18 Oct 2008 - Old Cryptians 17 v N&B 16
Old Cryptians 17 N&B 16
Steve Harris report:
What a letdown!
A very disappointing performance from N&B, who allowed their standards to fall from previous weeks and got involved in a truly dull, lifeless game of rugby.
Neither side produced much in the way of continuity. There was little cohesion on display, precious little skill and, curiously for a cup tie, little passion. Some over officious refereeing didn't help, nor the almost constant injury stoppages or the board meetings before every OC line out that slowed play down to a crawl at times. It wasn't exactly helter skelter and there was little get excited about.
The sides shared four tries. N&B's came through Jason Patch and Tom Crossman. The difference at the end was 3 kicks by OC's to 2 from the visitors. In truth, OC's were marginally the more switched on side and deserved the win.
For N&B Ian Ogbourne stood out up front and Mike Lowis was the best back on the pitch. Crossman looked in good order while he was on and Greg Appleby (one of 8 teenagers on duty) made a very decent 1st team debut.
Greg will get more opportunities and the team need to move on and rediscover their true selves at Keynsham when they return to League action at the weekend.
Report written by Steve Harris
Old Cryptians 17 Nailsea & Backwell 16
Mark Hawkes report:
A disappointing result sadly for Nailsea & Backwell. No one after the game was happy with the result that took part in it. However many positives came from it. Many that wont be seen by anyone that was not part of the team. 12 players of 20 years and under, all bar one travelled on the bus and returned on it.
8 starting changes, 10 from the side that beat Gordano last week. From lengthy injury Paul Stevens returned to play a half.
Off the field a good time was had unquestionably !
Several opportunities were created but sadly not taken. Probably three good two on ones were wasted and had we had the pace to finish maybe a couple of tries would of come. The loose play around the rucks and mauls was good and the continuity play was okay. Still much will be learnt by the youngsters. The spine of the team that started , Balsam at 8, Dowling at 9, Baker at 10 all colts.
All good for the future of the club.
The set pieces were not up to there usual standards and the line out being a little predictable. An early try was conceded as two forwards were caught flat footed by the home side attacking the blind side. The score at half time was 17-10 and deservedly so. The combinations in the home side were good and the scrum half looked a good player. The big heavy loose head caused problems for the N&B tight head.
The second half was better but not much. Paul Stevens kicked two good penalties to give Nailsea a chance however sadly we still could not finish of some promising breaks. Hopefully much will have been learnt from the fixture and the day.