Cranbrook v Knox
by “Elfster”
The dramatically improved Cranbrook hosted unbeaten Knox to see if their late form could create an upset. With injured players returning, Cranbrook had found form posting some convincing victories.
First half
The game started off with Knox kicking off and onto the attack; both sides displayed strong forward packs and Cranbrook showed good running and combination with forwards and backs.
Cranbrook’s enthusiasm seemed to shake Knox as they they gave away penalties to gift possession and territory; in part due to the pressure applied by the Brook. However Knox built their season on defence, and Cranbrook was playing against this strength by attacking in the middle.
Though on the wrong side of the penalty count, Knox earned a penalty and their 10 Woodcock converted for a three-point lead. Woodcock’s goal kicking was to prove a major difference in the game.
This soon changed when Cranbrook gained territory and wore down the Knox defence with good forward play. They kept the ball alive, retained possession and did simple things well and efficiently. From close range the Cranbrook 12 (McNiven) forced his way over. Though it was quite a kickable position, it went unconverted: 5 – 3 to Cranbrook.
Midway in the first half it was still anyone’s game, and for a side who lost their first five games Cranbrook looked impressive. However Knox showed their class and lifted. Williams 12 ran through multiple players to score a try; then Knox kept up the pressure and Chapman 7 scored another from a lineout.
Woodcock converted the second one and close to halftime it was Knox 15 – Cranbrook 5.
Cranbrook then gained possession in the Knox quarter—perhaps slightly fortuitously as an offside Cranbrook player at a ruck ‘assisted’ them getting the ball. Still Cranbrook had to do some work, which they did effectively, and they spread the ball wide where Quin (14) scored against lax Knox defence.
Half-time score Knox 15 – Cranbrook 10.
Second half
Cranbrook started the second half off with a clever kick-off and the got the ball back after a mistake by the Knox receiver. With further penalties Cranbrook got further territory and soon drove over the goal line from a lineout for a try to Meyer(7). Unconverted it made the score 15-all
The control of the Cranbrook forwards was commendable, and they did well at the mauls. The game became a tight affair with pressure exerted by both sides and the majority of the play was between the 22s.
The power, consistency and combination of the Knox forwards started showing through. Knox had the ability to close down any breaks by Cranbrook whilst looking more threatening in attack.
There soon followed the best try of the game to the Knox 14 (Stocks) who followed a good break by Bassoon and Chapman working in tandem. After the conversion Knox lead 22 to 15.
Cranbrook to their credit never gave up though the game was starting to slip away. A late penalty to Knox gave them a hard fought victory.
Final score: Knox 25 – Cranbrook 15
The wrap-up
Though Cranbrook had more territory and possession, Knox was too structured in defence. On many occasions Cranbrook attacked through the forwards and retained possession for long periods, but failed to get over the advantage line. If a player breached the line he was quickly isolated.
Knox had more depth in both attack and defence. A Knox player making a break had multiple players in support. That was probably the big difference in the sides.
The teams
Knox
The game was a fierce entertaining struggle, and Knox showed why they are deserved winners of the completion. They are relentless and efficient in what they do with a powerful pack. They gave away too many penalties on the day but their sterling defence minimised the effect of that.
They were pushed to the limit by Cranbrook, but this side is professional in the way they play. They never give up and have the ability to regain composure and take the initiative at will.
Cranbrook
This was a good Cranbrook side who showed what might have been this season if not for earlier injuries .
They weren’t flashy, but were competent, played to their strengths, did the basics well and had spirit. Had their goal kicker been in better form the game could have been a nail-biter.
The way they played on Saturday they would have probably beaten any other CAS side.
The Players
Cranbrook
The team was well led by W Stenmark (5), who also shone in the lineouts. Other notable forwards were 1 Hill, 6 Rathie and 7 Mayer. In the backs the 10, 12 and 13 (F Stenmark, McNiven and Searl) ran the ball and defended well.
Knox
Their captain Chapman looks like a good leader. He was also active around the field and a good fetcher at the breakdown. Stenning at the back was good in his clearing kicks, making much distance.
Woodcock at 10 continues to impress as does Williams (12). It is hard to single out individuals as they are a complete side and complement each other.
Scoring
Knox 25 (Chapman, Williams, Stocks tries; Woodcock 2 pens, 2 cons) def. Cranbrook 15 (Quin, Mayer, McNiven tries).
