Waverley vs Cranbrook
by “Anonymous Al”
On a wet afternoon and on a muddy track at Death Valley, Cranbrook showed they are back as a force in the CAS competition.
First half
Brook started strongly. On the back of superior forward play and mistakes by the Waverley team, Cranbrook advanced into the Double V’s red zone to score two very impressive tries from rolling mauls. It was difficult to see which forwards scored but #13 Angus McNiven converted one of the five pointers.
Brook’s forward pack were dominating at the lineout and breakdown, therefore starving their opposition of possession. Waverley only won the odd lineout even from their own throw-ins, and to make matters worse were being caned in the penalty count.
However, they did manage to control the ball well in one passage of play which lead to an unconverted try by #2 Afa McKenna.
Half time score: 12-5 Cranbrook
Second half
Cranbrook continued to dominate and the Double V couldn’t win a trick (and seldom a lineout). Another impressive rolling maul close to Waverley’s line resulted in another five pointer. Cranbrook increased their lead to 17-5.
Brook were on a roll and controlled the ball very well in the difficult conditions. #7 Beau Mayer finished off some good phase play to score out wide.
The conversion by McNiven increased the score 24-5.
The Double V showed glimpses of good form and through some good lead up work found themselves in the Brook’s red zone. #10 Tyzac Jordan ended up slicing his way through the opposition’s backline defence to score a smart individual try.
Full time score: Cranbrook 24 – Waverley 10.
The teams
Cranbrook were impressive right across the park and played very good wet weather rugby. Their forward pack was awesome and laid the foundation for their win. Their game plan was simple and well executed. They kicked intelligently and their ball control was sound in the conditions. One Brook player was yellow carded in the first half.
The Waverley team, through basic errors and poor ball control gifted their opponents opportunities, which they capitalised on. It was obvious the game plan was to kick for territory and work it from there; sensible in theory, but it only went to plan occasionally. Too many players kicked too often and kicked too short, and their ball control was poor. Two Waverley players received cards: one yellow, one red.
The players
I won’t single any Cranbrook players out because their win was on the back of impressive and cohesive teamwork.
Waverley has some impressive individual talent on the roster and it showed at different times during the match, but they didn’t play smart enough often enough.
The wrap-up
Cranbrook are back; they couldn’t have been more impressive.
Waverley played a game they would rather forget. Apart from anything else, they turned the ball over at the breakdown far too often. The one positive they can take out of the game for is that they scored twice and were only beaten four tries to two.
The scoring
After the game it was revealed that A. Rathie and B. Mayer both scored two tries for Cranbrook.
Cranbrook 24 (A. Rathie 2, B. Mayer 2 tries; A. McNiven 2 cons) def Waverley 10 (A. McKenna, T. Jordan tries)
Other results
Waverley won the 2nds, 3rds, 16As and 15As.
Photo credit for Waverley v Cranbrook: https://www.facebook.com
Thank you
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