Cranbrook v Trinity
by “rod skellet”
A fabulous winter day at Horden Oval, just perfect for running rugby, greeted both Cranbrook and Trinity.
This was shaping up as a cracking game. Cranbrook were on the comeback having scored wins against Barker and Waverly, whilst Trinity were after a win to threaten Alloys for second on the CAS table.
A great exhibition of running rugby by the Cranbrook seconds winning 48-12 had the crowd of yummy mummies in the stands expectant for another strong performance from the lads in White.
Cranbrook had mixed their team up with Ed Renton now in the 2nds and Darcy Searl playing 13 rather than 10, and rising star Finnbar Stenmark (year 10) making his debut alongside his big brother and inspirational captain Will Stenmark at five-eighth.
First half
Things did not start well for the Brook as the kickoff was allowed to find touch putting Trinity on the attack from the outset. A solid defensive lineout helped, but good work by Trinity 5 John Bechara at the breakdown created a turnover and Trinity were on the offensive.
Some brutal tackling by Stenmark and Beau Mayer helped hold back the tide for several phases for the Brook but quick ball eventually came and Trinity 15 Ryan Longville was over in the corner. No extras, 5 nil to Trinity.
A penalty from the Cranbrook restart had Stenmark opt for touch and an attacking lineout, throwing down the gauntlet to the Trinity pack. With props Barakat and Hill both playing strongly confidence was high that the white piggies could best the green tide in the trenches.
Several rolling mauls later and a series of penalties conceded by Trinity resulted in Trinity prop Pernel Filipo given a mandatory ten minute rest. The ensuing lineout saw a tactic change and quick ball to the backs had Cranbrook 15 Felix Studdy hit the line at pace and split the defence to score in the corner. 5-all.
Cranbrook were confident and were playing as a team and backing each other. The restart had the forwards gain field position and then a superb end over end grubber kick by Finnbar Stenmark found Darcy Searl on the boil for the Brooks second 5-pointer. No extras. 10 – 5 Cranbrook.
Trinity were not out of this match and with possession split evenly it was still a game that either team could win. A fortuitous play found Trinity 10 Robert Siteine opposed by big Tom Hill (prop) and with pace and a nice sidestep he broke Cranbrook’s first line of defence. With only Studdy to beat and with Trinity 9 Harrison Gregory in support, Trinity hit back with a try under the sticks. With the extras Trinity were in front 12/10.
The match continued to seesaw and Cranbrook hit back with a fine individual try to no 11 Oliver Crowe who received the ball 45 metres out and broke through at least three tackles to surprise both the crowd and Trinity to score next to the uprights. With the conversion Cranbrook were back in front 17-12.
Cranbrook were playing with confidence with Hill, Barakat, Stenmark, Rathie and Mayer all very noticeable around the park. Trinity while not doing anything wrong were not as dangerous.
McLennan (8) was bending the line for the visitors with some strong carries and Anthony Nguyen (hooker) was a road block in defence, but the backs just were not running sweetly. This showed when just before half time Trinity opted for a penalty goal rather than testing the Cranbrook defensive maul. Cranbrook 17-15 with four minutes to half-time.
Stenmark again lead by example, and turned over possession from the kick-off to put the Brook on the attack. The lads in White did not need a rest and just wanted to get stuck into Trinity. A deft blindside switch by Cranbrook 9 Oskar Harrington, found Felix Studdy unmarked and he strolled over for his second try of the day.
Half-time score: after the conversion Cranbrook led Trinity 24-15.
Second half
Again the white pigs of Cranbrook were out-muscling Trinity and a rolling maul from a lineout steal had big Will Stenmark crash over for a top captain’s try, but the conversion was wide again.
This will be an issue for the Brook when they face champions Knox next week because they were leaving too many points on the table. After penalties were exchanged Cranbrook led 32-18.
Trinity were not done and with strike weapons of Longville, Siteine and McLennan still on the field and Rasch winning the lineouts, it was not a lack of possession that was hurting them, rather than they were just not playing in sync.
But that changed for Trinity, and after some strong hit ups by Filipo (1) and Sipu Tuitavake (13), Liam Rasch(6) found himself out wide, supported by second’s centre Marcus Trevena (23), who ran around to score under the posts. With the conversion going wide Cranbrook led 32-23 with ten minutes remaining.
Despite that try Trinity seemed to lack urgency and with McLennan being heavily marked it was unclear who was going to get them back in this game.
All the while Cranbrook was itching to get the ball. As the minutes ticked by Cranbrook kept it tight and consistent. With no errors to pounce on Trinity just had to defend yet again, which was draining their big men.
A lineout five metres out had the Brook on the attack and this resulted in a penalty try to Cranbrook right on full-time. It was converted for Cranbrook to get a well-deserved 16-point victory.
Full-time score: Cranbrook 39 – Trinity 23.
The players
Best for Cranbrook
Will Stenmark – How this kid missed CAS selection is beyond me.
Tom Hill (1), Alex Rathie (6) Felix Studdy (15)
Best for Trinity
Anthony Nguyen (hooker), Liam Rasch (6), Harry McLennan (8)
The wrap-up
Cranbrook’s resurgence continues and next week’s match against Knox will be closer than the punters expect.
Meanwhile Trinity are on the road again to face Barker at Hornsby, never an easy task, which Trinity will treat as a must-win game to get their season back on track.
Photos of Cranbrook v Trinity by “rod skellet”
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