Cranbrook v Waverley
by “Anonymous Al”
In an entertaining game of rugby in which twelve tries were scored, a depleted but spirited Cranbrook team gave the more-fancied Double V a run for their money.
First Half
After giving away early penalties and against the run of play, the Waves opened the scoring with a 70m intercept try to #11 Dion Narayan. He converted from the sideline. Waves 7-0.
Then Brook’s replacement scrumhalf, Oscar Harrison threw the big dummy from a ruck and scooted 40 metres to touch down in the corner for the second try of the day. # 13 James Coppola’s fine kick sailed between the posts to tie the score at 7-7.
Waverley gave some more penalties away and Coppola made no mistake with his attempts at goal. Cranbrook 13-7.
After a strong run from Waverley’s # 2 Arthur McKenna, the young LHP Finn Wright crashed over for a five-pointer from ten metres out. Brook 13-12.
Waves got good field position following a well-placed kick to the corner and soon the hard-running # 8 Justin Cooper broke several tackles to score under the sticks. Try converted. Waves 19-13.
It was like Wimbledon, and Cranbrook returned served swiftly when #10 Darcy Searl raced away from a ruck 30 metres out. Waves 19-18.
Then to continue the highlights package the Double V backs put the ball through quick hands in the Brook red zone for Narayan to score his second try of the match.
Half time score: Waverley 24 – Cranbrook 18. Wow.
Second Half
The entertainment continued from the outset.
Waverley’s # 10 Tyzac Jordan fielded a kick inside his own half and sliced his way through the Cranbrook defenders for a 5o-metre run. He drew the defence before throwing a long ball to McKenna who powered his way through attempted tackles to score in the corner. Waves 29-18.
Cranbrook kept working hard and found their way into the Double V’s 22 zone, and # 3 Alexander Rathie barged his way over from a lineout. Waves 29-23.
But they weren’t done yet…Cranbrook had the Waves camp worried when their backs passed quickly for # 12 Angus McNiven to score out wide. The conversion missed—Waves 29-28.
Then the Double V changed gears and scored three classy tries in the latter stages of the game to overpower their valiant opponents, as follows:
From a scrum in the Brook’s red zone fly half Tyzac Jordan threw a no-look inside ball for Dion Narayan to race under the posts for his hat-trick.
Jordan then backed up out wide to finish off good attacking play from # 9 Murphy and # 5 Stefan Kovacevic. And to complete the try-fest for the match, the Waves back line created an overlap for # 13 Jake Smirnotis to score the last five-pointer.
Full time: Waverley 48 – Cranbrook 28
The teams
Cranbrook played to a simple game plan of kicking for territory and getting the basics right – and it paid dividends until the Waverley blitz at the end. Their forwards hunted as a pack and dominated at the break down for a good part of the match. It was an impressive team effort.
Waverley ran hot and cold. One minute they were giving away penalties, making simple errors and giving up possession at the breakdown; and the next their forwards were charging down-field as a pack and controlling the ball for the backs to play a razzle- dazzle, free flowing brand of rugby.
The players
Cranbrook – their pack of forwards all deserve credit for their work ethic and grit. It was difficult to single players out but #6 Josh Kemeny, #4 Will Stenmark, #3 Alexander Rathie all played strongly—and #8 Oskar Szangolies did well at the lineout.
Scrum half Oscar Harrison had a big game, #10 Darcy Searl kicked well in general play, and #12 Angus McNiven impressed also.
Waverley – every member of the forward pack were strong and willing runners of the football but none were better than # 2 Arthur McKenna who proved to be a handful for defenders with his rampaging runs.
Of the backs: # 9 Cooper Murphy played a smart game, # 11 Dion Narayan showed skill and speed to score three tries but # 10 Tyzac Jordan was the pick of the them with an excellent all round game.
The wrap up
With five regular players missing Cranbrook will take a lot out of the game. It would be unwise for opposing teams to take them lightly in future, especially if they can get a few of their regular players back on deck.
The Double V showed they have the ability to run teams ragged with their power and flair but will be no doubt looking for more consistency in future
Scoring
Waverley 48 (Dion Narayan 3, Finn Wright, Justin Cooper, Arthur McKenna, Tyzac Jordan, Jake Smirnotis, tries; Dion Narayan 4 cons) bt. Cranbrook 28 (Oscar Harrision, Darcy Searl, Alexander Rathie, Angus MvNiven tries; James Coppola 2 pens, 1 con).
Other scores:
2nd XV Cranbrook 36 d Waves 17.
Cranbrook won the 13As. Waves won 16As, 15As and 14As.
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com
.
