Chiswick RFC 1st XV vs CRFC 1st XV

Crowborough's RFU Intermediate Cup journey came to an end at Chiswick last Saturday but they went down fighting. This was an evenly matched contest between two sides wanting to play an open game and as consequence right until the final whistle it could have gone either way.

The early exchanges were dominated by Chiswick giving the 'Boro defence a stern test from the start. It was the visitors who had the first opportunity to score on the 10 minute mark after a late tackle on the lively Ed Atkin. Chris Yates's shot at goal went wide however. It was not until the 20th minute before Crowborough were able to put any concerted pressure on their hosts. Adam King made an excellent break to set up a ruck deep in the Chiswick half resulting in a penalty. This time Chris Yates stroked the ball between the uprights for the opening score.

The visitors already with a long injury list lost the powerful Michael Malherbe to severe hamstring injury. He was replaced by 17 year old Ali Main making a welcome return to the senior side.

The game ebbed and flowed and it was the home side who scored next with an excellently worked try from centre Dan Godfrey. The move was started following a powerful drive from man of the match Joe Grindle. Gabs Lowe added the extra points. 7 - 3.
With their tails now up Chiswick came roaring back and it was only Crowborough's trademark resolute defence that kept the scoreboard at 7 - 3. Chiswick missed a penalty to extend their lead on 39 minutes which gave 'Boro the opportunity to clear their lines. A catch at the ensuing lineout freed Gus O'Grady who released the ball to Ed Atkin who in turn put Ali Main into space. An exquisite kick ahead found Chris Yates at pace who in turn released Harry Sansbury to gallop over from 35 metres out. Chris Yates added the conversion. Half time 7 - 10.

As with the first half Chiswick started the stronger and got back on level terms with a penalty from Gabs Lowe on 47 minutes. Straight from the kick off Chiswick scored what turned out to be the final and decisive try. The lively winger made the break but it was the quality and speed of the interplay that created the space for big second row Jon Joyce to power over for the score. Gabs Lowe again added the conversion.

Crowborough were not going to bow out of the cup without a battle and it was the red & white shirts who then took control. Matt Botterman was first to take the fight to Chiswick with a strong drive. Boro's man of the match Ed Atkin chipped delicately ahead for Sean Derrick to pounce on the ball. He was denied the score by excellent defence with the ball being held up over the line. A series of scrums 5 metres out followed but Chiswick's defence was again up to the task and allowed Gabs Lowe to relieve the pressure.
With the game still in the balance both defences were not giving an inch. 'Boro again went close with time running out. Tommy Nicoll finally carved Chiswick's defensive line open with a mercurial break before releasing Harry Sansbury. This time the 18 year old full back was brought down short of the line. The final 'Boro effort saw a 12 man maul desperately trying to force the ball over the line for a chance of extra time. Sadly it came to nought and Chiswick, much to the relief of their supporters and players, kicked the ball into touch for the win.

Crowborough must now take their excellent cup form into the remaining league fixtures. They face Beckenham Away next week. Kick-off 2:30pm.

Crowborough’s Team - 1. Richard Tasker, 2. Ben Martyn, 3. Damien Hayes, 4. Nick Hill, 5. Matt Botterman, 6. Mark Bowers, 7. Sean Derrick (Captain), 8. Gus O'Grady, 9. Ed Atkin, 10. Chris Yates, 11. Mitch Malherbe, 12. Tommy Nicoll, 13. Adam King, 14. Matt Eyres (FFR), 15. Harry Sansbury.
The Bench - 16. James Kirkland (FRR), 17. Ali Main, 18, Harry Slatter, 19. Michael Waghorn
Match Report – By Graham Callard.