The two heavy weights of competition finally met at Bellevue Hill. It promised to be a great game and a willing spectacle. And so it proved to be.
by “Elfster”
So far in the competition both sides had shown that not only they are well coached and drilled, but both sides had the cattle to make use of it. Knox’s reputation was based around attack and flair. That of Cranbrook based on defence and precision.
The Knox crowd was noticeably smaller.
The weather Gods were yet favourable for a good game of Rugby, and the Cranbrook supporters were heavy at the ground and enthusiastic. Cranbrook would have taken some comfort the seconds. In a gutsy and tense display there was a 12 all draw. The game was tight and willing, the main game would prove to be quite similar.
First half
Lining up against each other both sides looked big. It was obvious by the look of them that strength of Cranbrook lay in their tight 5.
The first twenty minutes, on the scoreboard, was a dour affair. No points were scored, but the game was frenetic and fierce. Cranbrook had the best of the possession and territory, but the Knox defence held.
Cranbrook in the main used their 8 and 6 to break the line. However they also gave their backs a go and their 10 made some incisive bursts or they spread the ball and their wingers made ground. But the Knox defence held, being particularly strong in the rucks and mauls. Knox didn’t over-commit to them and could cover the Cranbrook attack with depth.
Though there was no scoreline for most of the first half, it looked like Cranbrook were the better side and missed two gettable penalty kicks. In particular their scrum was quite dominant and one felt that Knox would soon break. A couple of times Cranbrook were held up over the line – Cranbrook looks quite adept at rolling mauls.
However that was not to be. Knox soon started getting possession and with Knox, possession invariably means territory. With ball in hand Knox were making breaks, and credit must be given to Cranbrook’s defence in stifling the attack.
But in the end Knox scored. The ball was spread and Knox scored a try through 4 Basson. It was a good team effort that reflected the strengths of the Knox side.
Then came one of the better tries I have seen this year. Almost from the kick-off Knox attacked from deep in their half. Great passing, backing up and change of angle whilst keeping the ball alive saw the Knox 13 Watson score near the posts. The try was converted and Knox led 12 – nil at half time.
Second half
The second half carried on the intensity of the first. Knox probably held more possession and though were regularly punching holes in the defence, Cranbrook miraculously held on. It was a mixture of Cranbrook’s excellent defence and Knox returning to their habit of making mistakes (though this may be due to the pressure exerted by Cranbrook).
It was one such error that led to Cranbrook’s first try. Knox attempted to run from their own 22 – a promising backline move was stopped by a forward dropping the ball. From this Cranbrook utilised their chance and their winger Studdy scored in the corner – Knox 12 Cranbrook 5.
Though this gave momentum to Cranbrook, Knox still attacked and Cranbrook’s defence still held. Knox were regularly making progress, but mistakes were costing them. Cranbrook lost a player to the sin-bin – SummerHayes. I didn’t see the exact reason, but believe some unsportslike play may have been involved.
Then came the try Cranbrook supporters will be talking about for some time to come. A long-range kick, a remarkably lucky or cruel bounce and a touch of complacency by Knox at the back saw Edelstein score for Cranbrook. There was a freakish amount of luck in this try, but the Cranbrook players did have the necessary skills to utilise it.
The game was tied and in the last ten minutes vacillated between the two sides. As the finishing time came near, there was an injury to the Knox 10 – Nicholas. A draw loomed and then in the dying minutes a penalty to Renton. To the delight of the Cranbook supporters he kicked it and the ref blew no time. An immensely entertaining game finished.
The Teams
Cranbrook
This is a strong defensive side and clinical. They have a powerful forward pack and build pressure. They have the ability to finish of chances when on offer. A clinical side, they do not make errors – teamss need to work hard to beat Cranbrook.
Their backs showed far more in defence than attack, but if it wasn’t for their defensive efforts they could have been beaten by 20 points.
Knox
Whereas Cranbrook are a side based around precision and defence, Knox is one which has attack and flair. Their penchant for losing concentration and making errors or giving away penalties cost them the game. At least two tries went missing due to pushing the pass or going too far.
I think there is probably more improvement in Knox than Cranbrook, but that improvement seems to happening at a painfully slow rate. It is hard to single out players, as Knox does play with good team work. They have a fine understanding of each other and play a quick and wide expansive game.
The wrap up
A great game; tight yet spectacular, free flowing and tense. And almost a game of contradictions, Cranbrook looked stronger in the 1st half, but the scoreboard didn’t show this.
The opposite was true in the 2nd half. A draw would have been justified, but Cranbrook deserved the victory. They showed greater composure and made fewer mistakes. Knox will feel that this was one that got away. But they should learn from it, not get discouraged and improve.
The return game will definitely be one to watch.
The scoring
Cranbrook 15 (Studdy, Edelstein tries; Renton con, pen goal) def Knox 12 (Basson, Watson tries; Price con.)
Photos by Lee Grant
