaking out.
Barker matched the Cranbrook forwards, however their backs did not see clean ball for some time—but when it came it was dramatic. Barker 15 Brad Caddy linked up with prop Tim Anstey who evaded two tacklers and palmed off another before off-loading to no.8. Simon Pursell for an impressive team try; it was converted.
Cranbrook woke up and hit back quickly when strong running by 12 Angus McNiven put his forwards on attack. After a strong maul near the Barker line the Cranbrook no. 9 scooted over for an easy try, but the conversion missed.
Barker had switched their intensity off and the Cranbrook lads dominated in the next ten minutes. With good field position McNiven and 15 Noah Busteed put pressure on Barker. The penalties went Cranbrook’s way also and after two of them were kicked between the posts they had a lead of 11-7 with five minutes remaining in the half. 
But Barker lifted with 5 Mike Ward giving clean ball from the lineouts and 10 Bruce Thompson distributing well.
The Barker players ran fast and straight, and winger Haakon Barry split the defence open and scored under the posts. Barker took the lead again, 14-11. Before the break Barker captain Andy Lloyd (no. 7) was strong over the ball at the breakdown to earn a penalty for his team and the goal was slotted. Half-time score: Barker 17 – Cranbrook 11 Cranbrook enjoyed more possession and territory during the half, but strong running and slick passing by the Barker backs had them in front.
Second Half
The second half started much like the first with both sides doing the simple things well but neither showing signs of breaking out. Cranbrook fullback Noah Busteed got many high balls from Barker who played for field position; he was up to the task every time, although he always met a red wall when he ran the ball back.
The work rate and tackling of lock Mack Matters was solid for Cranbrook, but this was matched by Barker’s Lloyd who was a complete pest. Like many good opensiders, Lloyd got on the wrong side of the referee and Cranbrook benefited from a penalty goal after ten minutes. Barker kept to their game plan of playing in the Cranbrook half and after a good tackle and turnover by 6 Lachie Small they gained some good metres.
After several phases of play they pressured the Cranbrook line. This time the forwards kept the glory and a couple of pick and drives later they crashed over to score. The extras were added and Barker led 24-14. 
Cranbrook were not playing badly but their strike backline player McNiven did not get enough ball; however consistent possession and solid forward play eventually got them in the right area of the field. They pounced on a Barker turnover and 5 Tom Burston scored for Cranbrook after some good pick-and-drive by the piggies.
Some of the Barker crowd were annoyed because they had seen a small knock-on from their vantage point when the referee was unsighted, but, that said, the Cranbrook forwards worked hard and deserved the try. The conversion was succesful and with ten minutes remaining Barker still led, but now by only 24-21.
It was game on !! However Barker was not going to let this one slip away and when Caddy opened up Cranbrook with a fine return kick Ward backed up to score the try. The conversion missed but trailing 21-29 Cranbrook needed to score twice to grab their first win of the season, but they ran out of time and couldn’t score once. Final Score: Barker 29 – Cranbrook 21
The Players
Cranbrook Best were 12 Angus McNiven, a smaller version of Henry Hutchison from Aus Schoolboys last year. He will be in the running for CAS honors. THP Lewis Barakat scrummaged well and tackled his heart out all day. Lock Will Stenmark’s set piece was strong and he was all over the park.
Barker 7 Andy Lloyd is not big but it’s the size of the fight in the dog that matters. He was exceptional at the breakdown and was always following a much rejuvenated Barker back line. Prop Daniel Buffa and Tim Anstey, together with no. 8 Simon Purcell, had imposing games. Wing Haakon Barry was quick and elusive and made big inroads into Cranbrook territory with some sweeping runs.
The wrap up
Cranbrook can improve and with Ed Renton returning next week after a recent concussion, their backs will be more effective. Barker was exposed by Knox in the first quarter of the match last week, but this strong game demonstrated that no team should take them lightly this year.
Other results
2nd XV – Cranbrook 17 – Barker 14. The Barker 2nd XV came back from their hiding last week, but in an even match in which both teams scored two converted tries, the difference was a Cranbrook penalty goal. 16As – Cranbrook won. 15 As – Barker won.
