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Cambridge 68 Blackheath 14
I never cease to learn or be surprised by events. The score suggests an emphatic win but the pattern of play, for some, was much more that of an even game. However detailed analysis shows a different statistic. In three ten minute periods of shock and awe, CRUFC scored 9 of their 10 tries. At that rate for the match, the margin of victory could have been over 100 points. Not so theoretical, given that referee Richard Kelly managed to punctuate the game with 20 penalties, 15 awarded to the beleaguered Blackheath. Add a sin bin against the home side and so some sense of equilibrium was sustained for 80 or so minutes.
So much for the surprise. Anxious to impress and sensitive to the jibes of one dimensional rugby, I wished for a fistful of tries and got two bags full. Now the learning bit and a short history lesson, before the blow by blow account of the match. A focus on the origins of rugby and the part played by our visitors, nearly 150 years ago. "In 1863 a meeting was held in Cambridge where a ban was placed on "Hacking", "Tripping" and Blackheath's preference, running with the ball in the hands towards the opposite goal after a fair catch". So not only were the rules of association football drafted in Cambridge but the University also sought agreement to some basics for the handling game. CURFC was established in 1846 from an original side within the colleges - not surprisingly Old Rugbeians. Many clubs claim a heritage from the 1840/1850's, but Blackheath are recognised as the official oldest "closed" club that played only rugby football. Now for the bit learned just today. The "Club" as our visitors are known is not a credit to their age and status, but simply because their original fixture list was against sides, none of whom was a "club". End of history lesson.
With a first win under their belts against Sedgely Park, "Club" seemed a touch bullish about their prospects by the Cam. After all their forwards had dominated both games last season, losing away on their last visit in December 2008 on penalties and by just 6 points. Ben Patston's kicking kept Cambridge in the game. On this occasion it was our alternate, Evans the boot, who ensured that the scoreboard recorded 9 two point additions out of 10. Just superb kicking Craig from all angles, moving you into joint 3rd place in the league.
Ten minutes into the match and no score so far. 12 set pieces all awarded to Blackheath and a sense that the home side would have to make the best of the scraps of possession coming their way. Then Blitz No 1. A shimmy from the Shanners hips and yards and yards of space behind the Club’s thin defensive line. A timely pass to younger legs and Tom Wheatcroft was there for the finish. Our full back's second, six minutes later, as Tom broke through the same suspect defence. Handre Schmidt then completed a sequence of passes begun again by our Capt./player/coach 10 and involving Chris Lombaard in the first of many displays of close interpassing and crisp handling. Andre's second try of the season (I owe him one not recorded correctly at Stourbridge) was to be followed by 3 more to give him a deserved Man of the Match awarded by commentator Ray Olds from his new home in the technical area nest. 21 points on the board and still a furrowed brow concern for events unfolding, from Mr Crooks. That the excitement faded as quickly as the autumn sunshine must be down to Blackheath's determination to move the ball and score. They then delivered, in the 20th minute, as Richard Windsor crossed comfortably under the posts. 3 tries to 1 and every possibility that the gap would narrow by the interval. It didn’t. So began Blitz No 2 and tales of the unexpected. This time 4 tries, not 3, in another 10 minute spell. Pressure from every restart, superb handling from Robbie Hurrell, Karl Rudski and Dave Archer in particular under the high ball.
Holes were beginning to appear everywhere across the Club’s defensive line. Shanners again found ample space for decisive breaks, the backup was outstanding, options to pass on both sides and sustained by our two flankers, Dan and Gareth. Stef Liebenberg was there for the final pass, his 6th try of the season, followed by Tom Wheatcroft for his hat trick in the game. Two tries then from Handre Schmidt for his hat trick also, the first score for me the best of this season and perhaps ranking in the best ever recorded on DVD for CRUFC in national league rugby. (Time for a cuppa - back with the drama of that try in a moment or two!)
This was a solo effort. Handre took a pass inside his own half on the scoreboard touchline. Chose to pop kick ahead and follow up. His flighted ball was almost, but not quite, collected by a Blackheath defender. Eyes glued still on the descending ball, our right winger salmon leaped to steal the ball securely midair and without a noticeable reduction in pace lands and then outran the cover defence to score under the posts. This was the apex of the awe, with more shocks to come after half time.
Cambridge 47 Blackheath 7.
How is this game going to end? Jubilation and humiliation? There was justifiable concern amongst the few to match the euphoria of the partisan majority of the 600 spectators. For ten minutes or so, Cambridge enjoyed a spell of awarded penalties but put no more points on the board. Like the best vines, the less nourishment the better. As Richard Phillips picked out more and more transgressions by the home side, the third rich harvest, Blitz 3, began. Young Ben, the bear, Cooper scored his first try in the national leagues. Our impressive tight head had enough on his plate dealing with veteran Blackheath prop, Des Brett, feeling comfortable and virtually playing at home not far from his day job as Head of Art at Hills Road 6th Form College. Great game Ben with many more to come. Andre then scored his 4th try as the third quarter ended and time to relax it seemed. Cambridge conceded a soft try as full back Paul Humphries created an excellent solo effort out of nothing, kicking metres ahead and collecting. Time for fresh legs and replacement James Hinkins delivered a reminder of his top drawer quality with a late try in just one minute of stoppage time.
Back then in scoring terms to where we left of at Sharman’s Cross last season and a "cant wait for" interval before the next home game in 3 weeks time. Launceston are the visitors, intent on making it a hat trick against us at Wests Renault Park. They have yet to lose this fixture. Meanwhile trips to similar venues either side of the Pennines. From last year's National 1, Sedgely Park and Otley. Our prospects look good with props returning from injury, and arriving as favourites in terms of relative form so far this season. But the weather may well be the decider once again if my childhood familiar wind, grizzle and drizzle prove difficult for those of us so use now to the semi tropical south east. I will be there for one, the other coinciding with a significant anniversary date, the 24th October 2009. Where did the last 50 years go?
Mal Schofield
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Last Updated on Sunday, 11 October 2009 13:03 |
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