Sat 12 Oct 2019, 15:00
On a rainy grey day, a small band of Cambridge supporters gathered in Kent, where they were joined by a much larger contingent of home supporters celebrating their club's 90th birthday. Their President did point out they had lost their first match.
The Canterbury pitch is on a slope - possibly even steeper than Bedford's - and Cambridge were playing downhill in the first period. The Canterbury team looked larger than their Blood and Sand counterparts - but it was noticeable that Cambridge were trimmer.
Early pressure led to a penalty, but unfortunately, Ben Penfold's kick went wide. However we kept up the pressure pinning the hosts in their 22 and eventually Matt Hema went over, giving Ben an easy kick.
More pressure led to two more penalty attempts, the first again missed and the second went over. Most of the game was played in the host's half - we were dominating in the set-piece and the loose, but the greasy conditions led to handling errors. James Martin was able to add a second and we possibly should have had a third at the end of the half, by which time the hosts were noticeably blowing, but were called back for crossing.
So, we went in 0-17 up - but we would be playing uphill in the second half, was it enough?
There was a moment of doubt at the start of the second half when the hosts with the advantage of the slope won a scrum penalty - but it was a blip. The pack hardly took a step back, even as we rotated personnel. The hosts tried to establish territory by kicking long to the corners- which led to a yellow for them following a challenge in the air. But, the conditions limited opportunities and the first twenty minutes were scoreless.
Cambridge finally broke the hosts' defences with a fine move finished by Joe Green who ran onto a well-weighted cross kick from Ben Penfold. Another back move and a half break by Matt Hema let him release James Martin for his second. From the kick-off pace and power as forwards and back interlinked to give Alex Rayment the chance to run in. Ben missed the first two conversions but slotted the third.
It looked like we might prevent the hosts from scoring, but at the last, some indiscipline gave them territory and after many phases they were able to claim a consolation try.
It was not a perfect display - but given the weather conditions it was never going to be. It was a solid display by the pack, and a special mention for Will Priestley on his debut. The backs showed pace with the ball and determination in defence. Ben Penfold did not have his best day with the boot - but three kicks hit the post. There will be tougher opponents - but it was important to come away with five points and we did.
The Wanderers were on the back pitch. They kicked off at the same time and unfortunately it was beyond a line of trees so it was not possible to keep an eye on both, but they recorded a solid 20-31 win.
The Kentish men were the best of hosts and gracious in defeat. if it were not for the drive home I might have stayed to enjoy their Octoberfest beer and music.
Next week we have Rosslyn Park at home. Hopefully, we can build on Saturday's result and record a home win.
Final Score
Canterbury 5 - 34 Cambridge
Scorers
Tries: Hema, Martin (2), Green, Rayment
Conversions: Penfold (3)
Penalty: Penfold
