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For this match both clubs were seeking their first league win. Cantabs had street-wise Dean James at scrum half, and Tom Bailey back at hooker. Youngster Sam Howes was at loose head with Isaia Barbieri on RWC duty. Basildon kicked off towards the railway end, Cantabs looked to attack out wide but an interception and Cantabs found themselves 5 - 0 down withun the first minute
From the restart C's regathered the ball and starting making in roads into the B's defence, after a period of good play Basildon were penalised and James Hayward kicked the penalty to make it 3 - 5
9 mIns - Cantabs on the attack when B's infringe, kick to the corner - Catch and drive before releasing the ball out wide for a superb team try in the corner scored by the explosive David Bloxham on the left wing. Conversion missed 8 - 5
Cantabs making god breaks all over the park but the final pass letting them down. The most memorable was a forty metre run by Dave (Shed) Evershed who stormed past the Basidon defenders and passed to his 2nd row colleague who was up in support. Stef probably thought the pass was wild, Shed disagreed; but it was great for the supporters to see our big men getting amongst the opposition.
38 mins - Pen James Hayward finally landed a penalty when every other attempt at a score had come to nothing; now 11 - 5.
Half Time - Charlie replaced Tom at hooker and was soon putting himself about.
Cantabs upped the tempo and were soon on the offensive, again final passes not going to hand. Finally the break through came with try's from Charlie, the impressive Stu Williams and the bonus score coming from the irrepressible Dean James.
B's scored a consolation try towards the end, but Cantabs work was done
Final Score 30 - 12 and C's secured their first win in the new league
A better performance but still a lot of work to do in what is going to be a challenging league. Mick awarded the man of the match yo Stu Williams for his energy and tackling.
I thought Shed had one of his best games since he had that shoulder injury early last season and at times John Regan threatened well on the right wing. Ben James and Pete Collins made nuisances of themselves in the loose and Basildon never really came to terms with our scrummaging.
Off to Holt next week, for the first time in three seasons; and another tough game is expected.
Finally, my apologies for the attempt at the after match meal; the oven technology having confused me somewhat. Come back Alison all is forgiven!