Wolfie Pack spoils the Shelford Party

While the Cambridge Rugby community partied at Davey Field, a slow boiling match took place with Cambridge not making the same mistake they did at home when they underestimated Shelford. Instead, with what was one of their best defensive performances this season, Cambridge squeezed the life out of Shelford. With nothing much riding on the result, the expectant crowd rather hoped for a try fest, but this game clearly meant a great deal to both sides. A Wigglesworth penalty put Cambridge ahead but a driving maul put Shelford skipper Newberry over for a try. Fortunately, Eliiot Bale did not have his kicking boots on. Another Wigglesworth penalty made it 5-6 at HT and the crowd could not predict which way this would go. 
Cambridge maintained control through most of the scrappy second half and gradually became dominant up front. With the score unchanged after 35 minutes a series of penalties allowed Cambridge to apply the most pressure of the game as it reached a peak. Held up once, another drive eventually allowed Mike Gillick to burrow beneath the forwards to score. Wigglesworth converted to make it 5-13 and that was almost that, although Cambridge spent the last 5 minutes turning down kicks at goal in order to retain possession.  Thanks to Shelford for another well organised event with enough beer!

Martin Wolfenden was Carter Jonas Man of the Match. A great win takes Cambridge back up to 5th in the table but a Hartpury College win over Ampthill means they are crowned Leagure Champions. Well done to them and good luck in National 1.

Read a View from the Stand     Read Rowland's view here

Read the Shelford view here     First Half Replay     Second Half Replay

CRUFC announce player retention and one key new signing for 2014/15

Rowland says, “Building on the foundations we have worked hard to set this year is key. We have a great young squad, including 14 players under 20 years old. Many of these are playing their first full season of adult rugby - regulars like Ben Brownlie, Calum Miller, Jamal Ford-Robinson, and Ben Penfold are all in key positions.

We are now familiar with most of the teams in National Two South, the away trips, the referees, and, most importantly, we now know each other. So, retaining the core of the squad was an important target.

Calum Miller, Ben Brownlie, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Will Allard, Martin Wolfenden, Gareth Baxter, Rob Conquest, Gareth McComb, Ollie Marriott, Steve Hipwell, and Simon Johnson have all re-signed in the pack. They will be joined by backs Ross Kevan, Jack Green, James Ayrton, Mike Ayrton, Albert Portsmouth and Mike Gillick. We will be re-signing more players over the next fortnight.

When recruiting we have looked to add players who bring experience and quality to the key positions. “

Returning to the club at scrum half will be Stefan Liebenberg, who has joined from Old Albanians:

“Stefan brings quality and leadership to the side, his experience will be vital for the young players of the squad and will help us step up next season. Since he left the club over 4 years ago he has developed his game with OAs in Nat 1, and in the Championship with Bedford Blues, and he joins as the current England Counties scrum-half.

Stefan's signing has attracted other experienced players to join and has helped to retain the key players at the club. We will be announcing more signings over the next few weeks.”

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