Cranbrook 43 — Waverley 3
by “SonnyDillWilliams”
Death Valley is it at its best when it’s cold and miserable and the wind is blowing an iced gale. However not today. the rugby gods weren’t on Waverley’s side today.
Not that you could really think of much , weather wise, that could swing things back in Waverley favour. Having been handily beaten by Brook in the pre-season , Waverley knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb.
However the outlook did not deter the new Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, and former Waverley old boy . He was there, lending his support . And his armed guard, fully miked up, looked like he was not taking any cheek.
Scott Cam was also there cheering on his son in the 2nds.
If nothing else, you have to say the Waverley boys, are always up for it .. They have ticker.
First half
The game started and the normal arm wrestle began. Renton, Cranbrook’s in form number 10, seemed to be lacking confidence. Instead of backing themselves, Cranbrook elected for two long range penalty goals. Two fails, and the Waverley old boys were having a field day.
Must say the sledging at Waverley is amusing, but certainly Grandma might not be as amused.
While Renton seemed to have left his kicking boots at home . Summerhayes was on song and opened the scoring.
Both teams seemed committed to a forward dominated game, and between that and a referee that while consistent, was a tad stifling . The first half was neither the most expansive nor the most exciting rugby.
Half time score Cranbrook 10 , Waverley 3.
Second half
It was quickly clear that Waverley was struggling at all the set pieces. Scrum looked very brittle, despite no lack of Waverley brawn.. And their line out was similarly unconvincing. However in general play, Waverley were committed.
However their commitment didn’t match Cranbrook’s professionalism. Brooks number 7 Mahony seemed determined to play a Richie McCaw style of game.. ie a pest . A better ref might of yellow carded him after two minutes, or at least after numerous warnings.
That said the second half opened with a break from the wrestle at the breakdown . an electric solo try from pocket rocket, Zac Edelstein. 40 metres out and barely a hand on him. Cranbrook 17— Waverley 3.
By this stage the wheels were starting to fall off the Waverley wagon. The Waverley number 9, was struggling. His left hand service was terrible and with a back peddling scrum . It was going to be a tough day in the office.
Waverley’s number 10 Dion Narayan scrambled well, but traded moments of brilliance with basic errors. Wasn’t he at half back last year?
Not being able to crack Cranbrooks midfield, waverley tried a Gary Owen. However a counter attack, saw Cranbrook’s new winger, Harrison Stewart . Put his earlier nerves behind him, to score a good try. 22 to 3.
Set piece dominance . A tight head win to Cranbrook, and Cranbrook’s half back , Roy Harrison reaps the rewards with a quick dart to the try line. 29 to 3
Renton by this stage, possibly buoyed by his goal kicking returning, puts his first half troubles, well behind him, he makes a nice break, leading to a rampaging Makas try. 36 to 3
By this stage , it is turnstile defence . And Cranbrook is running riot.
A final forward rampage , and the sixth try . Takes the final score to 43-3.
Points
Cranbrook
3 points . Cranbrook front row . You can’t underestimate a dominant scrum
2 points . Makas. Damaging runs and great work rate
1 point . Probably should go to Mahony, but he should have been yellow carded, so giving 1 point to Renton’s mum , who brought his kicking boots at half time
Waverley
3 points .number 5 , Justin Cooper played more like a breakaway
2 points . Dion Narayan, despite a few errors, took that many hospital passes, and didn’t go to hospital
1 point . Tyzac Bailey . He is young, and though his kicking needs improvement , his broken fielding running, should see him good in future years
All up a very convincing win to Cranbrook. Their midfield proved strong, and with few obvious weaknesses, the match versus Knox in Roung 5, should be a cracker. maybe some inexperience on one wing, and question marks on their full back being only areas to fret on.
As for Waverley: a lot of work to do there . I don’t doubt their heart, but I’d shuffle Dion back to half back and see whether they can pull a five eighth out of a hat, and improve their set piece..
