Match report:
CCRFC v Somerton

This was always going to be a bruising encounter for Cary in what is classed as a local derby. Despite being without many first team players, CCRFC still managed to field a large pack. This was clearly an advantage: the players drove the Somerton pack backwards with each scrum.

This gave us an early boost as Martin White ran in a try from ten yards out. The second row outfit of Steve Millican and George Dampier provided stability for the backs to apply continued pressure throughout the first half.

At the interval Cary led 7-0, yet this would change in the second period as Somerton used the slope of the pitch to pin us in their 22-yard area. Cary defended heroically — yet leaked a try to the visitors within ten minutes of the restart.

With the pressure mounting, Cary's number ten, Guy Clothier stepped up his game with an excellent display of defensive and offensive kicking. One of these kicks led to the hosts' second try, with Gareth Watts and Jamie Smith showing their pace and intelligence. Out of the tackle, quick hands and passing left Jamie Smith with the space and time to go over in the right corner.

Despite this, Cary were never to take total control as Somerton rallied again and were rewarded with a controversial touchdown in the bottom corner. With the conversion being unsuccessful, this led to a nail-biting last quarter with Cary defending desperately to hold on to a much needed Second League win.

by James Travers

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